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The Wax

November 22, 2005

Science Wednesday - What should you know?

My friend Darren posed the following question to me, and would like me to pose it to you.

"If the goal of high school science is to create scientifically literate citizens, what 10 concepts should a scientifically literate person know 10 years after they graduate high school?"

He'll sound off after he hears your comments. And of course, it should come from your own memory.

Let's hear it...assuming you're scientifically literate. Or not.


Posted by davidissimo  ::  Permalink  ::  Comments [4]  ::  

Comments Section

Below is what i think the goals should be. These are in no particular order.

1.Cellular and molecular biology, genetics.
(a).The process of DNA replication and protein coding through translation and transcription
(b).Basic of cell structure and bio-chemical systems of cells

2.Evolution - Enough said

3.Macro and Micro economics

4.Organic Chemistry, theory and practical chemical synthesis laboratory experience

5.Lab training and scientific method
(a).experience in laboratory research and experimental methods
(b.)understating of scientific method, standards and the system of peer reviewed research

6.Newtonian physics

7.Mathematics through integral and differential calculus, and statistics

8. Electromagnetism, General and Special relativity, quantum mechanics

9. Computer Science

10.Ecology

Posted by: chris watts at November 22, 2005 11:40 PM

1. scientific method
2. biology and evolution
3. chemistry
4. ecology and botony
5. genetics
6. newtonian physics
7. electronics and computers
8. Advanced or practical chemistry? (effective recycling, waste reduction, poisons and toxins, materials, and renewable energy)
9. geological and astronomical science
10. physical fitness and practical medical science

Posted by: Stephen McKenna at November 23, 2005 09:36 AM

Any concept that will help me figure out how to keep my baby asleep.

Posted by: robin at November 28, 2005 01:04 AM

1. "ontogeny recapitulates phylogeny": The idea that the development of individual is a progression through adult ancestral forms. This concept encapsulates all of evolution, embryology, biology and physiology. It also touched on mathematics for the more creative of mind. It is intimately related to...

2. "the whole is more than the sum of its parts". I refer you to Lives of a Cell by Lewis Thomas which explores the concept in a beautiful way. The idea is that all organisms are defined as such but are more accurately the result of multiple "organelles" working in concert. This can be observed at any level -- from atom on up. My daughter brought this into clear focus as we studied for her last biology exam.

Thats it. Two. Thats really all you need.

Posted by: Peter at December 22, 2005 09:05 PM

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