Science: Essential Now and in the Future

What exactly is science?

The literal translation of science from the Latin means knowledge. And it is generally recognized as a field of study dedicated to learning about and understanding the natural world through observation and experimentation under controlled conditions. This discipline is classified as natural science. Science encompasses a wide range of sub-studies, such as physics, biology, astronomy, chemistry, paleontology, meteorology, geography and geology.

What is the Scientific Method?

The scientific method refers to the rigorous steps that scientists take to make observations and arrive at rational, reasoned conclusions about the natural world through empirical and measurable evidence.

It involves the following procedures:

• Research and observation
• Questioning and gathering information
• Developing a hypothesis
• Experimentation and testing of the hypothesis
• Induction/Reasoning
• Repetition/Reproduction
• Critical analysis of data
• Verification or Rejection of hypothesis / Modification if necessary

Through this demanding process, scientists help advance our knowledge and understanding of our world and support the development of techniques for improving our lives.

Why is it Important?

Science helps us understand the world we live in, which allows us to improve our circumstances and our way of life. It enables us to identify hazards in our air, water and food, and provides the knowledge and resources to develop safety measures. Its discoveries support several means of productivity and efficiency in our day to day activities. And it has certainly made our lives much easier through the development of many modern conveniences.

Real Life Examples

Nearly every medical and technological advancement in the world was developed through science. If you want to know how science has impacted the world and our lives, just try to imagine it without the following scientific discoveries.

• The Heliocentric System (The planets in our solar system revolve around the sun)
• The Periodic Table
• Penicillin
• Insulin
• Vaccinations
• Electricity
• X-Rays
• Bacteria
• DNA
• Refrigeration
• Radioactivity
• The microwave
• Saran Wrap
• Pacemaker
• Photosynthesis

This list goes on and on. But the point is that science impacts every facet of our lives making it an essential area of study.

Future Implications

As we move forward, new challenges face us. Climate change and global warming has serious consequences for the planet and all its inhabitants, impacting the environment, our health and the economy. Climate scientists study this dangerous phenomenon to learn how we can prevent the impending damage.

Scientists work to fight world hunger developing new strains of food and more resilient crops, and fostering deep sea exploration that may yield untapped potential for health and food. Biological and medical discoveries are increasingly helping us live longer and healthier lives, and the possibilities in this area are virtually limitless.

In addition to the many and varied ways that we can see and realize where science can clearly improve the world and our lives in it, who knows how many wonderful scientific innovations are still waiting to be discovered.