Developed to help teachers and students deal with some of the current issues in science and technology, this book outlines a system for studying socioscientific problems that can be developed in class and then be applied in a life setting. Issues related to the biological sciences, physical sciences, and science as a social institution are addressed. Each of the topics is approached in a five-step sequence. These include: (1) an introduction (providing a background for the topic); (2) a background reading list (designed to get students started on research); (3) a case study (presenting a real or fictional situation that requires a decision); (4) "buck-stops-here" question (requiring that students make a commitment on the issue addressed in the case study); and (5) additional questions (serving as starting points for further discussion and investigations). A section is included that explains the use of background readings and also identifies major sources of news and comment. (ML)