Science Group
17 Feb versions of newsletter article. Choice of graphics at foot of page.
A
It's almost impossible to write one short sentence which describes science, there being so many aspects of it. Science is the foundation of modern life and yet we take it for granted. We can make an early split. Hard science and soft science are colloquial terms used to compare scientific fields on the basis of exactitude, and objectivity. Roughly speaking, the natural sciences are considered "hard", whereas the social sciences are usually described as "soft". Hit a test tube with a rod and it pings. However, people don't fit into test tubes.
The first meeting will explore member interests. You wonder, "Oh, will I have to stand up and present a project etc?" Not at all. Some might, according to general agreement.
Fed up with this galaxy? "Thought experiments" are mental concepts or hypotheses. We can visit a distant galaxy for a fortnight by thinking it through! The group can decide who will be invited to explain what we can't work out for ourselves. That visitor will light the galaxy-bound rocket blue touch-paper! We'll return five years younger!
Groups could feed each other with investigation topics. We could link with other groups from time to time according to their wishes. Examples might include the fact the early science was tied into philosphy and that continues today. Ancient History - Archimedes - yes, the man in the bath. He was an early scientist. There's plenty more like him. Computer Skills - Liaison with the Science Group could include helping members to find answers to their questions and vice versa. Art - We can visit other galaxies - canvas!
In January we learnt about artificial intelligence and John could be invited to explain algorithms. From there, the sky's the limit, literally.
The emphasis is on group members deciding what will be discussed and who will be leader. External speakers can follow according to need. Visits can be decided. Liason with other groups can be decided. Over to you!
Alan Harrison (Soft" Science retired Prof)
B
It's almost impossible to write one short sentence which describes science, there being so many aspects of it. Science is the foundation of modern life and yet we take it for granted. We can make an early split. Hard science and soft science are colloquial terms used to compare scientific fields on the basis of exactitude, and objectivity. Roughly speaking, the natural sciences are considered "hard", whereas the social sciences are usually described as "soft". Hit a test tube with a rod and it pings. However, people don't fit into test tubes.
What is considered hard science? Depends on who you ask, but in general the hard sciences are considered to be fields such as: Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Astronomy, Geology. These are main headings and can be broken down. For example, physics includes astrophysics. Newton, Einstein and Stephen Hawkings might enter your head at this stage. The first meeting will explore member interests. You wonder, "Oh, will I have to stand up and present a project etc?" Not at all. Some might, according to general agreement.
Fed up with this galaxy? "Thought experiments" are mental concepts or hypotheses. We can visit a distant galaxy for a fortnight by thinking it through! The group can decide who will be invited to explain what we can't work out for ourselves. That visitor will light the galaxy-bound rocket blue touch-paper! We'll return five years younger!
Once again, it depends on member interest. Groups could feed each other with investigation topics. Examples might include the fact the early science was tied into philosphy and that continues today. Ancient History - Archimedes - yes, the man in the bath. He was an early scientist. There's plenty more like him. Computer Skills - Liaison could include helping members to find answers to their questions and vice versa. Art - To return to a previous sentence about the only way we can visit a distant galaxy is by thinking it through!" On canvas! There are several other groups we could liaise with.
In January we learnt about artificial intelligence and John could be invited to explain algorithms. From there, the sky's the limit, literally. And that doesn't limit us to ideas such as relativity, and black holes (our rocket pilot will be told to steer clear). However, helping someone to understand their smart-phone invoice may be extraterrestial!
The emphasis is on group members deciding what will be discussed and who will be leader. External speakers can follow according to need. Visits can be decided. Liason with other groups can be decided. Over to you!
Alan Harrison (Soft" Science retired Prof)
To discuss whether to include a link to these pages after they have been edited.
