Ideas and evidence in Science

2. Looking to the future: 2006-2036

Required Resources

• Slides 6-9

Delivery

• This Episode introduces the scientific topic for the lesson - how scientific knowledge and research can be used to make predictions and inform defence policy.
• The DCDC is the Development, Concepts and Doctrine Centre, a body established by the MOD to look ahead and to anticipate scenarios as a result of (other things) environmental change. It draws together scientific research, fact and opinion from sources worldwide to understand not just what will happen but the social context within which these events will take place (including the varying responses of nations).
• DCDC is located with the Defence Academy at Shrivenham. It works routinely with NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organisation) and the UN (United Nations).
• Display Slides 6-9 to introduce the work of the DCDC.
• Considering the quote on Slide 9, ask students to discuss the degree to which they think the MOD can use the data intelligence from the DCDC to accurately predict future scenarios.

Differentiation

Higher Ability:

Students might consider in more detail why the DCDC is given this remit i.e. to forecast required troops, equipment, skills, international relationships and reciprocal relationships.