“Why We Need to Understand Science”

The audience in old generation may know a popular host of television series called “Cosmos”. Carl Sagan (1934-1996), an influential astronomer and astrophysicist, contributed to popularize science knowledge in American society.As what I read in the article “Why We Need to Understand Science” by Carl Sagan, he explains the importance of science and gives suggestions about the emphasis of science. In my opinion, his intended audience which includes parents, government officers and scientists will be alert for the phenomenon of scientific illiteracy.

In the beginning of article, Carl attracts readers’ attention by speaking out a personal experience. On his way to a conference, he had a talk with an interviewer who seemed has passion on science. Unfortunately, like most ordinary Americans this interviewer was interested in pseudoscience not in real science. So, what is the real science? Science is not just helpful in the manufacture of scaring nuclear weapons. In fact, science not only boosts prosperity but also is responsible for a long-term consequences of technology. Thus, Carl believes that it is crucial for public to deepen their understanding of science, especially when some statistics show about the backward mathematics ability of Americans compared to other countries’ students.

Carl Sagan lists several reasons why science could not be emphasized. One essential reason is due to the lack of science teachers. The second reason is that few benefits come from with a science relative job. However, people do not notice the negative impact on economy, as industries have less laborers who master math knowledge.

For solving this problems, he figured out some favorable advice. First of all, he appeals people do not discriminate women, nonwhites, and immigrants who are skilled workers. In addition to universities, rising salaries for teaching, requiring science class before graduation; providing the financial and moral encouragement for academic scientists are recommended. Moreover, he suggests media can make some effort to inspire young people with science content. Last but not least, proper education of a family is critical for children to develop their understanding and curiosity to science.

After reading this article, I am persuaded to pay more attention on science. However, nowadays the United States has received superior achievement in science and there are more and more students come here to study science. I think if Carl were still alive, he might less worry about this issue. After all, this article was written in 1980s based on the situation at past time. But whenever the date is, I agree with what Carl said that “science is much more than a body of knowledge. It is a way of thinking.”

 

Analysis on “Why We Need To Understand Science”

The author of the essay that we are talking about today is a well-known astronomer and astrophysicist, Carl Sagan. Sagan is famous for being the host of the popular television series, “Cosmos”,and for his efforts in promoting science into popular culture for the public. He devoted great endeavors in popularizing scientific knowledge during his whole life. Wikipedia has a detailed profile of him. Click here.

In his essay “Why we need to understand science”, which was first published in 1989 in Parade Magazine, Sagan argued for the importance of Americans studying science, and the perniciousness of the present situation. Accordingly, it is not hard to tell that what Sagan tried to reach is every common American reader, especially who feels too good about himself. Sagan made a clear argument that Americans have to take actions to improve people’s scientific literacy.

To be honest, I have never heard of Sagan before reading this essay, for I was not raised in America. However, after reading it thoroughly, I realized why he was so popular in American society. He was so good at persuading! For example, he used subtitles to clarify the structure of the article, which made the whole article more easy to read and more approachable to the audience. Also, the subtitles that he used was not just random picks. Look at them, “A Prescription For Disaster”, “How Bad Is It? Very Bad”, “Why We Are Flunking”, “What We Can Do”. Apparently, they could easily arise curiosity of the readers, and they are logically organized.

Another skill that Sagan used in this essay is giving both technology’s benefits and harm, in order to show that he understood how the readers feel. For example, he pointed out “Scientists not only conceived nuclear weapons; they also took political leader by the lapels”. It conveys that he totally comprehended public’s considerations about science. This significantly gets the author and the readers closer, which made it easier for Sagan to express and persuade.

Moreover, it is important that Sagan showed real statistics to us, for statistics is the most powerful persuasion. The numbers he gave about how poorly American teenagers did in science could shock a lot of readers, which can immediately inform them of how urgent the alarm is. Also, at the end of the essay, Sagan offered choices to the audience. He told us what we could do to change the status quo. Personally, the most impressive one was to “admit that you don’t know eveything”. I believe, to an adult, it is harder than knowing everything itself.

To sum up, I found Sagan’s essay indeed persuasive and of course I am persuaded. Science is a fascinating subject, which I am not good at. People think Chinese are always good at mathematics and physics, but maybe I am an exception. I would like to learn more about science and technology, because Sagan told us, “Science is much more than a body of knowledge. It is a way of thinking.”

Carl Sagan (1934-1996)

Science? What’s that?

Being a renowned astrophysicist and astronomer, Carl Sagan has truly invested his life’s work into the world of Science. Along with the production of entertaining yet educational television shows, he has also written books about various topics that relate to the facts most Americans are unaware of during the late twentieth century. Despite the belief that a number of people in America have successfully managed the ominous depths of the college classroom when it comes to the sciences, Sagan manages to truly point out the faults that have been overlooked, not in the American people necessarily, but rather in the society they have been nurtured by. With this point in mind, Sagan has made quite an effort to publicize how necessary such information is in the world today- one of these attempts being documented as the essay, “Why We Need to Understand Science” which was published in Parade Magazine (1989) – in hopes that his readers truly interpret the effects of bettering themselves in this field.
According to the previously mentioned article written in Parade magazine, there is a serious lack of scientific knowledge among the American people and the society in which they live in could be held partially responsible. Between the scientists that don’t usually want you to know what they’re up to, the government who are providing less and less funding for education, and the lack of motivation that results from not seeing the products that come from an occupation in a science- related field, kids today are fighting an uphill battle to compete against the workforce of other countries. Allowing the audience to possibly classify themselves as a victim of this experience appears to be one of the methods utilized to grab their attention- hence where portraying the character “William F. Buckley” comes into play. Mr. Buckley represents those who have been led to believe information which hardly constitutes as factual due to the “pretense and confusion” of the articles allowed in the public’s eye. Through mentioning the effect this has on the country economically, Sagan continues to try and grab the attention of others who may have been more educated than this character, yet still don’t understand how important science is to the current way of life. For example he mentions information in the “A Prescription for Disaster” segment that ties in the economic consequences of remaining ignorant to give people some sense of a future that may not be so affected by their existence. Lastly, despite the bad occurrences that have happened as a result of its use, Ragan begins to identify all the good that science can do toward advancing mental processes and further encourages his readers to support it through personification of its ability to aid our way of life, as well as the way we think about the world. Whether it invites, urges, or counsels someone to embark on a path that intrigues the mind is up to that sole person, but Sagan’s point is that Science can aid you in reaching such a path.
To further convince his readers of such claims, the article supplies information (specifically statistics) which compares America to a few other countries that excel in the Math and Science fields. Through the comparison of not only college students, but elementary students as well, Ragan portrays the range of information that the American public is lacking, even at such a young age as 10 years old. Not only have Japan, South Korea, and British Columbia all gone down this path of “(Our country):1, America: 0” but also our Northern counterpart Canada has even surpassed the knowledge base of the United States.
In the eyes of the author, the students who were examined to determine these statistics have the aptitude to be as intelligent as their international competition in these particular subjects, it is just a matter of motivation and support. To ascertain that this is the case, it is recommended that the first problem to be observed is the work force who are educating children as well as working for industrial companies. Throughout the past few decades, the information which these two groups are required to know has increased, and yet the worker’s desire to fully perform at their jobs have decreased substantially in terms of their lack of training. Sagan also pulls the covers from everyone’s blind eye on the fact that discrimination has also played a hindrance on the workforce that America so desperately needs. Both sexism and racism have played a hand in this as companies reject women, and people of other races who could actually be more than capable of performing in their occupation. The second matter of business addresses the funding that the government failed to use in support of education. Without hands-on access that occurs usually in labs, students will be doomed to the bland pages of terms and formulas written on a page. This, along with the attitude seen commonly within classrooms that discourages the curiosity which naturally emerging in the youth from time to time, has surely diminished their vigor to learn about the world they exist in.
As for what can be done to help raise the bar placed in American education, the article suggests that one should aim “not just to train more scientists but also to deepen public understanding of science.” In Sagan’s eyes, what could be a major aid to this issue is the development of interest that the public once had in learning about science, as well as educating the youth that will soon be responsible for “tomorrow.” He embarks the reader’s interest in this topic by asking how America’s counterparts have excelled – thus gaging their minds to wonder and seek the answer in the article. As for the students themselves, the most effective way to enhance their development seems to be engaging in advanced math and science courses at a relatively early age. Parents can also enroll their children in a “Head Start” program or an “Upward Bound” program to spark the desire for learning that children are naturally born with, yet seems to dwindle with each passing scholastic year.
The article “Why we need to understand Science” has truly compelled me to really care about the educational future of our world. The complacency within American society is only a major wake up call to the diminishing interests in a subject that is quite vital to the progress of the human race and it is up to us to maintain that progress. As Carl Sagan had mentioned in his article, “its awesome power forces on all of us…a new responsibility- more attention to the long-term consequences of technology..”

 

Why we need to understand science.

“Why We Need to Understand Science” is the essay first published in 1989 in Parade Magazine, wrote by Carl Sagan, to argue for the importance of science to the security and prosperity of the United States. American astronomer, astrophysicist, cosmologist, author, science popularize and science astronomy and natural sciences. He is probably best known as the host of the popular television series, “Cosmos,” and as a writer who worked to bring science into the popular culture of the late twentieth century. (More information)

From the information above, we can easily find out that the purpose of this essay is to let American know about the current situation and stop feeling good about ourselves. He is trying to show that American are far behind in education in comparison to other regions of the world by showing to statistic data. And he is trying to make science became somehow interesting to make people start to like it and solving the problems by eliminating the negative emotion of science study.

For his intended audience, I think it will be all the readers of Parade Magazines. For more specific, it will be those american who feel perfectly fine about our education at current situation. Also to those in authority of education, Sagan also provide them with a solution to solving the problem on educator’s aspect.

His major claim of the essay is that we should take much care about science, not just the body of knowledge but the way of thinking. Since we are now living in a exquisitely dependent on science and technology, in which hardly anyone knows about science and technology. On the other words, it is saying that American are now in the danger of really low education and the think we teach kids are way too superficial in comparison to other regions of the world but our people just do not realize the truth that we are far behind.

For the evidence, he provides the Statistic data for supporting his claim. For example, less than half of all Americans know that the earth moves around the sun and takes a year to do it; In the test of average 17 years old in many world regions, the US ranked dead last in algebra. Even with that statistics, two-thirds of the Americans, but only a quarter of the Koreans, say they are “good at mathematics.”

He also provide solutions for the problem. We shall increase the salaries for teachers that approach what they could get in industry; more scholarships, fellowships, and laboratory equipment; laboratory science courses required of everyone  to graduate; and special attention paid to those traditionally steered  away from science. Also the providing of financial and moral encouragement for academic scientists to spend more time on public education is also significant. On the other hand, Media like magazine, newspaper or television should also pay more attention on math, science and technology instead of sports or amusement. People just need little motivation to learn. Also, adults should be more honest in dealing the question from their kids that they do not know. They should just tell them that they do not know and motivate and providing the tools for their kids to find out the answer themselves instead of avoiding the questions.

After finish reading the essay, I  am perfectly agree with the points Sagan says. What is more, I think it is not just an american issue, but also a global issue. The only way to make progress is to feel urgent. Once we feel good about ourselves, we are done.

edwin

My name is Edwin Cruz , i am eighteen years old and in my first year of college. I live with my mom and two younger brothers I am from Staten Island but my parents are from mexico. I have been to mexico twice. One time i only went to visit my grandparents and site seeing. the second time i stayed there for two years since my parents decided to move and i agreed. Then we came back with just my mother and brothers and started again.

My reading habits are simple I like to read fiction and fantasy, for example Harry Potter and the Outsiders. But recently i have been reading more informative and modern papers about technology and science. Writing has never been a strong point for me especially if I have to write as an assignment. I enjoy writing more when it is just for myself since no one else will say if it is right or wrong.

About me, Shan Lin

Hey guys. I’m Shan Lin, also you guys can call me Celine. I transferred to Stony Brook from China last summer. This is my senior year, and my major is Journalism.

Usually I enjoy reading online news and fashion magazines, such as New York Times and Vogue. Also I’m a big fan of novels. Recently my favorite novelist is Richard Yates. He is the writer of Revolutionary Road, which is absolutely my favorite. Due to my language background, I do read plenty of Chinese books, some of which are really masterpieces. One of them is a novel called  Fortress Besieged, written by a very talented writer Qian Zhongshu, and it is definitely a must-have for bookworms!

Last semester I learned a lot about English writing, my professors told me that I was good, but I still consider it a little bit hard for me compared with Chinese writing. Hopefully I could get more useful writing skills in this course from you guys! 🙂

Ruth Tacandong

http://www.fondosni.com/images/2013-05-12/Muchos%20candados-830705.jpg

My name is Ruth Tacandong.
I was always a very curious person. The books I read as a child had me tearing apart closets to find “secret passageways”, flipping through pages of old books trying to find notes that were tucked away, and digging through my mother’s clothes to find hidden presents. Searching, learning, growing: that is my passion.
Naturally, I would come to love science. I am a Biology major here at Stony Brook University. The appeal science has for me is the same appeal that Bach has for composers and Michaelangelo has for artists. There is so much to learn, and even when you think you have figured it out, someone proves you wrong. Science is constantly growing, and there are infinite amounts of applications. I currently want to become a gastroenterologist. Strangely specific, but the profession has captured my interest and held it for a long time. Medicine is close to my heart, with a variety of experiences to weave it into my life. My future has many secrets hidden for me, and hopefully I will be able to unlock them all.

Introduction

My name is Quyuan Liu, and I am from Beijing,China. I have been in the U.S for almost a year and a half. living in a foreign country is challenging . And there is always this insecurity about using a foreign language. I hope I can grow more comfortable with it one day.I am currently a economic major, but i don’t think I will be doing anything related to it in the future.

When using a foreign language, it feel like racing a car in a F1 competition, you don’t know when it’s going to get out of control. I  have always had a little problem with writing.It is not easy for me to translate my thoughts into words. Therefore, writing  has never been my strong subject.But I’d like to think that i have improved along the way.I do love reading. when reading English, it usually takes a few minutes for me to get into it.  I mostly read novels and story for pleasure. the way i see it, they  are not just fictional stories to entertain people. It contains the writer’s observation of the world , reflection of our society ,and understanding of the human heart.

this is where i’m from-Beijinghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:BeijingCBD-2007-8.JPG

Introduction about Ying

My name is Ying Shi.  I come from China. I live in Brooklyn, NY.  I study applied mathematics statistics(AMS)  at Stony Brook. I think math is one of amazing and funny majors.  I like it because the only one answer for one question can come from different ways to solve it.  In future, I plan to become a math teacher in high school.

Usually, I like to read news online. This way helps me to understand the world , also I learn to how to write a report. I like analysis articles. I like their  logicality and evidence  which  can prove the argument .Reading them, I feel my critical thinking is improving a lot. In addition , I also like to read fantastic  stories like Harry Potter, and prose about the life.Tagore is my favorite writer. I  like to read his Stray Bird . Because English is my second language, I am easy to use wrong  grammar in my writing sometimes. I am still trying to improve my reading and writing. I keep writing  journal every week to record my life.I like free style writing.

2014 is a new  start. I am looking  forward to improving my writing  in all aspects.

About Me

My name is SaraJo Weinstein. I’m from West Hempstead, NY, a small town on Long Island, and I am a freshman. I am majoring in Athletic Training and I’m thinking about one day going into Physical Therapy. Sports have always been a dominating  part of my life and Athletic Training allows me to make a career for myself in athletics, but from a different standpoint. I’ve always been more interested in science, but writing is an emotional release for me,to view certain situations in a different light, and to develop different ideas I may have. After Stony Brook, I hope to work as an Athletic Trainer or Physical Therapist for a university or sports team.

I enjoy writing poetry and I’ve always been more of a creative writer. I read a lot and I try to read a multitude of genres, however I love fantasies and realistic fiction novels. My favorite part of reading and writing is how you can be transformed to what seems like an alternate reality because of a few pages.

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