Science and Research

Science and research are two words or concepts that so closely related that they are almost interchangeable with one another. Science can best be described as systematic gathering of knowledge of the world and its occurrences and phenomena through observation and experimentation. Research can be defined as a systematic approach to gather information and data in order to arrive at an explanation. Therefore, it can be delegated that science and research are terms that are often co-dependent of one another. In the study of science, research must be conducted in order to gather the necessary information to formulate a hypothesis and later investigate or experiment those findings to form a conclusion or explanation of the initial inquiry. Research is the process by which the study of science gathers information. Research and science both essentially exist with the same purpose in mind: to gather knowledge. Just like there are many types of studies in science–biology, chemistry, physics, astronomy, mathematics, etc.–there are also different types or methods of research. The three main types of research: exploratory research, which identifies problems; constructive research, which draws solutions to a problem; and empirical research, which tests the solution by using empirical evidence. The similarities between research and science are most easily discerned through the scientific method. The scientific method is very closely associated with the types of research that exist because employ similar steps and a classified structure. Research and science have at its core a systemic approach that is based on logic. Because both science and research seek the ultimate goal of finding knowledge, the two concepts prove to work well together as part of the other because architectural pillar is grounded in logic. By using a systematic approach with logic, the questions that arise are sought to be answered in a very operatic fashion so as to dispel any foreseeable fallacy in the process of obtaining results. Though the results themselves may not prove to serve reality or empirical truths, the process at which they arrive to posing possible solutions or explanations to problems or natural phenomenon is rooted in a logical system; In other words, the process itself is to be as flawless as possible regardless of how the results may or may not represent the actual truth. Science and research ultimately exist as methods to obtaining some semblance of truth from the world that surrounds mankind. With these concepts to guide in the quest for a representation of truth, there would be a chaotic outcome filled with misdirection and false pretenses. Research and science both exists in order coexist with one another in order to provide for more complex system of inquiry to further provide a more true method in establishing the occurrences of the world as reality.

Scientific Theories

In the scientific world, experiments and various types of studies are used to compile a collection of data and results. According to the scientific method, the data obtained from experiments used to explain a hypothesis must able to be repeated in order to conclude any validity to the final claims or results. Furthermore, the scientific method also require that scientists share their findings and made public for the purpose of reproducing the results of the experiment to further establish scientific fact. Scientific theories are the overall collection of data, results, and observations formed together to establish an amalgamation of concepts. This collection of concepts is then subject to scientific law in order express the relationships of observations of those concepts. It is constructed in such a form to adhere to the data of observations and established as a principle for explaining a particular type of phenomena. In simpler terms, a scientific theory is an explanation, that even though results can be duplicated to establish the validity of observations and findings in an experiment, is still up to speculation; a scientific theory therefore becomes the utmost representative when relating to actual fact, and is considered the best explanation until proven otherwise.

Scientific theories, therefore, exist to explain and predict the occurrence of a certain phenomena. Scientific theory is to act as representation or model of reality. The purpose is ultimately to create a formal system where the scientific model is to act as the closest explanation to the actual truth, so as to have some semblance of reality. An example as to how scientific theories act as the best explanation to the truth or reality can be explained through historical evidence. Ptolemy was the Greek astronomer that proposed the theory that earth was at the center of the universe, and the rest of the planets and sun around the earth. Through mathematical calculations, Ptolemy was then able to predict where the planets would in relation to his proposed explanation. This is also known as the Geocentric Theory, and was regarded as scientific fact for a quite some time. It was not until Copernicus introduced his own scientific theory–the Heliocentric Theory–that introduced the sun as the center of the universe, of which the rest of the stars orbited. As people have come to known, the Heliocentric Theory is the one has been regarded as the truest representation of our known universe. This example serves to illustrate how theories, even though they are regarded as the closest representation of truth, are susceptible to have fallacy. Scientific theories are only mere representations of the truth; if a more acceptable theory is devised, it may replace or modify an older theory. Because science is the study of an imperfect world and its natural occurrence and phenomena, it can never offer an exact or absolute truth to explain the actual reality of things. However, scientific theories allow for a basis to which bestow the closest thing to reality or truth in order to have a systemic approach to investigating such phenomena.

Science Discoveries

The study of science allows for amazing discoveries for occur everyday. The natural world is constantly changing, and therefore, new knowledge about our immediate environment is there to be gained. It is through forward progress in the fields of science and technology that scientist can explore the realms of possibility to gain new and important knowledge about the world people live in. New discoveries in the various aspects of science allow for better understanding of the phenomenon that occur on a day to day basis. In finding ways to explain such occurrences, scientists can provide for ways to further our progress as a collective, human race. Amazing discoveries are made daily. Though their importance as a whole may not have an overall, lasting impact on society, they still pose a certain amount of importance. New discoveries lead to new knowledge, which can only serve for the purpose of improvement. A great example as to how amazing discoveries are made on a day to day basis is one of the most recent in scientific news. As of March 18, 2010, scientists have reached the conclusion that our known universe is being pulled in a specific direction. Some researches gather that a plausible explanation for this is that this “unknown pull” at our universe is being influence by the gravity from another universe. At this given point in time, the scientists can not readily or conclusively identify what the cause of this scenario is. Another given explanation for this event is that it may not be the cause of another universe but in fact, a different concept of space-time not known before. This amazing discovery not only implies a new discovery of knowledge, but it also raises certain question about possible scenarios. For what can be surmised, there is no known purpose or cause behind this new discovery, and its effect is not foreseeable. However, the amazing discovery implies that there could be some other universe that is having a direct effect on ours. The new discovery of a universe, or even the consideration of a different flow of the concept of time as we know it suggests endless possibilities. This new discovery may, in fact, have a much more profound impact in the future yet to come. Another new discovery on the same date is that dinosaurs may have, in fact, died due to ozone poisoning. The most commonly known theory is that dinosaurs died from an asteroid colliding with the earth. However, scientists suggest that an impact of such magnitude would produced enough ozone concentrations to prove toxic to many living organisms. If these finding are found to be true, the impact on human life is tremendous. Research already shows that ozone at the ground-level causes thousands of deaths each year. Such an amazing discovery can allow scientists to gather more knowledge on the dangers of ozone and how its presence may impact humans in the near future, and furthermore, what measures can be taken to avoid for a potentially life-treating situation to occur.

Science News

Science is will always be constant flux because it deals the nature of knowledge. Science encompasses such a vast amount of knowledge that the human mind can not possibly fathom. Furthermore, because science essentially deals with the changes of the natural, it is impossible to put any kind of quantifiable value to the amount of knowledge humankind can obtain, and certainly more so, for the amount of knowledge out in the natural world as viewed by mankind. To further complicate things, the natural world is always changing; changes that can be so minute to ever say they happened at all–at least in accordance to our current advancements in science and technology. Science is the news will always be a constant fixture in the media as well as in the everyday lives of people. Recent science news will always transgress across the various fields of study that exist in the science realm. It is important to note the considerable importance recent science news may have and how it will ultimately impact the lives of people. One of the most recent science news stories that had a noticeable impact on society was the demoting of Pluto being considered a major planet to a “dwarf planet”. The story hit the media in 2006, and for the most part, this recent science news was considered as funny anecdote or water-cooler fodder.

For the most part, the importance of such a discovery had much more of a real impact in the scientific world rather than among common people. However this story of science in the news has ultimately impacted mankind as a whole is still yet to be seen. Redefining Pluto’s planet status is largely due to advancements in science and technology, allowing scientists to gain further knowledge of the universe. In finding other celestial bodies in space similar to Pluto, scientists agreed that a set definition to what may be considered a planet is needed. The main areas of classification are: 1) The object must orbit the sun, 2) The object must be large enough to have is own gravitational force that will form a spherical shape, and 3) it must have become gravitationally dominant, with no other bodies of similar size other than its satellites. Pluto failed to meet the third criteria because it is actually smaller than other objects in its orbit. The importance of this kind of recent science news is that not only does it make clear that science is forever progressing with forward momentum, but also to reiterate the fact that there is always more discoveries in knowledge to be made. Though this particular recent science news story may have no lasting impact on the human race, it is important to at least recognize that the study of science and its progress will ultimately allow for mankind to gain knowledge of things otherwise unknown, thus making them influential in the progress of human beings as a species.

Scientific Facts

Science facts can refer to findings and conclusions carried out by experiments to help validate a particular hypothesis. Because scientific findings are corrugated by extensive research, experiments, data, and a methodical approach and logic, it may be argued that those things that may be considered as scientific facts are the most true in the empirical sense. Obviously, there is no absolute certainty when speaking about science facts. Theories and conclusions of a scientific nature can often be negated through new developments in technology and science. That is to say, though evidence of a particular experiment may support a certain hypothesis to the extent of being considered fact, it is not entirely guaranteed to be proven as absolute truth. An example of such a discrepancy may be the ancient belief that the earth was the center of the universe, or geocentric. At the time, scientific methods and technology was very limited. However, given the resources of the time, this theory was considered as scientific fact. It was not until leading scientists of their time were able to negate this initial theory. The first to challenge the geocentric theory as science fact was astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus. In the century to follow, Galileo Galilei was able further disprove that scientific fact by observations through a telescope which supported Copernicus’s theory. Another example is the early belief that the earth was flat. Even as late as the 15th century believed that earth was flat and considered it as scientific fact. It is safe to say that this theory has long ago been proven wrong. The essential fallacy that exists is the limitations for forward progress and technological advancements. As scientific thought progressed, so did technology. With technological advancements, certain scientific facts were not only off the mark, but completely wrong. The ability for Galileo to employ telescope to observe planetary movements allowed him to effectively conclude that the sun was in fact at the center of the universe. However, given more recent findings about astrology and knowledge of the universe, Galileo can only be considered partially right. The universe being as expansive as it is, it can not conclusively said that the sun is the center of the universe. The fact that new planets are being discovered and that our galaxy is bound to be one of inconceivable amounts. Possibly in the future, scientists will be given the opportunity to further agree and disagree with Galileo’s initial theory with the appropriate scientific and technological advancements. Essentially, science facts can only be considered as truth in relativity to the scientific and technological advancements available at the present time. As it has been proved throughout history, many theories have been disproved through gaining scientific knowledge that was not available prior. It is bound for history to continue repeating itself, for science and technology are constantly evolving. It is through these changes that allow scientists to gain further knowledge about the natural phenomena that occur, which will allow for more accurate scientific facts to be established.

Scientific Materials

Scientific materials can be defined as any object, tool, or instrument necessary in the study of many sciences. Generally speaking, scientific materials exist in order to assist, improve, and teach when dealing with scientific studies. Scientific materials can prove to be essential in successfully conduction scientific studies or research, and without their implementation, many aspects and actions could not be completed. Scientific materials prove most important when conduction experiments in laboratory situations. When dealing with laboratory situations, scientific materials may refer to the various lab instruments and equipment, to more common items such as notebooks, pens, computers, and textbooks. Each type of science material serves a specific purpose, and is design to not only aid in the study of science, but to also provide for precaution and create a safer environment. Laboratory equipment can generally be classified in two types. Glassware is one the categories, and encompasses all science materials found in a lab that are made out of glass. The only exception would include glassware that is in fact constructed out of different materials, such as plastic or Pyrex. Glassware serves many different functions in a laboratory, but its basic use is of a container. Another common use would be to measure items in terms of volume. The other type of laboratory includes everything else that can not be classified as glassware. This can range from specific science materials, such as a Bunsen burner, thermometer, microscope, safety glasses, safety-rated containers and cabinets, etc. The varying types of scientific materials in a lab allow for a better environment in which to conduct experiments while employing specific tools that will aid a scientist in his/her research. Scientific materials in a classroom setting may not only include those listed as science lab equipment, but it in this case would also include any and all items that are used to aid in the study in the fields of science. Arguably, a textbook is the most important scientific material a science student can posses. Not only will it provide for historical backgrounds, types of methods, and specific information on a wide variety of topics, it ultimately serves at the most important source of information and knowledge in the study for science. Another important scientific material in the classroom is a computer. By having access to the internet, students can research and gain an insurmountable body of knowledge of the science world. It can also provide for other scientific materials such as databases and science publications that can keep students up to date with the latest scientific news and technological advances. Essentially, any particular item that aids or improves the study of the sciences may be considered science materials. Scientific materials allow for a better understanding of scientific studies, and make them indispensable in a laboratory setting because certain types of experiments would simply not be possible with out them.

Scientific Tools

A scientific tool can refer to a variety of things. From the actual tools and instruments that scientists use to conduct their experiments, evaluation, and gather data, to the methods and academic applications they need to employ to elaborate of their findings and results. Scientific tools, as any other tool or utensil, will vary upon its essential purpose, and more specifically, upon the area of science or concentration. These scientific tools can range from being simple utensils and measuring devices to elaborate computers and their programs to the elaborate technology housed in enormous machines used in research and experiments. Some of the most basic scientific tools can be found in any laboratory, regardless of the type of study or research it is devoted to. Generally, laboratory science tools can be placed in two categories. Tools and equipment such as Bunsen burners, microscopes and other types of specialty equipment is one these categories. A Bunsen burner is a scientific tool that is used to produce a continuous flame that is powered by some sort of flammable gas. Typically, the type of gas most commonly used is methane, but propane and butane may also be used. The purpose of this particular scientific tool is to provide for a source of heat for sterilization purposes and combustion. Another very commonly used scientific tool in all types of laboratories is the microscope. The overall use of a microscope is to enhance the vision of objects to small to be seen by the naked eye. The most common type of microscope is known as the optical microscope. This scientific tool aids in the study of basic chemistry and biology in schools throughout the world. An optical microscope can provide for a better understanding of concepts and structure in microorganisms such as bacteria, and help with the introductory study of cell structure. Other types of microscopes that exist are the electron microscope and scanning probe microscope, which are far more complex than the optical microscope, and their use as scientific tools is more involved.

Another category of scientific tools can be designated to laboratory glassware. These types of scientific tools are used for science experiments, and are of particular importance in chemistry and biology laboratories. As the name suggests, this type of equipment is generally made out of glass. However, in recent years, much of laboratory glassware is also constructed out of plastic, quartz glass, and Pyrex. The reason for the construction of this scientific tools in various forms rises out the need for different types of experiments and applications. Each type material used in the construction of laboratory glass has specific inherent qualities that aid in particular experiments. Furthermore, not only are these scientific tools made out of different types of materials, but they also come in an assortment of shapes and sizes, all specific to serve a particular task or application. Laboratory glassware has many uses but some of the most common are: measurement, storage, mixing or preparation, heating, cooling, and house chemical reactions.

Current Science Trends

The study of science is one that will never cease. Because the purpose of science is allow mankind for a better understanding of the natural world they inhabit, new discoveries are made daily that provide further knowledge of the natural phenomenon and occurrences that surround humans. On a day to day basis, there is always from for new science discoveries, new science knowledge, new science technology, and the list will continue. It is no surprise that science affects people’s daily lives. Nature in itself is constantly changing and evolving, and the study of science must adapt to these perspective changes. Current science studies in today’s world seem to have one overall goal in mind: finding ways to make the save the planet. It is of no secret that the earth is under attack but its inhabitants, mankind, and it is slowly but surely depleting. Human kind constantly consumes the earth’s natural resources, pollute the environment, over populate, and overall, destroy it on a daily basis. Current science trends in the past several decades have placed their focus on finding solutions to the problems posed by man on the earth that is constantly weakening it. If the planet can no longer finds ways to sustain itself, then surely, it will not find a way to sustain the living being inhabiting it. Therefore, scientists and researchers are always trying to find new ways, methods, and ideas to if not help preventing destruction of the planet, but at the very least postpone it as much as possible. A relatively new science that has stepped to the forefront when regarding its availability and exposure to the masses is green technology. Green technology is a newer application to the studies of environmental science that concentrates on the conservation of the environment and attempt retroactive applications or methods to destructive human involvement. This current science study is constantly providing for new and progressive ideas, that with the aid of new science technology, may help eliminate some of the harmful human actions and patterns that are damaging the earth. Some of the current science technologies employed are: recycling, renewable energy, water purification, alternative and clean energy, and solid waste management. These current science methods and applications are becoming more and more viable as technology evolves with the cause. Some of the most popular being applied by people on an every day basis are the use of solar energy, hybrid electric cars, and recycling, which is the easiest and most basic of these applications. In current science news, it is without a doubt that the phenomenon of hybrid electric vehicles is the one topic of green technology that is being publicized.

These vehicles used a combination of an electric and gas-powered motor to provide its source of power. This effectively reduces carbon dioxide emissions and is a viable method to reduce greenhouse gases in the environment. However, the hope to one day replace the conventional gas-powered vehicles with hybrid electric vehicles is definitely being met with much criticism. Though they may prove to be more cost effective to owners, while simultaneously reducing car emissions and dependability on oil resources, much of the population seems reluctant to fully embrace the concept of having vehicles that no longer depend on gas to make them run.

Science Labs

A science laboratory, or science lab for short, is a place where scientists and researches may conduct their studies. Generally speaking, a science lab provides for the adequate space needed to conduct experiments and research in a controlled environment. Science labs are generally found in facilities where experimental and research-oriented work is necessary for the particular nature of labor being conducted. Science labs are usually located in schools, universities, and colleges, but also in other facilities that may have governmental, military, or industrial faculties.

Science labs are not all the same and differ in accordance to the area of work or study at hand. In scientific research, it is a natural necessity for science labs to be different from one another because varying fields of science studies. Science labs are constructed with idea in mind of a specific or particular area of study or focus, and certain characteristics will differ from one science lab to the next. An example could be the differences between a scholastic lab versus a professional physicist’s lab. The scientific lab in a school setting, is for most part, much simpler. Of course, this notion itself will vary depending of the education level and concentrations of a particular school. In a high school, a scientific lab will mostly consist of measurement devices, simple tools, microscopes, and other appliances that will aid students in the basic understanding of science. It is also common find certain chemicals in a high school science lab, but for the most part, are not overly dangerous or hazardous to students. However, a physicist’s lab will prove to overtly much more complex. The level of research conducted and experiments being conducted we be complex in their nature. A physicist’s lab will more often than not contain large machinery to conduct experiments on atomic particles and computers of extremely high-technology that are capable of such complex calculations. Though these scientific labs do differ greatly, there are common things that can be found in either of them. Generally speaking, such characteristics are a simple nature, such as basic measurement tools and devices, counter tops for working, laboratory equipment, and specific laboratory safety equipment. Science lab working conditions can often be hazardous when dealing specific chemicals or combustible materials. Certain safety measures must be implemented to assure the safety of those individuals present in science labs. One of these preventative measures exists in rules and regulations that outline procedures to prevent accidents or potentially harmful situations to occur. The rules often provide for plans to treat certain types of injuries associated with the particular substances or materials used in the science lab in order to appropriately and effectively deal with any accident or injury to a lab user. Another safety measure that is employed is the use of safety equipment to be worn or employed by every lab user in order to protect themselves from potentially harmful substances or situations. Though science labs will vary depending on the areas of study and experiments conducted within, the most common aspect that they will all employ are specific rules and regulations that are often specific to that particular lab. In doing so, it creates for a safe work environment and prevents dangerous situations to arise that may harm people in the science lab.

Science Experiments

Science experiments are an absolutely crucial and integral part in conduction scientific research. Science experiments become the manner in which data and findings that are collected to be put to the test and investigate any particular scientific inquiry. Science experiments allow for a systematic approach to apply logic when investigating a particular scientific question or problem and allow to test an explanation or hypothesis in order to prove its validity. The word experiment derives from the Latin word, ex-periri, that when defined means “to try out.”

Aside from testing a hypothesis, science experiments also are used to express any given relationship among variables. At its most basic purpose, science experiments are used to solve problems and to further support or deny theories, ideas, assumptions, or explanations. In the world of research, more often than not, a science experiment will be conducted using the scientific method. The scientific method delineates at set of steps or procedures: make an observation, ask a question, form an educated guess or hypothesis, test or experiment the hypothesis, analysis of the data and results, formulate an explanation or conclusion, and finally, to make the results known in order to allow the experiment to be conducted by others and produce the same results. The reason that scientific experiments are conducted is for the ultimate purpose of being a able to confirm or deny a hypothesis. Scientific experiments also have a variable factor in order to conclusively and accurate test the hypothesis. There is a control group, where no variable is introduced and is considered the regular or normal factor, and there is the variable group. The variable group is where the actual science experiment is taking place, for a change is introduced in order to compare with the control group. This type of scientific experiment is also referred to as a controlled experiment. In many cases, scientific experiments can not be conducted with such a method in mind. These types of scientific experiments are known as natural experiments. Because certain types of controlled experiments are extremely difficult or sometimes impossible, researchers may employ natural experiments to collect data. Natural experiments rely mostly on observations rather than testing the subject that is being studied. This type of scientific experiment may often yield results that are not entirely conclusive, but are necessary under certain circumstances. Natural experiments are often conducted in the fields of science where certain experiments simply can not be conducted. An example of such an experiment would be when light was discovered to have a measurable speed. Through observation of planets was able to support data that light could be measured in terms of speed. A controlled experiment would prove to be impossible because the scale of units being measured is astronomical, and thus, a natural experiment was used in order to gather enough conclusive data to support the hypothesis. Therefore, science experiments must be used and employed during scientific research in order to conclusively draw out results in order to provide for validity to an explanation for a scientific problem.