Would You Supersize My Cancer, Please?
A Case Study Exploring Chemicals in the News
Author(s)
Abstract
The recent discovery of acrylamide in both fried and baked foods like French fries and potato chips has caused alarm. Acrylamide is both a known carcinogen in animals when administered in high doses and a neurotoxin when humans are exposed to large amounts in the workplace. However, the link between acrylamide in food and human health is much less clear. In working through the case, students compare the accuracy of news headlines, articles, and web pages with the information presented in scientific journals. This case was designed for non-science major courses and can also be used in seminars.
Objectives
- Compare and analyze the headlines of news articles, assuming all are generated based on the same scientific information.
- Compare and analyze the headlines of news articles with the content of the news articles.
- Compare and contrast the information presented in news articles with that found in scientific articles.
- Have students evaluate their own choices (with specific reference to French fries) as more information is made available to them.
- Have students appreciate the value of chemistry, and science in general, to their everyday lives.
Keywords
Acrylamide; arginine; toxicity; carcinogen; neurotoxin; exposure; risk assessment; fried food; cancer risk; carcinogen; science journalismTopical Areas
Scientific method, Science and the mediaEducational Level
High school, Undergraduate lower divisionFormat
PDFType / Methods
InterruptedLanguage
EnglishSubject Headings
Chemistry (General) | Science (General) | Nutrition | Food Science / Technology | Journalism |
Date Posted
03/25/08Teaching Notes
Case teaching notes are password-protected and access to them is limited to paid subscribed instructors. To become a paid subscriber, begin the process by registering.
Teaching notes are intended to help teachers select and adopt a case. They typically include a summary of the case, teaching objectives, information about the intended audience, details about how the case may be taught, and a list of references and resources.
Answer Key
Answer keys for the cases in our collection are password-protected and access to them is limited to paid subscribed instructors. To become a paid subscriber, begin the process by registering.