Helping People Understand Science

     A simple question: Why is it important to understand science? With science we are able to answer questions with quality, true information, as well as make technological advances and help us learn the  importance of the environment as well as even our own health.  Science isn't something that only scientist need to understand, it is important for everyday people as well. A disscusion made by Jonathon Garlick stated that "A recently elected senator has linked sealing the US- Mexican border with keeping Ebola out of the US, even though the disease is nonexistent in Mexico." This is an example of being misinformed about science; when people aren't knowledge on their science, they tend to spread information that is in fact false. Being an informed citizen makes conversations more productive and more educational as well as making your general academic knowledge useful.

https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2014/12/why-everyone-needs-to-understand-science/

     Along with textbooks and the classroom, their are also many other ways that people can be informed about science. Museums and field trips make it easier for kids to learn more about science. For example, Marbles Museum located in Raleigh, is a museum for kids, where they are able to interact with with different science related activities and learn more about science. Things like this are where kids can be introduced to science, and figure out what things in science interest them. Marbles Museum is a popular place for school field trips. Videos are also another way that people learn from science. Yes, science videos are common in the classroom, especially in a science classroom, but I have first hand experience with have no clue what was talked about in my biology class or anatomy class, and had to take matters into my own hands to teach myself the material. YouTube videos were a very big help, and continue to help me through my studies. A very useful YouTube channel that I have used for more than just science is Crash Course. Crash Course is full of different subjects, and is able to break down different subjects in order for students to find what they are looking for. I have used Crash Course for things such as history as well as in science classes, and have seen many students benefit from them. There are also many other ways that people can learn science through, butI have always found myself looking for other ways to interpret science besides the textbook, and science museums and videos have always had an impact on my science knowledge. 

Sources:
http://www.marbleskidsmuseum.org

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QnQe0xW_JY4&list=PL3EED4C1D684D3ADF

   

 For the Special Project this semester, my partner Rachel and I decided to make a children's book about Archie. The book was basically a break down of how Dr. Heckert discovered the creature, and the features of the animal as well. We talked about the animals structure as well as what the animal eats, and what it evolved into in the future. The project worked out well because Rachel was willing to test out her art abilities for the assignment, and she did a great job! She made sure that the drawings were clear and kid- like in order for kids to enjoy the book. In order to improve our work we would have to make a couple grammatical and spelling changes on the original piece, but thanks to my teacher, we were able to digitally put the book online, and make the dialogue better (which we are continuing to work on in order to make the project better). Rachel and I worked well on this project together, and put a good amount of time and effort into the book. Once the changes are made in the book, we hope to have it perfect for the children to read and enjoy, and hopefully understand more about this discovery!