![Hands sorting tokens to signify which technology is most important to them](https://nisenet.org/sites/default/files/styles/splashy_hero_large/public/2021-01/20160315_1115.jpg?h=265e640d&itok=xrVQdMP9)
Science & Society
Societal Aspects of STEM
Many NISE Network public engagement activities try to provide opportunities for conversations and consideration of the relationship between science, technology, and society. Emerging science and technology offer the promise of new discoveries that may dramatically improve our lives and bring great advances in applications as diverse as medicine, energy, and materials. At the same time, emerging science and technology may also have potential negative impacts that touch on a broad range of societal concerns—environmental pollution, toxicity, equity, and privacy violations. In academia this field is often referred to as Society and Ethical Implications (SEI) or Ethical, Legal, and Social Implications (ELSI).
Below are examples of NISE Network public engagement activities and professional learning resources that focus on societal aspects of science and technology. Many of these activities include aspects of futures thinking approach to consider and imagine different possible future scenarios and their implications.
Hands-on Activities and Programs
![Two children are seated at a table spread with large cards that depict writing and various radio technologies. Both children are holding a card in each hand and smiling as they read the cards.](https://nisenet.org/sites/default/files/styles/curated_list_large_cropped/public/2023-03/radio_20221027_0208.jpg?h=1bbc7eca&itok=FL5FLjjs)
Radio Futures: You Decide
![An adult and child, both smiling, sit close together at a table as the child points to an image on the Wavetown illustration.](https://nisenet.org/sites/default/files/styles/curated_list_large_cropped/public/2023-03/radio_20221027_0692_0.jpg?h=5f33a3b8&itok=1Erpi7lt)
Radio Futures: I Spy Radio
![Attendees at January 2024 Arizona State University Winter School using Changing Brains activities](https://nisenet.org/sites/default/files/styles/curated_list_large_cropped/public/2024-02/Attendees%20at%20January%202024%20Arizona%20State%20University%20Winter%20School%20%20using%20Changing%20Brains%20activities%20IMG_0867%20cropped.jpeg?h=08dbac2f&itok=Q7yRDXtO)
Neuro Futures Card Game
![A bracket containing different neurotechnology cards](https://nisenet.org/sites/default/files/styles/curated_list_large/public/2023-03/bracket1.jpg?itok=KCrsvX6Z)
Neuro Futures Championship Game
![cards showing human attributes and robot jobs](https://nisenet.org/sites/default/files/styles/curated_list_large/public/2023-03/robot1.jpg?itok=GJGV7880)
What Makes Us Human
![Two learners place tokens on what technology card they value more](https://nisenet.org/sites/default/files/styles/curated_list_large_cropped/public/2021-01/Techtokens.jpg?h=4f14e81a&itok=XO1Wmm1y)
Building with Biology: Tech Tokens
![Building with Biology Bio Bistro activity components](https://nisenet.org/sites/default/files/styles/curated_list_large_cropped/public/images/catalog/bio_bistro_kit_materials.jpg?h=f2fcf546&itok=k57a_1uP)
Building with Biology: Bio Bistro
![An overhead shot of a learner holding and comparing different theoretical technologies summarized on sheets of paper](https://nisenet.org/sites/default/files/styles/curated_list_large_cropped/public/2022-02/You_Decide_1.jpg?h=86c214ca&itok=hPZ_XGXj)
Exploring Nano & Society - You Decide!
![Two learners and one facilitator look and discuss a space elevator concept that one of the learners drew on paper](https://nisenet.org/sites/default/files/styles/curated_list_large_cropped/public/2022-02/20120722GH2_195.jpg?h=6f8e8448&itok=WrWmlK3b)
Exploring Nano & Society - Space Elevator
![Two girls discuss their ideas for flying cars with toy car props to a facilitator](https://nisenet.org/sites/default/files/styles/curated_list_large_cropped/public/2022-03/20120722GH2_097.jpg?h=6f8e8448&itok=DOrW46X1)
Exploring Nano & Society - Flying Cars
![Facilitator in a black Y2K shirt introducing the presentation](https://nisenet.org/sites/default/files/styles/curated_list_large/public/Nano_Demos_022.jpg?itok=Sb9J2b-V)
Flying Cars
![Hands holding glass objects on a string in a beaker of liquid](https://nisenet.org/sites/default/files/styles/curated_list_large_cropped/public/images/catalog/10907/invisibility.jpg?h=9e2aa9b8&itok=sR3DScO6)
Exploring Nano & Society - Invisibility Cloak
![Learners discuss a picture card from the activity together](https://nisenet.org/sites/default/files/styles/curated_list_large_cropped/public/images/catalog/20140921GH_423.jpg?h=d7bae474&itok=4G11uhYe)
Exploring Nano & Society - Tell a Nano Story
![Family of four arrange objects that represent different nano subjects on a balance table](https://nisenet.org/sites/default/files/styles/curated_list_large/public/images/catalog/10919/tippy_table.jpg?itok=k_eJLIlX)
Exploring Nano & Society - Tippy Table
![Nano Around The World activity components including signs, activity materials and guides.](https://nisenet.org/sites/default/files/styles/curated_list_large_cropped/public/images/catalog/nano_around_the_world_kit_materials.jpg?h=c7788f4e&itok=oUiMI_BC)
Nano Around the World card game
![Plastic grocery baskets along with grocery store purchases including sunblock](https://nisenet.org/sites/default/files/styles/curated_list_large_cropped/public/lcnano_materials.png?h=beb7f838&itok=3YiW-BVi)
Buy It, Or Better Not?
![Nanotechnology and society poster - Does nanotechnology belong in toys showing a child holding Benny the bear](https://nisenet.org/sites/default/files/styles/curated_list_large/public/2023-10/nise_questions_poster_does_nanotechnology_belong_in_toys_showing_a_child_holding_benny_the_bear.jpg?itok=UCxMy8qI)
Nano & Society Posters
![Frankentoy activity with participants engaged](https://nisenet.org/sites/default/files/styles/curated_list_large_cropped/public/2021-03/Frankenstein200_Photo%209-L.jpg?h=d0ec9e1d&itok=ED9gax4H)
Frankentoy
![A group of learners creating a scribblebot using a pool noodle, small electric motor and thin markers](https://nisenet.org/sites/default/files/styles/curated_list_large_cropped/public/f200_pic_1.jpg?h=f2fcf546&itok=gIg0gzFW)
Scribble Bot
![Two automata on a table - one monster and one leaf being manipulated but a visitor](https://nisenet.org/sites/default/files/styles/curated_list_large/public/automata.png?itok=9dBKVOCe)
Automata
![Children with surprised faces and adults using the Frankenstein kit Battery Stack activity - adults dressed as Mary Shelley and the Monster](https://nisenet.org/sites/default/files/styles/curated_list_large_cropped/public/2020-12/hero%20Frankenstein200_Photo%202.jpg?h=f2fcf546&itok=GuN54psC)
Frankenstein 200 Kit
![Learner holding the origami-folded game in their hands](https://nisenet.org/sites/default/files/styles/curated_list_large/public/images/catalog/10782/coverimagefutureteller_2.jpg?itok=7yr5y25G)
Nano Future Tellers
![Materials image of the Future Builder activity featuring wooden colored blocks and an explanation guide](https://nisenet.org/sites/default/files/styles/curated_list_large/public/images/catalog/future_builder.jpg?itok=c75fm5WU)
Future Builder
![Two decks of cards from the Cards for Humanity Activity](https://nisenet.org/sites/default/files/styles/curated_list_large_cropped/public/2024-03/screenshot_2024-03-05_at_12.09.17_pm.png?h=74e8de19&itok=fEGDr5PY)
Games for the Future
![Hands holding blocks and cards for Future Builder SustainABLE activity](https://nisenet.org/sites/default/files/styles/curated_list_large_cropped/public/images/catalog/SustainABLE_FutureBuilder_activityguide1.jpg?h=ddb1ad0c&itok=rGCSSOW8)
Sustainability
![Sustainable Futures logo in full color](https://nisenet.org/sites/default/files/styles/curated_list_large/public/images/catalog/_susfuturespub_logo_v_color_500px.jpg?itok=lgXKWbEd)
Imagine Our Community 2100
![Facilitator and Learner use a block with a rover image to transport astronauts](https://nisenet.org/sites/default/files/styles/curated_list_large_cropped/public/2020-10/ExSci_Space_20200908_0143%20Story%20Blocks.jpg?h=4c7240b8&itok=AOU7zznV)
Exploring the Solar System: Story Blocks
![Facilitator and learner look at a meteorite sample](https://nisenet.org/sites/default/files/styles/curated_list_large_cropped/public/images/catalog/exsci_space_20191111_0598.jpg?h=ab1e97c0&itok=WLgeWS-G)
Exploring the Solar System: Asteroid Mining
![Voyage through the Solar System Build a Moon Base Camp learners using building bricks](https://nisenet.org/sites/default/files/styles/curated_list_large_cropped/public/2023-08/voyage_through_the_solar_system_build_a_moon_base_camp_learners_using_building_bricks_diyss_20230414_0115.jpg?h=7abc78cc&itok=7sjlohii)
Voyage through the Solar System: Build a Moon Base Camp
![a learner creates and draws an extremophile that could live on another planet](https://nisenet.org/sites/default/files/styles/curated_list_large_cropped/public/images/catalog/ex3-L.jpg?h=a31ffb6c&itok=kaOWQ5zU)
Exploring the Universe: Imagining Life
Forums
![Man standing with microphone in a group forum discussing STEM topics societal implications](https://nisenet.org/sites/default/files/styles/curated_list_large_cropped/public/2020-12/hero%20forum%2020101026-0290.jpg?h=aa1373f5&itok=mHJMU_Ye)
Forums
![Museum of Science forums discussions featuring groups of people at tables writing on posters and discussing](https://nisenet.org/sites/default/files/styles/curated_list_large_cropped/public/nasa_asteroid_forum_0.jpg?h=ebe21f0e&itok=t94BY3qS)
Forums List
Neuroethics Activities
![cards showing human attributes and robot jobs](https://nisenet.org/sites/default/files/styles/curated_list_large/public/2023-03/robot1.jpg?itok=GJGV7880)
What Makes Us Human
![A bracket containing different neurotechnology cards](https://nisenet.org/sites/default/files/styles/curated_list_large/public/2023-03/bracket1.jpg?itok=KCrsvX6Z)
Neuro Futures Championship Game
![Attendees at January 2024 Arizona State University Winter School using Changing Brains activities](https://nisenet.org/sites/default/files/styles/curated_list_large_cropped/public/2024-02/Attendees%20at%20January%202024%20Arizona%20State%20University%20Winter%20School%20%20using%20Changing%20Brains%20activities%20IMG_0867%20cropped.jpeg?h=08dbac2f&itok=Q7yRDXtO)
Neuro Futures Card Game
Featured Stage Programs
![Survival theater gameshow logo featuring an image of the earth](https://nisenet.org/sites/default/files/styles/curated_list_large/public/catalog/uploads/survival_logo500px.png?itok=Av86kUbz)
Survival: A Game Show about People, Planet, and Prosperity
![Presenter on stage with large powerpoint screen and props](https://nisenet.org/sites/default/files/styles/curated_list_large_cropped/public/2020-12/hero%20would%20you%20buy%20that%20Rae%20Ostman%202011%20NISE%20Network%20subawardee%20meeting20110601-0002.jpg?h=265e640d&itok=qqJ-qv2w)
Would You Buy That
Storming the Castle Museum Theater Show
![Facilitator in a black Y2K shirt introducing the presentation](https://nisenet.org/sites/default/files/styles/curated_list_large/public/Nano_Demos_022.jpg?itok=Sb9J2b-V)
Flying Cars
Videos
![Screen shot of a Building with Biology video featuring a female news anchor speaking to the camera](https://nisenet.org/sites/default/files/styles/curated_list_large_cropped/public/2021-09/Building%20with%20Biology%20introduction%20to%20Synthetic%20Biology%20and%20Society%20video%20screenshot.png?h=e2f3be3a&itok=3G_1l8Zz)
Building with Biology: Introduction to Synthetic Biology and Society Video
![Research taking a water sample](https://nisenet.org/sites/default/files/styles/curated_list_large/public/images/catalog/8921/silver_video.png?itok=40k0gbWh)
Does Every Silver Lining Have a Cloud?
![An illustrated human half submerged in a water](https://nisenet.org/sites/default/files/styles/curated_list_large/public/images/catalog/12328/screen_shot_2013-12-28_at_8.29.33_am.png?itok=or_32bBb)
Changing Our Relationship With Science video
![A black and white photo of three people sitting at a table having an intense discussion](https://nisenet.org/sites/default/files/styles/curated_list_large/public/images/catalog/10930/screen_shot_2012-09-18_at_2.23.05_pm.png?itok=-5_Xnzzo)
Three Angry Scientists
![](https://nisenet.org/sites/default/files/styles/curated_list_large/public/images/catalog/10760/ask.png?itok=3dWHtqhf)
Wonders and Worries of Nanotechnology: Ask and Research
![](https://nisenet.org/sites/default/files/styles/curated_list_large/public/images/catalog/10759/who_benefits.png?itok=PfqiCaDY)
Wonders and Worries of Nanotechnology: Who Benefits
![](https://nisenet.org/sites/default/files/styles/curated_list_large/public/images/catalog/10758/regulation_0.png?itok=MyoRtqF4)
Wonders and Worries of Nanotechnology: Regulation
![Two actors looking into a mirror having a conversation](https://nisenet.org/sites/default/files/styles/curated_list_large/public/images/catalog/8614/ww_0.png?itok=Vc_Eyz1u)
Wonders and Worries of Nanotechnology
Same Sides and Let's Talk About It videos
Annual Events
- New Year's Day (January 1)
An opportunity to imagine the future as well as reflect on past past science and technology predictions - World Futures Day - Young Voices (March 1)
https://www.teachthefuture.org/young-voices-network/world-futures-day-2024
Teach the Future resources https://www.teachthefuture.org - World Futures Day (December 2)
UNESCO https://www.unesco.org/en/days/world-futures
More Resources
- Teach for the Future https://www.teachthefuture.org/teaching-tools
Professional Learning Resources
![Group of forum participants on cover of Building with Biology Public Engagement with Science guide](https://nisenet.org/sites/default/files/styles/curated_list_large_cropped/public/pes_guide_cover.jpg?h=d830ba5c&itok=9q1A2JUH)
Public Engagement with Science: A guide to creating conversations among publics and scientists for mutual learning and societal decision-making
![Stock photo of a group of people laying on couches and the floor](https://nisenet.org/sites/default/files/styles/curated_list_large_cropped/public/images/catalog/12249/istock_000017937391small.jpg?h=c7a7de5b&itok=SWhj7_jV)
Nanotechnology and Society Guide
![Green spherical Nano mini-exhibition logo](https://nisenet.org/sites/default/files/styles/curated_list_large/public/images/catalog/nano%20mini-exhibition%20a1_nano_cmyk_0.jpg?itok=0VtI5Pyo)
Nano and Society Training Materials
![Nano exhibition logo](https://nisenet.org/sites/default/files/styles/curated_list_large/public/events/a1_nano_cmyk.jpg?itok=SnFKCQBt)
Nano & Society Workshop
![Man in red shirt and lady in blue shirt participate in a Improv exercise with other professional museum educators](https://nisenet.org/sites/default/files/styles/curated_list_large/public/images/catalog/10933/improv.jpg?itok=EpSrRdjx)
Improv Exercises
![DEAI Booklet Cover showing an illustration of a diverse group of people](https://nisenet.org/sites/default/files/styles/curated_list_large_cropped/public/2022-07/nise_net_deai_booklet_07_22.jpg?h=55233ab2&itok=f2r-caFK)
Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion (DEAI) Booklet
![Learner smells balloons with educators](https://nisenet.org/sites/default/files/styles/curated_list_large_cropped/public/2020-12/audiences-hero_0.jpg?h=7b26866a&itok=aKoIUpZ5)
Inclusive Audiences
![Sustainability and Museums: Cover Guide featuring a father and young child interacting with a giant balloon](https://nisenet.org/sites/default/files/styles/curated_list_large_cropped/public/2021-05/Sustainability%20Guide_2021%20cover.jpg?h=16ec4b77&itok=gp7rVJwX)
Professional Resources for Sustainability