Day: August 11, 2021

Science in education

Article

Abstract

Necessity is the mother of invention. When there is need, invention or discoveries take place. In this article we are going to discuss the history of science, different scholars, evolution theories and pedagogical aspects of science. 

Key points:

  • History of science and it’s evolution from the 5th century to the 21st century.
  • Scholars and their field of work
  • Evolution in theories 
  • Nature of science and philosophers 
  • Need of teaching and the pedagogies for the nature of science.

Introduction:

The history of science included evolution and new inventions of science. History of science showed progress in the process of thoughts and followed the vision. The nature of science consists of its systemized empirical facts and inferences, concepts, laws and theories. We discussed the theories of different philosophers and their facts. The pedagogies & curriculum of science should be more student-centric and focus on learning more about the environment.

History of science

The evolution of science in history is slow and dramatic. There were many  scholars like: Aryabhata, Pythagoras, chanakya, alhazen, Giordano Bruno, Galileo, Issac newton, jagadish chandtra bose, Prafulla Chandra Ray, Dr. mahendra lal sircar, C.V raman, Jamsetji and many other. They all have a vision to develop scientific temper in society. Nalanda university is the first great university in recorded history. The philosophers stand by the facts and give the proven reason about their theory. The mission and vision of the science in history to develop in society demolish the misconception and find new methods.

Nature of science & philosopher

What is the nature of science and its implication in the education system?  The thinker’s aimed to develop clear criteria to distinguish science from pseudoscience. He focused that the cognitive practices of scientist is thought dimension to understand nature of science. The evolution of the science also included in the nature of science. The science is growing and brings changes in itself. He also discussed the danger to humanity by science –based weapon of mass destruction. He put the light over the current consensus of science in which he described observations are not neutral, they are theory-laden. Observations determine the correct theory. 

Needs of teaching science 

It is also important to understand why we need to teach and or learn science and what to teach? 

So we need to learn science because science seeks to describe and explain the physical world based on empirical evidence. Science contains methods and approaches which help to lead to new inventions and discoveries. Scientific knowledge helps us as students to revise new evidence, theories and research. It also helps us to make scientific temperament in society and things more reasonable and justified.

Pedagogies for nature of science and curriculum

The pedagogies for the nature of science should be inquiry based. The teacher should encourage the students to develop curiosity so they can think and inquire. History of science – how the theories come into existence, how the idea comes in the theorist mind- could help them to understand the concept easily, for example the history of gravity and Sir Isaac Newton.

The curriculum should be less subjective and bookish. More day to day experiences should be included which leads to inductive thoughts. The curriculum should be more based on research, not comprehensives. 

Conclusion 

  • Evolution of science has changed throughout the years..
  • Development of scientific temperament in society is the vision of the scientists and philosophers of science.
  • Nature of science always brings changes in itself.
  • The pedagogy for nature of science should be inquiry and history based approach.
  • The curriculum must be more related with daily life and research based.

Organic Farming

 With the increasing use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, organic farming stands as an eco-friendly farming process. Organic Farming is the process of farming without using any synthetic or chemical fertilizers. In simple words, it means farming without the use of any inorganic substances. 

Benefits of organic farming

Chemical fertilizers are not only highly expensive but also have some serious environmental consequences. Some chemicals contain toxic materials which can harm the skin and respiratory organs. It can deteriorate the natural fertility of the soil by killing the bacteria and other microorganisms present in it. It takes years to regain the natural fertility of soil. 

Organic farming can ensure maintenance of the soil quality and also prevents soil erosion. It can also prevent the harmful effect of nitrates leaching into the groundwater. The chemical fertilizers have a tendency to escape from the soil to the nearby water bodies and pollute them. Therefore it is extremely important to minimise the use of chemicals and switch to better alternatives. 

Organic farming in India

India stands in the 100th position in the World Hunger Index of 2020. This indicates towards the growing food requirement in the country. Ensuring an adequate amount of food for the huge population of the country is an enormous challenge that needs to be tackled. But it is also important to ensure the quantity as well as safety of the food. In India, organic farming is largely seen as a procedure of using organic manure instead of chemicals. But it also includes several methods to increase the microbial population of the soil. 

 The chemical fertilizers yield results quickly. As the process of organic farming takes a lot of time and due lack of awareness and facilities, it is not widely practiced. Between 2011 to 2014, there was a decrease in organic farming in India. 

Sikkim was declared as the first 100% organic state in the whole world, by UN Food and Agriculture. All of its  farmlands are organically certified. Chemical fertilizers and pesticides are not available in the state. In 2003, all imports of chemical fertilizers in the state were banned. This transition to a completely organic farming practice has helped around 66,000 farming families in the state. This organic image has also uplifted the tourism sector in Sikkim. It helped to promote the idea of organic farming in the country. 

Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana is a government scheme under the Soil Health Management and the National Mission of Sustainable Agriculture which aims to promote certified organic farming in India. The objectives of the scheme includes providing resources and motivating the farmers to take up organic farming. 

The idea of organic farming and the question of food safety and eco-friendly farming measures have received some attention lately. With proper education and access to facilities, organic farming can be further promoted in the country.


STANDING TRUE TO ‘CITIUS, ALTIUS, FORTIUS’!

We have crossed almost one and a half year now, with the pandemic into its most powerful, raging form with two devastating waves of surge in the number of those affected with the deadly coronavirus. Many countries are facing the wrath of a scathing third wave too, with many new mutated forms and variants of the virus infecting millions of people around the world. Our daily lives have sure been disrupted with the advent of the nationwide lockdowns happening periodically in many countries including our own. From daily grocery stores to educational institutions, office spaces and workplaces, public places, malls and theatres, almost every place has pulled down the shutters temporarily, owing to the lockdown restrictions. Now, these were the regular day-to-day activities that were halted for a short time span. But what about international events which were planned long ago and their preparations had begun in fervour and flamboyance well in advance. Well, these were the events that would be attracting a lot of international tourists, spectators and most importantly, participants and attendees. But as the pandemic set in, international travel was strictly banned, with only very important and urgent travel allowances permitted. The world hoped that this chaotic situation might wither away soon, bringing everything running together smoothly and on track. But it wasn’t late until we realized that we would have to stay put inside our homes for almost the next two years to come and many of our long term plans had to be called off or put on hold for a while. One of these gala events everyone had set their eyes on was the Tokyo Olympics 2020 season. The extravagant Olympics that take place once every four years and are considered the epitome of sporting competitions are something which every aspiring star player and every nation looks forward to with gleaming hopes and pride. To receive the honour of hosting the Olympics is an proud achievement in itself for the hosting country. There are zillions of preparations that go into arranging and conducting the games successfully. With international level players and athletes from hundreds of professional sporting events coming in for the games, the hosting nations have to make sure that the players and their accompanying crew of coaches, medical professionals, etc. are provided with the best facilities and are given the warmest hospitality during their stay through the course of the games. Japan too, prepared with great enthusiasm for the Olympics, making a special Olympic village for the grand purpose too. With a huge budget and unending preparations, the island nation had been in its best form to prepare for the games. But in the face of the pandemic, the Committee had to keep on postponing the Olympics. The event which was to be conducted by mid-2020 was pushed to 2021 due to the difficult circumstances worldwide. But Japan stood up strongly and firmly to the global situation, with successful, well organized and perhaps wonderful conduction of the Tokyo Olympics 2020. Though spectators weren’t allowed in the stadiums for the live matches and events, the organizing body made sure all the games were live telecasted for the highly energetic crowds throughout the world. The nation truly played on a huge risk, but truly stood out in their efforts of bringing in a heartwarming and fantabulous Olympics season, sending a powerful message across the globe of staying strong and standing up with grit against the unprecedented situation with endurance. So, kudos to everyone who made a great effort to positively raise everyone’s spirits up though the Olympics, and kudos to the Tokyo 2020 Olympics!