Investigating South Korean Students’ Risk Perception Related to the Development of Science and Technology

Abstract

Abstract The rapid progression of science and technology has brought both remarkable conveniences and innovations and potential risks to us. To address these risks within science education, this study aims to identify the tendency of students’ risk perceptions across different technologies. For this purpose, we developed a survey addressing three key components of risk perception (i.e., risk recognition, risk assessment, and risk management) and the educational need for risk education. 311 responses were collected from elementary, middle, and high school students and statically analyzed. The results indicated that students showed various risk perception patterns depending on the technology. There were significant perception gaps between boys and girls regarding vaccines and antimicrobial technology. It was also found that high school students’ perceptions of the benefits of the technologies were higher than elementary and middle school students’ perceptions. Based on these findings, we discuss pedagogical implications for risk education in science classrooms.