The hot topics session consists of a 20 minute talk, a 30 minute round-table discussion, and a 5 minute wrap-up. This is the last session of the day and it is one of the students' favorites. The talk is supposed to introduce the `hot topic' of the day and give the students some background information. It should open up some of the questions that the students will be discussing afterwards. The round-table discussions are parallel discussions by tables of 10 students plus one scientist/engineer. Each student will be provided with a sheet of *controversial* questions that the group can discuss. To ensure that the students are not distracted, the questions should be distributed AFTER the presentation. The students generally love having the chance to debate and discuss. Well-chosen questions can lead to lively exchanges. Each table can select a spokesperson to report their conclusions in the wrap-up. In the wrap-up, the person who gave the talk should ask a few tables to report their conclusions on some of the questions. Perhaps 2 tables per question.
	You talk is supposed to introduce the `hot topic' of the day and give the students some background information. It should get the students excited about the topic and raise (but not answer) some of the questions they will be discussing afterwards. In planning the talk, please: -- tailor your explanations to high-school students define each technical term in simple language the first time you need to use it take them through your story step by step; they have had fewer science classes than undergraduates and need to be led more carefully go into depth on some aspect of the topic (they really appreciate feeling that they are learning details about cutting-edge questions) say explicitly what's exciting and controversial about the topic relate the subject to the everyday world where possible plan to use visual aids or demonstrations: emphasize pictures, minimize equations keep writing 18 pt or larger so it will be visible
	1. Choose a `hot topic' not used before (see list below) that: involves the impact of science on society readily allows for _controversial_ questions to be posed to the students is well-grounded in solid science The same topic will be used for both days of Pathways. 2. Think of a speaker who has not given the hot topics talk at Pathways before (see below). This choice may strongly influence the choice of topic. The speaker should have experience speaking to general audiences and be known to speak well! You may have one speaker do both days or separate speaker each day. 3. Double-check the choice of topic and speaker with Cynthia and Liz (and possibly another organizer). Someone hearing the 'hot' idea for the first time may think of implications that have not occurred to you. 4. Contact the prospective speaker. When she accepts the invitation, have her fill out the standard Pathways participant registration form and provide a brief bio. It is especially important for Cynthia to know the speaker's A/V needs and whether she will come to lunch. 5. In concert with the speaker, prepare a list of 4-5 controversial questions for the students to debate. These should be as specific as possible and phrased in terms of real-life scenarios that the students can relate to. Attached is a list of questions from previous years for comparison. Get the final list to Cynthia a week before the event to leave time for xeroxing. 6. Find discussion leaders to sit at the tables with the students and moderate their debate: one per table is needed (about 20-30 total any adult scientist/engineer is fine; no topical expertise is needed women already volunteering as speakers, panelists, etc. are ideal; ask other organizers for their lists of names have them fill out Pathways volunteer registration forms 7. A week before the event, double-check that the speaker: has received directions to the GSU, has a parking pass (if needed), knows what time she is expected to arrive, understands the format of the panel session. 8. On the day of the event, be on hand to greet the speaker when she arrives and be prepared to introduce her before her talk.
	1994 Genetic Fingerprinting -- Prof. Cassandra Smith. 1995 Will Modern Medicine Affect Human Evolution ? -- Dr. Lisa Geller 1996 The Internet: What's in it for You ? -- Dr. Jennifer Lawton 1997 Cloning and Xenotransplantation -- Dr. Victoria Herrera
	Technology and the Law -- general area, specific controversial topics need to be identified; may require speaker with expertise in both science and law. Differences Between The Brains of Males and Females -- could refer to animals in general or to humans; need to identify specific credible research results to use as scientific background; if using human examples, need really excellent speaker who won't transmit `girls brains aren't wired to do science' type of message Technology and the Environment -- again, general area needing identification of specific controversial topics; maybe the whole topic of how one actually decides what is `better' for the environment (e.g. the diaper controversy) could play a role Cosmic Waste Fat Genes