Conservation Activity What roles do society, politics, and economics play in science?

Discovering the roles and influence that society, politics, and economics have on science takes some practice. Sometimes these influences are not obvious but appear only after a solution to the problem has been tested over a period of time.

These articles describe conservation problems and solutions that were influenced by scientific, social, economic, or political issues. As you read each article, take note of the sections that represent these factors. You will use these articles in your assignment for this lesson.

Using Forests Wisely
Forest
Community Conservation
Sky view of a town

Using both of the articles, answer the questions below. You can answer questions on a word processing document and upload it for grading, or you can submit answers to questions directly. Be sure to review the grading rubric before you begin.

Summarize the scientific information that leads to conservation in each of the articles.
What social issues affected the problem or its solution in each of the stories?
How did economics delay scientists' first attempts for conservation in each story?
Describe the political actions that led to successful conservation in both stories.

Articles are in the file attached