INTRODUCTION TO INTEGRATED SCIENCE

INTRODUCTION AND DEFINATION 

In science, we gain knowledge by observation, preformation experiments and drawing conclusions from the pieces of information or data that are collected.

Science is defined as a method of obtaining knowledge through observation and experimentation.

FIELDS OF SCIENCE

1. Natural sciences, which study natural phenomena (including biological life). It forms the basis for the applied sciences.

2. Social sciences, which study human behavior and societies.

3. Applied sciences, such as engineering and health science

Fields of Natural Science

1. Biology

 It is the study of living organisms. Biology characteristics, classification and behavior of organisms, as well as how species were formed and their interactions with each other and the natural environment

2. Physics

 It embodies the study of the fundamental constituents of the universe, the forces and interactions they exert on one another, and the results produced by these interactions.

3. Chemistry

 It is the study of the existence and composition of matter. Chemistry is often called the "the central science" because of its role in connecting other natural sciences.

4. Earth science (geoscience) 

It is an all-embracing term for the sciences related to the planet Earth. 

They include geology, geography, oceanography, geophysics, hydrology, meteorology, physical geography and soil science. 

Earth science is closely linked to climate research and petroleum as well as mineral exploration industries.

5. Astronomy 

This discipline is the science of celestial objects and phenomena that originate outside the Earth's atmosphere. Astronomy includes the examination, study and modeling of stars, planets, comets and galaxies.

Some common fields of applied science

1. Geology

2. Engineering

3. Medicine

4. Meteorology

Inter-relation between the various natural sciences

* Physics plays a significant role in the other natural sciences, as represented by astrophysics, physical chemistry and biophysics.

* Chemistry is represented by such fields as biochemistry, chemical engineering and geochemistry

* Environmental science studies the interactions pf physical, chemical and biological components of the environment.

* Soil science is the application of knowledge in physics in determining the physical, properties of soil such as soil texture and soil structure. Again this field also uses the knowledge in biology to determine the types of soil organisms and their effects on the soil.

Concept of Integrated Science

Integrated science involves the integration of the various fields of science in a holistic(whole) manner such that the various fields of science are interrelated.

The various fields of science are related by the fact that they all use the scientific method of solving problems.

The various fields (physics, chemistry, chemistry, biology, agriculture, etc.) have been grouped into the following five themes.

1. Diversity of matter

2. Cycles

3. Systems

4. Energy

5. Interactions of matter

How science affects our daily lives

1. Science has provided us with tools and gadgets for our homes and work places.

2. Science has made communication easier.

3. Through science, we have gained a better understand of nature and this has helped us to discover ways of solving problems that confronts us instead of attributing problems to superstition.

For example, we have gained knowledge of how rain is formed and how earthquakes and volcanoes occur.

4. Science has also brought about better education, better health care delivery and an improvement in food production.

Technology

Technology is the use or application of scientific knowledge in a practical way.

Example, the invention or manufacture of 

For industries or factories has been made possible as a result of technology.

Examples of technological application

1.      *  Information technology, which refers to the use of computers to process information

2.      *  Food technology, which refers to the use of scientific methods for processing and preserving food.

 

 

CAREERS IN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Some of the careers open to science and technology are as follows: 

Engineering 

Aerospace Engineer, Electrical and Electronic Engineer, Civil Engineer, Environmental Engineer, Industrial Engineer, Marine Architect Engineer, Material Scientist and Engineer, Nuclear Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, Petroleum Engineer, etc

 

(An engineer in a laboratory)

 

Mathematics and Computer Science

Computer Hardware Engineer, Mathematician, Multimedia Artist, Network Systems and Data Communications Analyst, Software Quality Assurance Engineer, Statistician, etc

 

Life Science

Animal Breeder, Medical Doctor, Anthropologist, Biochemist, Biologist; Dietitian or Nutritionist, Natural Sciences Epidemiologist, Health Educator, Physician, Microbiologist, Pharmacist, Physical Therapist, Nuclear Medicine Technologist, Veterinarian, Zoologist, Wildlife Biologist, Plant Scientist, etc.

 

Physical Science

Astronomer; Audio and Video Equipment; Technician; Aviation Inspector; Chemist; Chemical Technician; Electrician; Film and Video Editor; Food Science Technician; Pilot; Food Scientist or Technologist; Physicist; Forensic Science Technician; Nuclear Power Reactor Operator; Occupational Health and Safety Specialists; Power Distributors and Dispatcher; Power Plant Operator; Ship and Boat Captain; Sound Engineering Technician

 

Earth & Environmental Science

Aquacultural Manager; Diver; Geographer Emergency Management Specialist; Hydrologist; Environmental Compliance Inspector; Geoscientist; Industrial Health & Safety Engineer; Meteorologist; Park Range; Soil Scientist Soil and Water Conservationist; Surveyor; etc.

 All these and many more are the career opportunities available in science.

 

SOME PROMINENT SCIENTISTS

In Ghana: 

* Professor Nii Narku Quaynor: A scientist and engineer who has played an important role in the introduction and development of the Internet throughout Africa.

* Professor Francis Kofi Ampenyin Allotey: Physicist, Mathematician. Pioneered the introduction of computer science in Ghana. Worked as the chairman of Ghana Atomic Energy Commission and at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Also chaired the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research.

 * Dr. Isaiah Blankson: Physicist; engineers of jet and rocket powered engines. Works at the National Aeronautic and Space Administration (NASA).

 * Prof. Kwesi Andam: Civil and Structural Engineer. Former Vice Chancellor of KNUST.

 * Prof Ivan Addae-Mensah: former Vice Chancellor of the University of Ghana. He chaired the National Petroleum Authority.

 

 Prominent International Scientists

* Sir Isaac Newton: Discovered gravity and the law of gravitation. He also propounded the three famous laws of motion and the laws of friction.

 * Albert Einstein: He was responsible for the special and general theory of relativity, and his work on the photoelectric effect. He also invented a few devices like Einstein calculator.

 * Charles Babbage: He was an English mathematician, philosopher, inventor and mechanical engineer who came up with the concept of a programmable computer and is said to have invented the first mechanical computer.

 * Thomas Edison: An American inventor who developed several devices like the electric light bulb and the phonograph.

 ·   Graham Bell: Invented the telephone

·     G. J. Mendel: Father of genetics

·     John Dalton: A chemist who developed the Dalton’s Atomic theory

·     Wright Brothers: Invented the aeroplane

·     Michael Faraday: Invented the electric generator

THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD

The scientific method is a step by step experimentation process that is used to explore observations and answer questions. Scientists use the scientific method to search for cause and effect relationships in nature. In other words, they design an experiment so that changes to one item cause something else to vary in a predictable way. 

The steps to the scientific method are: 

1. State the problem: You cannot solve a problem until you know exactly what it is. For example My Problem is – my back-pack is too heavy. 

2. Research the problem: What will it take to solve my problem? What do I know, and need to know, about my problem? To solve my problem, "I have to examine the content of the bag". 

3. Form a hypothesis: A possible solution to my problem. The simplest solution is often the best solution! "the cause of the overweight is the extra books I bought today". 

4. Test the hypothesis: Perform an experiment to see if your hypothesis works. "remove the extra books from the bag". 

5. Draw conclusions from the data: Data are the results of an experiment. In its simplest form, there are only two possibilities: If your hypothesis was correct, you will now have a lighter bag. PROBLEM SOLVED! On the other hand, if your hypothesis was incorrect, the experiment failed. DON'T GIVE UP! DO MORE RESEARCH! What was wrong with your original hypothesis? Did you make a poor selection? Was your experiment flawed?  Form another hypothesis based on additional research. Test your new hypothesis. Continue this process until the problem is solved. 

6. Publish your results

                                                                (The scientific method)

                                    

Application of scientific method 

 State the problem: People get sick from drinking from the well.

 

 Research the problem: Is it really the water from the well that is making them sick? Test the water from the well. 

 Form a hypothesis: The cause of the disease is the water from the well. 

 Test the hypothesis: Get a sample of the water from the well, treat it and distribute it.  

 Draw conclusion: The disease stopped after the people had drunk the treated water. Therefore, the hypothesis is correct – the water from the well is not well treated to be drunk. If after treating the water sample and given it out to the people the disease still persists, another hypothesis has to be drawn.

 

* Publish your results

The scientific method has been used over the years by scientists in coming out with great inventions and discoveries.    

IMPORTANCE OF THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD

1. The scientific method provides us with knowledge that can be verified

2. It provides logical procedure for gaining knowledge

HOW DOCTORS USE THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD TO DETERMINE THE KIND AND CAUSE OF A SICKNESS

1. The doctor starts identifying the cause of the sickness by obtaining data or information from the patient about how the patient feels in his or her body

2. He then calls for a medical examination or laboratory test to be performed on the patient.

3. The doctor observes and records the results obtained from the laboratory test.

4. He then analyzes and explains the results in order to be able to predict the cause of the sickness.

5. The doctor draws a conclusion about the type of sickness and then prescribes the right drugs for the patient.

 

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS IN THE LABORATORY 

For an experiment to be successful, one needs a well equipped laboratory. Even though they cannot be done without; nevertheless, equipments, structures and chemicals in the laboratory may be hazardous to humans. Therefore care should be taken at the laboratory. 

The following guidelines give some precautions to be taken at the laboratory: 

1) Wear protective clothing: laboratory coat, shoes and goggles are to be worn to protect the skin, feet and eyes respectively. 

2) Do not eat or drink in the laboratory: food samples in the laboratory may be treated with poisonous substances which when eaten may harm the body. 

3) Do not smell an unknown gas: some gases are very poisonous or choking and if smelled may cause some discomfort to the body. 

                   

4) Point the mouth and opening of test tubes and bottles away from yourself or other people: this is to prevent spilling chemicals and other substances on people. 

5) Do not touch chemicals with bare hands: some chemicals are corrosive and if they come in contact with the body may burn the skin. 

6) Do not touch hot substances with bare hands: a test tube holder, tong or cloth is the best apparatus for holding hot thing at the laboratory. This will prevent burns. 

7) Wipe off any spilled substance: if a substance spills on the floor, make sure to wipe it dry in order to prevent slippage and falling. 

8) Rinse off any chemical which comes in contact with your skin: If a chemical is accidentally spilled on you, or you accidentally touch a chemical, make sure that it is rinsed off with plenty of water. 

9) Study and read all safety signs, warning and precautions at the laboratory before using it. 

10) Follow every instruction to the latter: always listen to the teacher or instructor before doing or touching anything. 

TEST QUESTIONS

1. State five precautions to be taken at the laboratory. 

2. (a) What is the scientific method? 

(b) Mention the steps in the scientific method. 

(c) Discuss how you will use the scientific method in controlling congestion in our streets. 

3. Discuss the concept of integrated science. 

4. Give one reason why each of the following precautions should be taken in the laboratory: 

 (a) Do not eat or drink in the laboratory. 

(b) Do not smell an unknown gas. 

(c) Do not touch chemicals with bare hands. 

(d) Wipe off any spilled substance.

(e) Point the mouth and opening of test tubes and bottles away from yourself or other people. 

(f) Rinse off any chemical which comes in contact with your skin.