Adult education about atomic energy, 1945-1948, as a case study in science for society

Thesis/Dissertation · Sun Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1984

OSTI ID:5460154

Wakeley, L D

The sudden existence of atomic energy presented five challenges to science education for the adult public: (1) inform adults that atomic energy existed; (2) teach them its scientific basis, and potential peacetime uses; (3) correct mistaken impressions from erroneous media coverage; (4) promote civic literacy and participation in decision making; and (5) inform voters about pending atomic energy legislation. Newspapers, magazines, radio, and newsreels were the major sources of informal adult education, together reaching 93% of adults. But these informational media lacked educational structure, and failed to meet the citizenship needs of adults. During that pre-television era, discussion groups were a common form of social gathering and nonformal education. Books and pamphlets for these groups were essential to a system of adult science education. They provided data for the open exchange of opinions that is essential to the process of adult education. The League of Women Voters of the United States established a network of discussion groups nationwide, providing printed materials for all five purposes. These programs enjoyed mixed success, providing at least local pockets of public enlightenment. By 1948, the Atomic Energy Commission was facilitating public education, especially in private industry and the business sector.

• Research Organization: Pennsylvania State Univ., University Park (USA)
• OSTI ID: 5460154
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
290600* -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Nuclear Energy
32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
320900 -- Energy Conservation
Consumption
& Utilization-- Education & Public Relations-- (1980-)
ADULTS
AGE GROUPS
EDUCATIONAL TOOLS
ENERGY
HISTORICAL ASPECTS
NUCLEAR ENERGY
PUBLIC RELATIONS