Science | Science Knowledge

Deciding If A Marine Career Is Right For You

July 4, 2011 by admin Leave a Comment

National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium...

Image by comprock via Flickr

Marine careers are perfect for people who love Science, and marine creatures and plants. There are a variety of positions, such as marine biology, and the career is one which is widely varied, meaning your weeks are never likely to be the same. Getting in to the field does require plenty of maths and science knowledge, so before you decide what courses to take, decide if marine science really is the right career for you.

One of the most effective ways to see if you suit marine science is by getting an internship. Many different work environments offer these, from museums and science parks to federal laboratories and marine theme parks, and give you a chance to experience the type of work you’d be doing. Try to do a minimum of a week, and longer if possible, so you can really imagine how working there would feel. If you can, do an internship in more then one place, as this will give you an idea of which area you’d like to work in.

Read profiles of different jobs, and note down the ones you are most interested in. From marine biologists to oceanographers, you can read about the highlights and bad parts of each job, and discover ones which suit your interests.

Contact organizations locally, and look out for marine-related job advertisments locally. These will give you more information on factors such as responsibilities, salary and working hours, along with requirements. Once you’ve considered all this information, you can be sure marine science is a career for you!

Filed Under: General, Science Tagged With: Marine, Marine biology, Oceanography

Finding Jobs in the Sciences

June 9, 2011 by admin Leave a Comment

Idealistic science students often plan on pursuing specific areas of research after the graduate. Recent research into science careers, however, shows that professionals might need to stay flexible and consider different approaches to get the most out of their careers.

Staying Flexible in Your Career

Whether you have a PhD, bachelors, or masters degree, you have been trained to understand a wide variety of skills and processes. While you might have a certain path in mind, it makes sense to keep your mind open to new possibilities. There are several reasons for this. After graduation, you could find that

The job market has more positions for certain types of scientists than others
The job you wanted doesn’t make enough money for your lifestyle or to repay your school loans
Pursuing your career of interest means relocating to another city or country

These unexpected factors can cause you to reconsider your career goals.

Look for New Opportunities in Science

The good news is that companies need experienced scientists now more than ever. That means that there are plenty of opportunities for graduates to consider. If you are interested in chemistry, then you might find a job making prescription drugs or researching pesticides. If you are interested in physics, then you might work for an automobile manufacturer. Sure, you originally wanted to work for NASA, but new opportunities in commercial research and manufacturing can mean stable jobs with higher salaries.

What types of careers in science have you considered as an alternative to your dream job?

Filed Under: Science Tagged With: Career, Doctor of Philosophy, NASA

The Science of Attachment Theory

January 29, 2011 by admin Leave a Comment

Attachment theory has become an important way of understanding human social development in the early stages. The theory emphasizes the importance of social attachment for infants, usually to the parents, and how that attachment affects adult relationships later in life. Scientists have classified people into four different attachment patterns.

Secure: This is the ideal attachment pattern. The infant’s needs are met, and he or she has the confidence to explore the world.

Ambivalent: Caregiver is inconsistent in meeting the infant’s needs. These people will have more difficulty trusting people later in life.

Avoidant: Caregiver fails to respond to the child’s needs. These people develop high levels of independence, to the point of being unfulfilled by social interaction. Pascal Vrticka, of the University of Geneva, looked at brain patterns and found that people with avoidant attachment showed less activity than others in the reward centers when interacting socially.

Disorganized: Associated with abused children. These people have low self-esteem, and, although they desire them, they are uncomfortable in close relationships.

A University of Minnesota study recorded attachment patterns of 42-month-old children and then predicted which ones would get their high school diplomas—with an accuracy rate of 77 percent.

Though some of these attachment patterns are more healthy than others, any attachment is better than no attachment.

A scientist named Henry Harlow studied the behavior of baby rhesus monkeys who were isolated from their mothers in an effort to protect them from disease. These babies became very attached to soft monkey dolls placed in their cages as surrogate mothers, but when they encountered other monkeys they became violently fearful, gnawing at themselves and pulling at their fur until bloody. Their lack of early attachment made them incapable of interacting with other monkeys for the rest of their lives.

This study shows just how strong the need for attachment in primates, like ourselves, can be.

Filed Under: Science Tagged With: Attachment theory, Infant, Interpersonal relationship

The Science of Soda—Is It Really That Bad For You?

January 15, 2011 by admin Leave a Comment

Soda is an extremely popular beverage in the United States. You can find it everywhere you go. At some gas stations you can drink it in quantities larger than the human stomach. But with all of this consumption, we rarely stop to think about the chemical substance that we are putting into our bodies. Sure, it is bad for you. But how bad? And why? Coca-Cola no longer contains cocaine. And the caffeine content in soda pales in comparison to coffee and certain other canned beverages.

One of the main drawbacks of soda consumption is the sugar content. Soda drinking has been linked to diabetes, which is nearing epidemic proportions in the United States. The problem is that people consume soda indiscriminately with meals and on its own without any regard for how much sugar or calories they are consuming. This is an especially big problem in young people and it is why many school districts have chosen to ban soda sales on their campuses. Fortunately, many of the harmful effects of soda can be avoided by simply switching to diet. Diet sodas use a sweetener called aspartame that is much sweeter than sugar, and therefore you do not need to use as much of it to achieve a sweet taste. The result? Zero calories. Many people fear that aspartame is a carcinogen, but in reality there is no scientific evidence of this.

The other big danger is phosphoric acid, which is a major ingredient in cola drinks. Phosphoric acid binds with calcium and prevents calcium absorption. Thus cola drinking has been linked to low bone density. Therefore if you drink a lot of soda you should make sure you are taking your calcium supplements. And don’t forget dental hygiene. Experts say using a straw can help a lot.

The answer is that soda, just like anything else, should be enjoyed in moderation. One or two twelve-ounce cans a day at the most.

Filed Under: Science Tagged With: Coca-Cola

Science—How Smart Are Animals?

January 11, 2011 by admin Leave a Comment

Many scholars look to language as one of the most obvious ways in which humans are evolutionarily superior to the animal kingdom. This assertion has led scientists to study the particulars of this gap that separates us from the animals.

Talking animals has been a hugely popular fixation of popular culture from Mr. Ed to Beverly Hills Chihuahua and beyond. But could it really happen? Although the idea of animals being able to communicate on the same level as humans is dubious at best, pet owners are making strides in the field of teaching animals language. Parrots obviously are the first to come to mind, but they only appear to be conversing by “parroting” back what they hear humans say. Do they really understand a word they are saying? Probably not.

Anyone who has said the word “walk” around their dog knows that dogs are able to understand some language. But how many words can they really learn? A border collie named Chaser, though she can only bark, has been taught to understand 1,022 nouns. That means she can fetch 1,022 different objects when asked for them by name.

Dogs do not learn language in the same way as humans. Chaser learned her words through sheer repetition, and cannot pick up context clues the same way that young children can. Her master’s next step will be to try teaching her grammar. It remains to be determined whether it is really the words or some other complex cues Chaser is picking up on from her master that lead to her apparent language skill.

Scientists have studied other species with complex communication systems, such as dolphins and prairie dogs, but so far the human language system reigns supreme. This is due to our relative brainpower but also to the variety of sounds that we can make.

Filed Under: Science Tagged With: Dog

Global Warming and Local Cooling

January 8, 2011 by admin Leave a Comment

Many conservative critics of global warming are very vocal about the fact that they find it hard to believe that the Earth is warming when there is a record-breaking blizzard raging outside their door. These critics are failing to see the big picture. But they raise an importnat point. Europe and the Northeastern United States, even parts of the Southern United States, have seen historic snowstorms these past two winters. Major cities were paralyzed; in New York City this winter a newborn baby died because the snow was not plowed in time for the parents to get to the hospital.

But what does this mean for the rest of the globe? For one thing, this heightened snowfall was not the case everywhere. Areas such as Greenland and Northern Canada that are normally known for their snow found it to be sorely lacking in these past two years, some places experiencing average temperatures as many as twenty degrees higher than normal.

So why the shift? Scientists say that the change in weather patterns is due to a weakening of the arctic “fence,” which normally keeps frigid air safely tucked away to the north. Because it has been weakened in the past two years, that means more cold air moving further south. Meanwhile, in turn, the door is opened for warm air to move north.

There has been no conclusive evidence as to whether this phenomenon is caused by global warming. Many scientists disagree on the issue. But in spite of the snowstorms, global temperatures continue to climb. In addition to being the wettest year on record, 2010 has officially tied 2005 as the hottest year on record. Nine out of ten of the warmest years on record have been in the twenty-first century—and it is only 2011. Climate record keeping began in 1880.

Filed Under: Science Tagged With: Global warming

Becoming a Scientist

January 5, 2011 by admin Leave a Comment

Do you excel at numbers and have an incredible understanding and grasp of mathematics or science? Do scientific theories interest you? Maybe you like the way elements work together. If so, there are many options available to you for college studies and future professions. Physics, astronomy, engineering, chemical engineering, and medical sciences or research–these are just a small sampling of the many majors and professions that require excellent skills in mathematics and science. Studies of the sciences is incredibly important for advancements in technology, medicine, transportation, environmental concerns, and more.

What is it about science that you find interesting? Maybe you are amazed with cells, or maybe it is the way that things work together, or maybe it is even just the thrill of answering a scientific question that has plagued humans for years? Does the idea of finding a cure for cancer intrigue you? Maybe you have an interest in topics related to astronomy or the composition of metal. Whatever it is about science that excites you, it is time for you to build on that interest and move forward with the next phase of your life!

If you have an aptitude for science and mathematics, why not consider getting formal education in science? This will allow you to work in a profession that you’ll really enjoy and will benefit humanity. Determine the area of science that interests you the most and pursue a career in that field. So, if you are considering a degree in science, there are many options available to you, whether it be studying at a traditional university or through online programs. Online degree options allow you to study at the time, place, and pace that’s most convenient for you. The opportunities for an individual with a science major are endless! So, are you ready to become the next great scientist?

Filed Under: Physics, Science Tagged With: Chemical engineering, Education, Mathematics

Increasing Interest in Science education in secondary classrooms

December 19, 2010 by admin Leave a Comment

For many students, science classes can be intimidating or lack interest. So how do we address this issue and help students become more interested and less intimidated by science classrooms. One answer is to make science content more accessible and enjoyable for students. Multiple techniques can be implemented that educators, parents, and students can use to help students enjoy their science classes.

A variety of techniques can be used to increase interest, student motivation, and participation in the classroom. The first way is to provide material in multiple ways, such as communicating information to students in written format, along with verbal information, and visual information.

To provide students with information visually, multimedia presentations such as PowerPoint presentations, student made videos, or even visual organizers where students can draw connections between materials can all be implemented either in a classroom or by the students themselves.

Hands-on activities can be used to incorporate lab tests into the classroom information or can be completed at home as a means of demonstrating information.
Written material can be incorporated with different forms of note-taking in the classroom where students take notes on one side of a page and then write questions, concerns, connections to other information, or predictions for future outcomes on the other side of the page.

Finally, students or teachers can use interactive materials such as online experiments or virtual field trips to allow students to get involved with the information.

These techniques can be used to increase motivation and participation in science instruction. Additionally, using a variety of these strategies can help create and maintain interest and participation. Moreover, many of these strategies are methods that students or parents can use outside of the classroom to help with understanding material or increase interest in homework even if these strategies are not used in the classroom.

Filed Under: General, Science Tagged With: Education, Educational Resources, Science education, Student, technology

Technology in Education

December 18, 2010 by admin Leave a Comment

What does educational technology really mean? Most people consider technology use in education to mean the implementation of computers in the classroom. However, educational technology can mean so much more. Technology use in education commonly refers to technology that is used by students or teachers to present material, organize material, demonstrate student knowledge, or integrate learning and interaction.

The most common current technologies used in education today typically revolve around presenting or delivering material or knowledge. This includes common devices and programs such as overhead projectors, document projectors, smart boards, PowerPoint presentations, multimedia presentations, internet use for research, and software applications for educational purposes.

Moreover, most consider using these devices as the major function of educational technology. However, it is how you use the devices and the extent to which an educator uses them that makes them successful in improving student achievement and learning.

To truly impact the success of student achievement, educators must integrate technology in a majority of instruction not only as an occasional use, but more as a consistent means of instruction. This can mean presenting educational materials as multimedia presentations, incorporating a variety of student activities throughout instruction with software programs, and integrating technology use into assessment.

Technological devices that can aid educators in integrating educational technology include using smart boards and interactive white boards to present material to students that address multiple learning styles. Additionally, educators can use programs to help student create graphic organizers for material that integrates educational technology and a variety of teaching strategies that aid students in visualizing information, organizing material, and making connections to concepts and other materials. Finally, educators can provide students with multiple opportunities to use technology when demonstrating their knowledge in subjects.

As technology advances and access increases, educators will continue to use technology in the classroom that will only improve success for the current technologically driven generation.

Filed Under: General, Science Tagged With: Education, Educational technology, Instructional technology, Student, Teacher, technology