Published by Australian Academy of Science
Activity 3 | Prions – morphing agents of disease

Relating mad cow disease to aspects of science and society

Using the story of mad cow disease as an example, write a short paragraph about each of the following:

• amazing discoveries in science;
• the effect of the media in raising awareness of scientific issues;
• the effect of the media in dramatising scientific issues;
• the uses of scientific research;
• there is still a lot we don't know;
• the dissemination of news in the 17th century compared with the 20th century;
• Australian quarantine regulations.

Teachers notes

This activity could be shortened by allowing each student to select two topics or by sharing the topics around the class. This activity gives students an opportunity to show their awareness of the process of science, the impact of science on society, and vice versa. It could be extended by asking students to add examples from other scientific discoveries or investigations.