Science: A Field Of Wonder/Introduction

What is science? How is science learned? What does "doing science" mean? How is science done? What tools are needed to do science? How are scientific investigations done? By discovering the answers to these questions you will better appreciate what science truly is.

Everyone should realize the contributions of science and scientists to society. The technological advancement that you are enjoying today is the outcome of researches in science and discoveries by scientists. Young people like you should be encouraged to be interested in science or science-related fields in order to build the country's human resources to a level that can change the country toward economic progress. As you go through this introduction, try to see how well you can answer each of ther questions posted earlier. Moreover, see how your answer could influence the way you view the present-day world.

Science and Technology

The word science comes from the Latin term scientia, which means "to know". Science refers to an organized body of knowledge, which people have learned and gained through the use of scientific processes. Furthermore, science is often described as any systematic field of study.

The application of scientific knowledge to practical purposes is called technology or applied science. Technology comes from the Latin words techne, meaning "craft or skill" and logia, meaning "study."

The study of science and technology is very important because it deals with the improvement of the quality of life.

An example of this is a modernized tricycle or E-trike which eliminates the effects of noise and air pollution.

Science and technology provide so much impact on our lives. However, their negative effects cannot be ignored.. For instance, soil erosion, waste management, flooding, new diseases, and other health-related problems are the consequences of the processes and products of science and technology. Aside from these threats to individuals and the surroundings, world-related concerns are also present. An example is the hole in the ozone layer of the atmosphere due to the chlorofluorocarbons (CFC) from aerosols and refrigerants. The issue on global warming, the changes in climate patterns, and the rise in sea level around the world are other examples of environmental problems caused by some products and processes of science and technology.

It is now a challenge for humans like you, equipped with scientific knowledge and skills, to be able to decide wisely whether a particular process or product of science and technology can serve as a risk or a support to human lives.