This is a more advanced lesson, once students have developed a sense of respect for when others know more than they do ("Inquiry Into Expertise") and have learned the role of scientific consensus among the relevant experts ("Fact-Checking 102"). Here, they address the specific decision-making challenges that arise "when experts disagree." That includes understanding occasions of counterfeit controversy in the media, created by entities whose interests are threatened by settled science.

An important theme is acknowledging that uncertainty may be the status of knowledge at a given time, and not trying to substitute personal judgment for the noy-yet-resolved expert perspectives.

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Consult guide on   Inquiry Learning

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Instructor's Narrative:

Allchin, D. 2025. "When Experts Disagree." The Science Teacher. [pre-publication copy]

Background Reading

an introduction to the precautionary principle.

Further Reading

Kenner, R. (2014). "Merhcants of Doubt" [documentary film]. SONY Classics.

Michaels, D. (2020). The Triumph of Doubt. Oxford University Press.

Oreskes, N. & Conway, E. (2010). The Merchants of Doubt. (Bloomsbury Press).