Junior Extension Studies Students participate in Ethics Workshops

On Wednesday 22 May, Macleans College welcomed Dr Lynne Bowyer and Dr Deborah Stevens from the Centre for Science and Citizenship to run workshops with the Junior Extension Studies students.

The Year 10s were highly engaged in an interactive workshop on ‘Ethics and Communication’ with a strong focus on social media and truth. Among the activities was a critical thinking task on social credit ratings and how this might influence our interactions and relationships with others. The students were also encouraged to consider how social media can be used well, for example to spread the message of climate change and to raise awareness of community issues.

The Year 9s focused on ‘Food for Thought’ and the ethics of food production and consumption. The students enjoyed learning about Clean Meats and Finless Foods and the possibilities, as well as limitations, these lab-created foods hold. The workshop activities encouraged the students to consider plant-based technologies, animal welfare, genetic modification, selective breeding, and the difference between natural and synthetic red meats.

The students valued the opportunity to share and develop their thoughts and opinions as lively debate and discussion ensued over the course of each workshop.