Philosophy of Science 2 (15 weeks later)

Q1: In your own words, what is science?

A1: Science is a method used to describe the nature of the world around us. Scientists aim to provide logical and methodical explanations to the phenomena we encounter.

Q2: Science clearly differs from other disciplines like art, religion, and philosophy. What do you see as some of the most important features that distinguish science from other ways of understanding the world?

A2: Science is in actuality not very different from other disciplines.  The universal goal of all these fields is to provide reasonable explanations for the unknown quantities in life. Often, science relies on theory and abstract notions just as much as philosophy and religion do. However, scientists usually look to ground their findings in math and observation rather than faith. It is important to note that many people view religion and philosophy just as validly as science.

Q3: One might argue that science achieves objectivity by using processes that minimize the importance of scientists' values, beliefs, and commitments. A laboratory report written in the third person typically doesn't even mention the scientist: the narrative centers on the objects of investigation because a scientific experiment--properly done--does not depend on the subject (that is, the investigator). What do you think of this view? And, whether you agree with it or not, critique it from an educational perspective.

A3: The assertion that science does not rely on personal opinion could not be further from the truth. This is evident in controversial topics such as global warming, where there seem to be as many opinions as there are scientists. Often times, scientists succumb to external pressures to get the “right” answers, when in actuality they should be focused on reaching the best conclusion based on current knowledge. This is a huge problem from an education perspective. It is vital that young science students learn that science is not about right or wrong, but about a logical process. As long as students honestly record what they see, they can not be wrong from a scientific perspective.

Q4: Identify your three most important goals as a science teacher. Explain why these are your goals and how you will organize your classroom instruction and curricula to achieve these goals.

A4: As a science teacher, my three most important goals are: 1) to get students excited about science, 2) to make every student feel like he/she can succeed, and 3) to make myself available at all possible times. I feel that by the time students get to middle or high school they are sometimes discouraged about what science has to offer. This greatly disturbs me as an educator. From the first class of the year I aim to make it clear that every student has the ability to not only get good grades, but to really appreciate science. I will create lessons that kids can really get excited about as well as put together to form long-lasting knowledge. Furthermore, I will make myself available after school every day so that any child who wishes to get extra help can do so on their own time, not mine.