INSIGHTS GAINED: An Introduction to Science

Part I: Focus of the Topic (What the topic is all about? Its Importance)

I understand that science is a way of learning of how things work. It can be both a body of knowledge
and the process of acquiring knowledge. Basically, it establish knowledge that helps explain natural and
physical occurrences through objective means and employs skills such as measuring, analyzing, observing
and experimenting.

Since no science is ever a fixed body of knowledge, it is rather scientific- an ongoing process of searching
for new information. However, not all knowledge claims facts. Science Fiction and superstitions may be
present. While science is supported by scientific attitude and investigated by scientific method which brings
about consistent repeatable results known as theory. Scientific fiction and superstition on the other hand, is
supported by fear of unknown and is countered by rituals that brings about inconsistent results that are
package as superstitious beliefs. Thus, one must learn about how the world works through personal
experiences. Sometimes, for the more inquisitive person, this is done through trial and error.

For science to serve humanity, it applies scientific knowledge for the common good. Actually,
scientifically minded people generally believe in cause and effect relationship. They feel there is a perfectly
natural explanation for most things. That’s why individuals involve in science, called scientist, often spend
their entire lives in pursuit of answers to probing questions. Anyone can be a scientist in some sense.
Actually, there is no single formula on how to be a scientist, and curiosity and observation are the start of it.
Scientist do possesses a curious child in their hearts and minds. At first, these questions come at random.
Later on, the questions become more focused and direct, enabling the scientist to know what data to gather
and to plan how to answer these questions through experiments. Since not all experiments are successful.
Scientist must possess positive attitude towards failure. They must be humble enough to accept that one
does not have the answer to every question, and admits that they may commit mistakes. Humility
safeguards scientists against arrogance which limits how far and to what extent the pursuit of science should
go. Scientist practice healthy skepticism they do not accept things simply because someone said so. Healthy
skepticism protects scientists from the dangers of accepting everything with absolute certainty. They usually
verify the sources of their information, and must posses open- mindedness accepting criticism and showing
respect for the work and ideas of others and are open to trying new techniques. They should be patient,
especially when dealing with problems and unexpected setbacks and still pursuit for success. A scientist is
confident and prepared to defend his/her work, especially if he/she knows that he/she is correct. Intellectual
honesty is present, scientist acknowledge others contribution and do not claim to be authors of a work that
does not belong to them.

For the research and discovery to prosper, scientist spend tremendous amount of time making
observations and gathering information, or data. They work using the scientific methods. Scientist may first
become intrigued with specific problem. They learn about these problems in variety of ways. Sometimes
they discover them through chance observation or through awareness which may also result from reading
from laboratory experiments, or simply from thinking. Once the problem is firmly grasped, the scientist tries
to learn as much as possible about it. Frequently this involves studying books and journals that contain
information about the problem. After data has been collected and analyzed, the scientist formulates guess
called hypothesis. The scientist then design experiments to test this hypothesis. The experimentation may
involve designing a theoretical model to be simulated and tested. Whatever form the experiment takes, the
scientist must obtain measurements or other data from the experiment. Analysis of the data will either
suggest the validity of the hypothesis or suggest a revision of the hypothesis. Once revised and retested, the
hypothesis may gain the acceptance of other scientist with similar interest. They will repeat the experiment
to retest the validity of the hypothesis. Once this idea, model or explanation that has been rigorously tested,
analyzed and accepted, then it becomes a theory. The theory will continue to be an acceptable explanation
unless new information is uncovered that the scientific community agrees disproves it. The continuous
scrutiny under which scientist operate helps to avoid errors.

Part II: Advantages and Disadvantages (Enumerate your answers separately for the 2 parts)

Science continues to have impact in our lives. However, it doesn’t comes without its shares of issues
both an advantage and disadvantage.

ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES

 Science has helped the society, it able to create  Science may destroy the society simple lifestyle.
something that can immeasurably improve the Invasion of private life and controlling the life of
quality of life. With the discovery of those the others may happen. People happen to be
inventions, people can achieve their aspirations too dependent on science, that without it they
much more easily. feel helpless.

 Science channels us out of ignorance and down  Since science always needs to be proven, it
a path of realization. It expands our removes mystery from the world, which can be
understanding of life. It leads us to new a vital source of hope. Faith will always contest
discoveries and facilitates progress and and be in conflict with scientific endeavor.
development. Science removes the guesswork
and restores order. Without it we only live of
guesses and listen to superstitious beliefs and
science fictions. None of them would have been
possible without testing, experimentation,
curiosity and challenging assumptions.

 With the help of scientific people like scientist-  Science experiments may be out of hand. Doing
who have persistence, brilliance and uses inhuman practices and unspeakable things in
scientific approaches did we move into the name of science is possible. We are in
progressive and modern practices that save danger of destroying ourselves with these
countless lives each year. Rightly used science monstrous means, which ironically are our
can bring heaven on earth. creation. Wrongly used science can turn this
earth into hell by destroying civilization. It may
easily handled by irresponsible people like
terrorist, theft, cyber criminality, hacking and
the likes.

Part III: Self- Learned (Which of the lecture/ discussion that strike your interest? Cite your personal or
work related situations to support your findings or statement)
 Science has made modern society possible. The quality of life have been standardized and uplifted. It
transform the society and the world as a whole. But the twin to positive impacts, arises also the dark side of
it. Science experience ethical dilemmas. Advancement of medical science like cloning, using animals to test
cosmetic products, changing the environment for artificial beautification, weaponry advancements like
atomic bomb and nuclear weapons, and many more, are all science aftermath results of the societies growth
and progress. These science increasing pace may result to either good or bad according to the people
responsible acts.

COVID 19 vaccines have been distributed all around the country, giving priority to the front-liners who
are sacrificing for all of us. Being a front-liner in today’s darkest times. I experience first hand on how to be
doubtful to this COVID 19 vaccines. Plenty videos, pictures and post on social medias are giving hints either
true or false promises on the effectivity of this vaccines. I know that science uses scientific methods to test
first their research and discoveries. But apparently because of the rampant spread of this deadly virus,
vaccines are well known also to be made fast and skipped some scientific process. This is due to time
constraints. It is also of common knowledge that vaccines are expensive and there are plenty to choose
from, and since we can’t pick the best cause it has been donated. It over powers me to think that science
can’t give us all the answers to our problems. Scientist as a person, aren’t perfect and may commit mistakes.
 Curiosity and observation are the start of science. All scientist have curious child in their hearts and
minds. At first, these questions come at random. Later on, the questions become more focused and direct,
enabling the scientist to know what data to gather and to plan how to answer these questions through
experiments.

Scientist always ask questions and often wonder about the world. A good scientist must be humble
enough to accept that one does not have the answer to every question. A good scientist admits mistakes.
Humility safeguards scientists against arrogance which limits how far and to what extent the pursuit of
science should go. Scientist practice healthy skepticism when they do not accept things simply because
someone said so. Healthy skepticism protects scientists from the dangers of accepting everything with
absolute certainty. They usually verify the sources of their information.

Not all experiments are successful. Scientist must possess positive attitude towards failure.

Scientist must posses open- mindedness accepting criticism and showing respect for the work and ideas of
others and are open to trying new techniques.

A scientist should be patient, especially when dealing with problems and unexpected setbacks and still
pursuit for success.

A scientist is confident and prepared to defend his work, especially if he/ she knows that he/ she is correct.

Intellectual honesty, scientist acknowledge others contribution and do not claim to be authors of a work that
does not belong to them.

While the basic sciences can be studied separately and independently of one another, the sciences can also
cut across disciplines. Because of this, science has become interdisciplinary. As scientist in various fields work
as a team they integrate all their research findings to improve the qualityof all varoius fields work as a
team,they integrate all their research findings to improve the quality of all forms of life.

When the process of making knowledge ceases,what is left is tradition to be passed from one generation to
another. However, science fiction and superstitious knowledge seem to be confused with science. While
science is supported by scientific attitude and investigated by scientific method that brings about consistent
repeatable results known as theory. Superstition on the other hand, is supported by fear of unknown and is
countered by rituals that brings about inconsistent results that are package as superstitious beliefs, which
are a matter of chance.
Science versus Superstition. Science is supported by scientific attitude and investigated by scientific method
that brings about consistent repeatable results are package as theory. While superstition is supported by
fear of unknown and is countered by rituals that brings about inconsistent results that are package as
superstitious beliefs, which are a matter of chance.

One learns about how the world works through personal experiences. Sometimes, for the more inquisitive
person, this is done through trial and error. As science has advanced in major leaps,superstitious beliefs have
become less popular among the younger generation.

Practically everything deals with science, which means science is- an ongoing process of searching for new
information.

This is indicated by the word scientific, which means science making- an ongoing process of searching for
new information. When the process of making knowledge ceases,what is left is tradition to be passed from
one generation to another.

The experiment can be repeated by others and still obtain same results.

The Latin word scientia, which means “knowing” or “being skilled,” is the source of the English word
science. The branches of study that are now called sciences once fell under the heading of philosophy, an
umbrella term that suggested the pursuit of knowledge.

Scientific Method cannot be limited to the methods of specific branches of knowledge. Every area of
study has its own specific goals and its own methods for reaching them. The goals and methods of physics
are not the same as those of botany or geology, yet all are legitimately viewed as sciences.

No science is ever a fixed body of knowledge. This is indicated by the word scientific, which means
science making- an ongoing process of searching for new information. When the process of making
knowledge ceases,what is left is tradition to be passed from one generation to another.

There are no distinct boundaries separating the various fields. A relationship exists between all of them.
Each fields uses its own information and methods as well as those of others. Specific names and definitions
of fields are used only for convenience since the entire field of science is too large to be studied as a whole.
The sciences are usually classified into categories.

The word science comes from the Latin word scientia, which means “to know”. Science is a way learning how
things work. Practically everything deals with science.
Science is a systematic attempt to establish knowledge that helps explain natural and physical occurrences
through objective means- which refer to the manner by which knowledge is obtained. It employs skills such
as measuring, analyzing, observing and experimenting. The experiment can be repeated by others and still
obtain same results.

The application of science leads to the development of technology.

Scientific breakthrough is a euphoric moment that reveals an idea even an accidental answer to a need or
problem.

Many scientific breakthrough were developed into technologies that helped improve the quality of life by
giving cures to diseases, increasing food production, improving procedures for solving crimes and developing
machines that do work more efficiently.

Some scientific breakthrough were discovered accidentally and led to other breakthrough, while others were
made through the perseverance of scientist. Gadgets are examples of products of these breakthroughs.

For science to serve humanity, it applies scientific knowledge for the common good.

Science versus Superstition. Science is supported by scientific attitude and investigated by scientific method
that brings about consistent repeatable results are package as theory. While superstition is supported by
fear of unknown and is countered by rituals that brings about inconsistent results that are package as
superstitious beliefs, which are a matter of chance.

One learns about how the world works through personal experiences. Sometimes, for the more inquisitive
person, this is done through trial and error. As science has advanced in major leaps,superstitious beliefs have
become less popular among the younger generation.

The scientific method is a sequence of steps followed by scientists to differentiate facts from myths and
superstitions, or validate or refute speculations. It is a systematic and orderly approach in gathering data and
solving problems that involves the following steps: observing- to identify a problem; researching- to gather
related information; formulating a hypothesis- to predict a likely outcome; testing the hypothesis- designing
and performing an experiment; recording and analyzing, data and drawing conclusions.

Differences in results may arise because of other factors that have to be further investigated. It is necessary
that scientist share their findings with the world. Thus, keeping record of data and ideas, and written report
of findings, helps readers and other people interested to keep track of any recommendations and on how to
improve the experiment.
Actually theories and laws began with hypothesis. Hypothesis is a tentative explanation about a set of
observations. When consistent results are obtained from a large number of repeated experiments, then the
hypothesis becomes a theory.

Scientific laws and theories began as hypotheses had to be tested and supported by facts.

A theory is a statement that uses facts and relies on observation, research and experimentation. It is
formulated to explain the how and/ or the why of an observed occurrence or phenomenon. Theories are
proposed after repeated experimentation that produced consistent results. Theory is a synthesis of a large
body of information to help us understand and explain occurrences.

Scientific conclusion is grounded on observation- which are perceived through senses, and inference- a
suggestion or an implication that one bases on observation. But many times especially in scientific
investigations, direct observations are not possible. Scientist can only rely on indirect evidences to build their
theories. Ex. Atoms cannot be seen with the naked eye or with a powerful microscope, but scientist have
arrived at vital information, such as its structure based on indirect experimentation and observation.

During an experiment, a scientist observes and records changes. He/ she records data into a record book so
that trends and other information can be inferred. Qualitative data- collected from observation and
description and quantitative data- data presented in numbers.

Traits of a scientist. There is no single formula on how to be a scientist. For one thing, superior intelligence is
not an absolute prerequisite. Curiosity and observation are the start of science, and all scientist have curious
child in their hearts and minds. Scientist always ask questions and often wonder about the world. At first,
these questions come at random. Later on,the questions become more focused and direct, enabling the
scientist to know what data to gather and to plan how to answer these questions through experiments.

A good scientist must be humble enough to accept that one does not have the answer to every question. A
good scientist admits mistakes. Humility safeguards scientists against arrogance which limits how far and to
what extent the pursuit of science should go. Scientist practice healthy skepticism when they do not accept
things simply because someone said so. Healthy skepticism protects scientists from the dangers of accepting
everything with absolute certainty. They usually verify the sources of their information.

Not all experiments are successful. Scientist must possess positive attitude towards failure.

Scientist must posses open- mindedness accepting criticism and showing respect for the work and ideas of
others and are open to trying new techniques.

A scientist should be patient, especially when dealing with problems and unexpected setbacks and still
pursuit for success.

A scientist is confident and prepared to defend his work, especially if he/ she knows that he/ she is correct.

Intellectual honesty, scientist acknowledge others contribution and do not claim to be authors of a work that
does not belong to them.

While the basic sciences can be studied separately and independently of one another, the sciences can also
cut across disciplines. Because of this, science has become interdisciplinary. As scientist in various fields work
as a team they integrate all their research findings to improve the qualityof all varoius fields work as a
team,they integrate all their research findings to improve the quality of all forms of life.