OK, so I was getting all riled up about this, but then as I finished the second article, I came across this
Some experts on science education also point to the typical sequence of high school science instruction: biology, chemistry and then physics. It would make more sense in reverse, these people say, because the principles of physics underlie chemistry, which is crucial for an understanding of biology.
Perhaps the leading champion of this “physics first” approach is Leon M. Lederman, a particle physicist, Nobel laureate and former director of Fermilab whose focus lately has been on improving science and math education. He said the current biology-chemistry-physics sequence dates from the late 19th century, when “we didn’t know enough” and biology was considered a “descriptive” subject.
In fact, Dr. Lederman said, “biology is the most complicated of all subjects, and it is based on chemistry and physics.” And, he added, “there is nothing in chemistry, no fact of chemistry or process of chemistry that if you ask ‘Why does this happen?’ you don’t go back to physics.”
While I don't disagree with the premise of teaching physics first, where the hell is geology? Seriously, we want to build up to inclusive and interdisciplinary sciences that are important for the problems of the world, and no one mentions geology? For f@#k's sake! I am sure we can all post for years about why geology or even the generic earth science are not considered important disciplines (even by Nobel Laureates, and in the same article that worries about global warming), but what this makes me most frustrated about is our inability as geoscientists to sell the significance of our work. As Lederman points out, biology used to be thought of as a descriptive science, so it came first. Is that the problem with geology? Are we thought of as describers of rocks and finders of oil? I've heard this before, that geologists are seen mainly as suppliers of products (minerals and oil), and not as scientists. OK, time for Thermochronic to get some air...
*By the way, Stein is apparently trained as an economist, where did he pick up his scientific background? What makes him qualified to comment on the subject at all? What's next, Ben Stein tells you how to treat Alzheimers? Ben Stein debunking the myths, cigarettes are good for you? Ben Stein talks about the pros and cons of Pfeiffer and Varian roughing pumps? Shouldn't you actually have some expertise in a subject before you spout off strong opinions? Should I be telling Loose Baggy Monster about literature or history? Perhaps I can be called upon to give my opinion on the effect of American corn subsidies on foreign currency markets? Hell, I have a Ph.D., somebody get me a camera! Stein discussing the biological sciences must look a lot like the panelists on the video below
Situation In Nigeria Seems Pretty Complex
8 comments:
I went to high school in New York State...where it was Earth Science, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics in that order.
To this day, I am thankful that NY required earth science...and the 9th grade is a great age for a class like that.
When I found out later in life that other states don't require earth science at anytime in high school (e.g., California), I was astonished.
I live for the day when people will realise that geology is the best possible starting point for teaching people about science, and not only because it covers Physics, Chemistry and Biology is a very hands-on way. What are kids interested in? Volcanoes and dinosaurs, that's what.
Brian - I know, I grew up in California, perhaps the most geologically active state we have, and my "earth science" was almost non-existent.
CJR - "What are kids interested in? Volcanoes and dinosaurs, that's what" you forgot to mention thermochronology, kids love thermochronology.
Even Scienceblogs is guilty of forgetting geology. Last summer they had a survey of reader interests, which included a bunch of boxes to check if you wanted to read more about certain topics.
Geology wasn't listed. Neither was earth science.
We can make noise, but we've got to get other scientists acknowledging that we exist. No, there is no Nobel prize in the earth sciences. So there's an entire scientific revolution that is not recorded in the list of Nobel prizes. Doesn't mean it wasn't important.
Also: yeah, my four-year-old gets excited about argon. Um. Well, no. He's got a stuffed T. Rex and draws pictures of volcanoes.
Maybe in the States, it's better to start with physics. Then, there might be a chance for the kids before the rednecks get a crack at it! After all, they can't argue with the way a bullet flies...
It's everywhere. Just yesterday I was reading a book by Ranulph Fiennes about his Antarctic feats; it had a short appendix talking about scientific research conducted on the continent, and everyone (meteorologists, atmospheric scientists, biologists, glaciologists, &c) gets a mention, with the conspicuous absence of geologists and geophysicists.
I'm tired of clicking on 'Earth Science' categories online, only to find a label of 'Climate Science' would have been more suitable.
anonymous above...I agree! Because climate science, for good reason, is getting a lot of attention and press, it seems reasonable to include it within "earth science"...but, I wonder if it should be separated (within the context of science news reporting) somehow...I'm not sure the best way to do this.
The ongoing see-saw of categorizing specialties, then combining them back into a more holistic systems view, and then separating them back again...maybe the see-saw is the answer?
Aren't chemistry, physics, and biology simply the tools that are needed to practice geology?
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