Basic research leads us to a greater understanding of how the natural world operates

Basic research leads us to a greater understanding of how the natural

world operates.

Basic research leads us to a greater understanding of how the natural

world operates.

Applied research aims to develop useful applications from the

knowledge gained from basic research.

Applied research aims to develop useful applications from the

knowledge gained from basic research.

The Functions of Science

pure science applied science

the search for knowledge; facts

using knowledgein a practical way

Science attempts to establish cause-effect relationships.

Pure Science

The search for facts about the natural world.

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- In science, we often try to establish a cause-effect relationship.

- Driven by curiosity: the need to know, explore, conquer something new.

Applied Science

The practical application of scientific discoveries.

-Also known as “technologytechnology”- Used to improve our lives

Cell phonesBiodegradable garbage

bags

Corning Glass

NASA’s Problem Design a materialthat is clearclear and can with-stand extreme differences in temperature without fail-ing (cracking).

Corning Glass FAILED…but SUCCEEDED at making great cookware that can withstand extremes in temperature.

Design a face shieldto protect and provideclear vision.

Fertilizers (5-15-10)

Nitrogen (N)– Promotes vegetative growth, making the plants lush and

green– Excess nitrogen: few blooms (flowers)

Phosphorous (P)– Gives energy and vitality– Promotes rapid maturity and flowering

Potassium (K)– Promotes strong plant growth and deep roots– Helps plants become more disease-resistant

Fertilizers help plants produce more food.

saccharin A compound, C7H5NO3S, that is several hundred times sweeter than can sugar

and is used as a calorie-free sweetener.

Table Sugar = sucrose (glucose + fructose)

Formula: C12H22O11 [C12(H2O)11]

Dehydration of Sucrose:

C12H22O11 + 11 H2SO4 12 C + 11 H2SO4.H2O

HOCH2HOCH2

HO

OH

OH OHHO

OO

OCH2OH

risk-benefit analysisrisk-benefit analysis

weigh pros and cons before deciding

• Because there are many considerations for each case, “50/50 thinking” rarely applies.

How does scientific knowledge advance?

1. curiosity2. good observations3. determination4. persistence

Aluminum Mining

• Charles Martin Hall• 1850s: aluminum sold

for $500 / pound • Developed method to

extract aluminum from bauxite

• Hall’s method– 1 pound Al costs 30 cents

4-6 pounds bauxite

current 1 lb Al

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