IB TOK class: ‘Magic numbers’ are clouding the climate debate
Roula Khalaf, Editor of the FT, selects her favourite stories in this weekly newsletter.
This article picked by a teacher with suggested questions is part of the Financial Times free schools access programme. Details/registration here.
Specification:
IB DP TOK themes & AOKs Natural sciences, Mathematics, Language, Knowledge & the knower
Relevant BQ Spin
Key terms and ideas Magic numbers, Exactitude, Cut-offs, Awareness vs. fear, Deadline-ism
Investigating Issues Climate crisis
Exhibition prompt IAP-10 (communication)
Click to read the article below and answer the questions:
‘Magic numbers’ are clouding the climate debate
If you were going to communicate a big idea in science, how would you do it?
How would you counter scepticism of your big idea? How far would you use data in your answer?
Why can conveying the dangers of climate change via ‘magic numbers’ lead to problems?
How has the Covid pandemic influenced the way climate messaging is carried out?
Why are some scientists arguing that you have to link climate change to ‘everyday experiences’?
How do we ensure that big ideas in science are communicated with resonance?
Michael Dunn, theoryofknowledge.net
Comments