In ancient times science (from the Latin word scientia) meant knowledge or learning. Today we define science as the study of the orld around us. The study of science helps us answer the how, what, where, and why of our surroundings. But science is more than a collection of facts. Science is a human work. It is a growing and an exciting search for what is true. In this sense, science is a way of solving problems.
Science has many branches, such as physical science, earth science, and life science. Life science is the study of living things -plants and animals. It helps to explain how living things relate to one another and to their surroundings.
Put yourself in the place of a life scientist. Try to figure our the following press releases. Can you explain these events?
CHINE: DECEMBER, 1974 - Snakes crawled from their winter sleeping places. They froze to death in the winter cold. Rats also behaved in a strange way. They came out of their hiding places and wandered around the streets in broad daylight. These events were followed by an earthquake.
CHINA: FEBRUARY, 1975 - Geese were seen flying into trees. Dogs howled for no clear reason. These events were followed by an earthquake.
GREECE: 856 _ Mice, weasels,and other burrowing animals were seen fleeing from the ancient city of Helice. Five days later the city was leveled by an earth quake.
Earthquakes do affect living things. Because life scientists study the behavior of living things they may be able to predict earthquakes. This is only one of the many ways life science is used in the world.
How science and technology influence you;
Technology is the use of scientific discoveries. Transportation, communication, food, medicine, and most of what you see around you are the result of technology. Technology based on life science has resulted in many useful applications. Plants that don't get sick easily, shots that prevent mumps and measles, X rays that show cavities, and organ transplants are just a few applications. The world is a better place because of science.