week 13

What is Science?

Science is the human effort to find order, predictability, consistency, and repeatability in nature.

Observing Patterns

The first step in science where scientists ask: 'What happens over and over in nature?' and collect data looking for patterns.

Scientific Law

A description of what always happens under certain conditions; for example, the Law of Conservation of Matter.

Hypothesis

A tentative explanation proposed by scientists to answer the question 'Why does this happen?'.

Testing Hypotheses

The process where hypotheses are tested through experiments leading to either a pass or fail.

Scientific Theory

A well-substantiated explanation that answers why something happens, formed after a hypothesis passes many rigorous tests.

Consensus Science

Well-established scientific ideas that are widely agreed upon and tested extensively over time.

Frontier Science

New, cutting-edge scientific ideas and discoveries that are still being tested and not yet widely accepted.

What is Genetic Engineering?

The process of altering an organism’s DNA by adding, removing, or modifying specific genes.

Roundup Ready Crops

Crops genetically modified to resist herbicides like Roundup, allowing farmers to spray fields without harming the crops.

Bt Corn

Corn genetically engineered to produce a toxin from Bacillus thuringiensis that protects it from insect pests.

Thalidomide Tragedy

A historical event highlighting the importance of thorough testing in drug approval, where a drug led to severe birth defects.

The Role of the FDA

The FDA reviews and evaluates drug testing data submitted by developers to determine approval for market release.

Science vs. Technology

Science is the study of how nature works, while technology is the application of scientific knowledge to improve life.

How Does Genetic Engineering Work?

It involves identifying a useful gene, cutting it from DNA, and inserting it into another organism's DNA.

Public Perception Problem

The tendency of media to focus on frontier science can lead to a false impression of instability in science.

The Precautionary Principle

A principle emphasizing the need for rigorous testing and caution before approving drugs for public use.

Selective Breeding

A process where humans reproduce organisms with desirable traits, not patentable as it is a gradual process.

Ethical Concerns of GMOs

Concerns about the impact of genetically modified organisms on agriculture, patenting, and corporate control.

What is a Scientific Theory?

A well-tested and widely accepted explanation for a phenomenon that is open to revision.

You Can’t Prove a Theory

Scientific theories cannot be proven absolutely but gain confidence through repeated testing.

Laser Technology

Lasers originated from scientific hypotheses and are now used in various applications, such as medicine and construction.