Reviewer in Environmental Science PDF

REVIEWER IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE (Module 2: Science and Technology) SCIENCE – A knowledge or a system of knowledge covering general truths or the operation of general laws especially as obtained and tested through scientific method. (Source; Merriam Webster) NATURAL...

REVIEWER IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE (Module 2: Science and Technology) SCIENCE – A knowledge or a system of knowledge covering general truths or the operation of general laws especially as obtained and tested through scientific method. (Source; Merriam Webster) NATURAL SCIENCE – Such knowledge or such a system of knowledge concerned with the physical world and its phenomena (Source; Merriam Webster) ⮚ Science ; Understanding The Natural World ❖ GOALS OF SCIENCE ~Explain natural phenomena accurately ~Understand its world and history ❖ HISTORICAL FOCUS ~Knowledge building, irrespective of applications ❖ MODERN FOCUS ~Problem solving and technology development ⮚ What Is Science? ❖ DUALITY – Encompasses both “pure” research (knowledge-focused) and “applied” research (problem-solving and technology) ❖ DYNAMIC – Always open to question and revision; no scientific idea is once-and-for-all “proven” ✔ Science is also said to be a systematic process of seeking or producing knowledge. Observation and problem definition Development of hypothesis Continuous testing and extensive peer review Development of theories, laws and principles TECHNOLOGY – The practical application of knowledge especially in a particular area : ENGINEERING (Source; Merriam Webster) ⮚ What Is Technology? Technology is “ the application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes” (Concise Oxford English Dictionary) Enhances control and adaptation to the environment Includes machines and methods Leads to economic growth and leisure Can possibly cause pollution and resource depletion Raises ethical questions ⮚ What Is Technology? Technology grows on science, and it contributes to science Engineers/Technologists combine scientific knowledge with practical values The essence of engineering is “design” under constraints All technologies involve control All technological systems can fail Human presence is an important issue in technology SCIENCE VS. TECHNOLOGY SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY Science explores new knowledge Technology is the application of scientific methodically through observations and knowledge for various purposes. experimentations. It stresses on discoveries It stresses on inventions It is used to make predictions It simplifies human life and fulfills the need of people  (Module 3: Basic Characteristics Of Science) SCIENCE: SYSTEMATIC EXPLORATION Involves empirical questioning and testing Analogous to a symphony orchestra, with each discipline (e.g., physics, biology) as an instrument Differentiating good science from pseudoscience is crucial ❖ FORMAL SCIENCES – Build theoretical foundations through abstract concepts and systems. ❖ EMPIRICAL SCIENCES – Seek to understand the natural world through observation, experimentation, and evidence. ❖ APPLIED SCIENCES- Focuses on practical applications and solutions “CHARACTERISTICS OF SCIENCE” EMPIRICAL VERIFIABILITY / OBSERVABILITY Findings must be backed by empirical evidence and real-time observation. Both theoretical and experimental fields rely on testable,observable data. OBJECTIVITY / ETHICAL NEUTRALITY Prioritizes data and truth over personal or ethical considerations. Scientists aim to remain objective , guided by evidence , not preconceived notions. MALLEABILITY / TENTATIVENESS Science evolves with new data , challenging even widely accepted theorems. Conclusions are reliable but always open to modification with new evidence. REPLICABILITY / SYSTEMATIC RELIABILITY Experiments should be repeatable , ensuring consistent results across various studies.  Scientific methodology leads to reliable outcomes when followed correctly. NON - DOGMATIC / EVIDENCE - BASED Science requires evidence , not blind faith or majority votes. Separate from moral or aesthetic judgements , focusing purely on evidence - based conclusions.  (Module 4: Nature Of Science) SCIENCE DEFINITION : Science ( Latin : “scientia” = “knowledge”) is a systematic approach to understand the universe. PROCESS : Relies on observation , experimentation , and measurements to acquire knowledge and formulate general principles or laws. “NATURE OF SCIENCE” 1. Cultural and Social Context 2. Human Element 3. Interconnectedness 4. Theoretical Constructs 5. Dynamic and Evolving 6. Ethical Considerations 7. Uncertainty and Probabilistic Nature 8. Collaborative Effort 1. Cultural and Social Context - Science operates within a specific cultural and societal framework that can influence its practice and priorities. Example: The development of renewable energy technologies , such as solar and wind power , has been influenced by societal concerns about climate change and the environmental impact of fossil fuels. 2. Human Element - Reflects human curiosity , creativity, and the limitations inherent in human observation and interpretation. Example: The theory of evolution by natural selection was developed by Charles Darwin , who was influenced by his observations and experiences during his voyage on the HMS Beagle. His background , beliefs, and the prevailing scientific ideas of his time all played roles in shaping his theory 3. Interconnectedness - Knowledge is interconnectedness and builds upon previous discoveries across different fields.  Example: The discovery of the structure of DNA by James Watson and Francis Crick in 1953 was built on previous work by Rosalind Franklin and Maurice Wilkins , as well as foundational knowledge in chemistry , biology , and physics. 4. Theoretical Constructs - Utilizes theory to explain and predict natural phenomena. Example: The theory of relativity, proposed by Albert Einstein , provides a framework for understanding the relationship between space, time, and gravity. It has been used to predict and explain phenomena such as the bending of light around massive objects (gravitational lensing). 5. Dynamic and Evolving - Scientific knowledge is not static but continually refined and updated as new information emerges. Example: The model of the atom has evolved over time, from Dalton’s solid sphere model to Thompson’s plum pudding model, Rutherford’s nuclear model, and the current quantum mechanical model. Each update reflects new experimental evidence and understanding. 6. Ethical Considerations - play a crucial role in scientific research , guiding the conduct of scientists and the application of scientific knowledge. Example: The development of CRISPR gene-editing technology has raised ethical questions about genetic modification , particularly concerning human embryos and potential impacts on future generations. 7. Uncertainty and Probabilistic Nature - Scientific knowledge often involves uncertainty and is probabilistic, acknowledging that absolute certainty is rarely attainable. Example: Weather forecasting relies on probabilistic models to predict future conditions , recognizing the inherent uncertainty due to the complexity of atmospheric systems. 8. Collaborative Effort - Science is collaborative effort, with scientists working together across disciplines, institutions, and countries to advance knowledge. Example: The Human Genome Project , an international collaborative research program successfully mapped the entire human genome through the combined efforts of scientists worldwide, leading to significant advancements in genetics and medicine.  (Module 5: Scientific Method) SCIENTIFIC METHOD A logical problem - solving approach used by scientists: 1. Questions 2. Research 3. Hypothesis 4. Experiment 5. Data Analysis 6. Conclusion 7. Communication 1. Question To clearly define the purpose of the investigation It should be very specific 2. Research To determine what others have already discovered about your question Credible sources should be used All sources be documented 3. Hypothesis Making a possible explanation based on knowledge, observations, and background research “ Educated Guess” Clear , simple, testable A hypothesis is never right or wrong. It is either supported or rejected by the experimental data. A rejected hypothesis can provide important information about a scientist’s question. Ways in which the hypothesis can be written If…Then Statements: express cause-and-effect relationships, predicting specific outcomes based on certain conditions.  Correlation Statements: indicate statistical relationships between variables, showcasing how changes in one coincide with changes in another. Comparison Statements: evaluate and contrast entities, processes, or conditions to determine differences, similarities, or effectiveness. 4. Experiment A detailed procedure designed and carried out to test a hypothesis. Materials and methods should be completely documented. Variables: factors, traits, and are used in scientific experiments to measure, observe, or manipulate. Types of Variables Independent Variable: the variable manipulated or tested in an experiment to observe its effect on the dependent variable. Dependent Variable: the variable that responds to changes in the independent variable; it is what is measured or observed. Control Variable:factors kept constant to ensure accurate observations and to isolate the effect of the independent variable. 5. Data Analysis Data: the results of the experiment Should be recorded in an organized and accurate manner Analysis is necessary to determine the data’s meaning in relation to the original question or problem 6. Data Analysis Where the results of the experiment are reviewed and analyzed to determine whether the hypothesis is supported or rejected. Summarizes the findings and their implications for understanding the studied phenomenon. 7. Communication Advances Knowledge: sharing findings contributes to the collective understanding of the scientific community.  Improves Future Investigations: insights gained aid in refining and guiding future research endeavors. Diverse mediums; journals, magazines, websites, social media, TV, radio, lectures, and posters, cater to varied audiences. “SERENDIPITY IN SCIENCE” ❖ Not Everything Supports Hypothesis: Serendipitous discoveries often arise unexpectedly. ❖ Examples: Penicillin:Alexander Fleming’s mold observation led to the discovery of penicillin. Children’s Gravity Error: Bruce Hood’s theory came from observing children’s confusion about falling objects. Brain Cells Respond to Lines: Wiesel and Hubel’s Nobel-winning discovery came from an unintended result in cat experiments.