Table of Contents
Environmental Science
Scientific Method
Critical Thinking
Elements of Life
Energy
Evolution
Biodiversity
Environmental Science
Environmental Science opens a window for us to learn more about our planet and our place in it. Environmental Science does not limit itself to one area of scientific study, but rather compiles biology, chemistry, geology and many other areas of science to further understand our planet. This study of science could be mistaken as “tree hugger” or other terms that imply environmentalism. Environmental science seeks to better understand our world and our impact on it. What we decide to do with that information is then our own choice.
Issue that face our environment range from climate to water and biodiversity loss. But it also deals with hunger and clean water. This study of science does not only focus on the planet but all of it’s inhabitants.
Scientific Method
In order to study the world around us, we must perform experiments and develop theories on everything that happens in our world. Most of us come up with conclusions about our world using the scientific method without even realizing it. There are four steps in the scientific method.
The first step is to observe what you are trying to learn more about. For example, your care will not start. There are several reasons that your car may not start, gas, the battery and many more.
The second step is to create a hypothesis which is a testable explanation. The hypothesis is an assumption that you wish to prove or disprove. For example, if you were trying to find out why you car didn’t start, your hypothesis might be, “My car doesn’t start because I ran out of gas.”
The third step is to develop a test for your hypothesis. In this case you would add gas to your car’s gas tank.
The fourth step is to gather data from your test. Did the car start when you put gas in it?
The fifth step is to evaluate the results. If the car started when you added gas to it, then your hypothesis was correct. If it did not, then you have to repeat the process with a new hypothesis!
Everything that environmental science researches starts and ends with the scientific method. This allows scientists to organize their thoughts as tract their research in a way that can be referred to in the future.
Critical Thinking
Cunningham defines critical thinking as, “a term we use to describe logical, orderly, analytical assessment of ideas, evidence, and arguments”. (Cunningham, 16). Critical thinking enables us to take the data gathered through the scientific method and develop theories and arguments. This type of thinking forces us to break down each piece of our thinking processes and evaluate it.
We use critical thinking every day. A perfect example of our daily critical thinking process is the upcoming presidential election. Most of us that vote have heard the candidates speak at least once. Based off of their campaign speech we analyze their opinions or support their platforms and evaluate whether or not we support those beliefs or ideals. We break down the election based on what we have determined to be true for ourselves. Here is an image of the critical thinking process that really helped me to understand it better.
