Discussion 1
Youtube video- "10 Questions for Stephen Hawking1"
Stephen Hawking stated in A Brief History of Time (1988) that "a good theory is characterized by the fact that it makes a number of predictions that could in principle be disproved or falsified by observation." In other words, a good theory needs to predict things that can be tested. As we already discussed in this learning block, the results of those tests will in turn lead to more questions and more tests.
Based on the video with Stephen Hawking you just watched, answer the following questions.
Comment on what you think drives a scientist like Stephen Hawking to ask, "Why?"
How has Hawking's research contributed to the field of natural science?
When you consider the work of natural scientists in general, how do you think developments in scientific thinking end up influencing how scientific study is carried out? Provide an example.
Discussion 2
Based on what you have learned and the article "The 50 Greatest Breakthroughs Since the Wheel" that is uploaded below, answer the following question:
What importance does the topic of your news story and the question that you developed in Project 2 have to you and to society as a whole?
You will be answering some similar questions as part of Project 3. It is recommended that, in addition to entering your answer to the question below, you keep a record of your response to this question for use in your project.
Discussion 3
Your third and final project in this course is a presentation, and this activity is an opportunity to get comfortable working with presentation software, such as Prezi or PowerPoint. Feel free to use either software, but if you are unfamiliar with either, you may wish to use the PowerPoint Template provided. Create a slide that includes answers to the questions below and any graphics you feel would make the slide more eye-catching. You are required to submit a single slide, but you may create additional slides if you wish.
How does understanding the science behind the topic and research you have chosen benefit you? What is the advantage to you, and potentially those around you, of understanding the science behind the issue?
How might finding the answer to the specific question you posed in the question development worksheet in Project 2 affect others around you?
The response should include a reference list. Double-space, using Times New Roman 12 pnt font, one-inch margins, and APA style of writing and citations.