Science is all around us. It’s in the beauty of nature, the laughter shared between friends, the buildings we create, and the communities we build. Science is always curious, asking why things are the way they are, how we can make them better, and what our role is in the universe. From the vastness of space to the device you’re using right now, science is everywhere.
During the Enlightenment, the Scientific Revolution introduced groundbreaking ideas like calculus, atomic theory, and gravity. The Industrial Revolution followed, bringing technological advancements such as the first automobiles. In the digital age, scientists played a key role in developing the internet to share research and ideas. Today, innovations in medicine and agriculture have saved countless lives, more than have been lost in all of history’s wars.
Despite these achievements, science and society often clash. Revolutionary discoveries—like the Earth being round, orbiting the Sun, and diseases spreading through germs—were once widely rejected. Historical figures like Giordano Bruno and Galileo faced severe consequences for their scientific beliefs.
Today, some people still reject scientific evidence. For example, skepticism about vaccinations has led to the return of preventable diseases like measles, which had been eradicated by 2000. Similarly, despite overwhelming scientific consensus, some deny climate change. As Carl Sagan pointed out, we live in a society heavily reliant on science and technology, yet many people know little about these fields.
History shows that ignoring science can lead to societal decline. Ancient Greece was a hub of learning, especially in understanding space, time, and light. The Roman Empire initially embraced these ideas, but complacency led to a lack of innovation. As reason and science were de-emphasized, Rome fell into the Dark Ages.
Today, the battle for science continues. In the UK, investment in publicly funded research has dropped to less than 0.5% of GDP, the lowest in two decades. The US has cut at least $300 million from NASA’s Earth science budget, affecting climate research. This means important climate data may not be collected, serving ideological agendas instead.
In Canada, the situation is similarly troubling. Under the Conservative government, science libraries focused on health, environment, fisheries, and oceans have been closed. Laws protecting endangered species have been weakened, with 80% of Canada’s 71 freshwater fish species at risk of extinction. The role of National Science Advisor has been eliminated, and many federal scientists have lost their jobs. A survey revealed that 90% of government scientists felt they couldn’t speak freely about their research, and about 25% reported being pressured to alter their findings for non-scientific reasons.
While remaining funds are directed toward science with clear commercial benefits, this approach is shortsighted. Science is a slow, evolving process. It’s more than just knowledge; it’s a way of thinking that helps us understand the world’s mysteries and appreciate its beauty. By examining all the facts, we can make informed decisions rather than relying on biases.
Science doesn’t align with any political party; it follows evidence. Just as good policy is supported by science, science itself needs funding and advocacy from governments. When you vote, remember that supporting science is supporting knowledge and progress. Check your party’s policies on science and take a stand. If you believe in the importance of integrating science into society, share this message with others to highlight science’s significance.
Engage in a structured debate on the topic: “Science vs. Society: Are we progressing or regressing?” Divide into teams and research historical and current examples where science and societal beliefs have clashed. Present your arguments, and be prepared to defend your position with evidence.
Choose a scientific revolution from history, such as the Enlightenment or the Industrial Revolution. Research its key figures, discoveries, and impacts on society. Create a presentation or report that highlights how these revolutions have shaped modern science and technology.
Participate in a workshop where you analyze current government policies related to science funding and research. Discuss the implications of these policies on scientific progress and societal well-being. Propose your own policy recommendations to support scientific advancement.
Conduct a case study on the scientific evidence of climate change. Examine the data, scientific consensus, and the societal response to climate change. Discuss the role of science in shaping public policy and individual actions to address this global issue.
Create a piece of art, a poem, or a short story that captures the beauty and importance of science in our world. Share your work with the class and explain how it reflects the themes discussed in the article, such as curiosity, discovery, and the impact of science on society.
Sure! Here’s a sanitized version of the transcript:
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[Music] Science is everywhere—in nature’s beauty, in laughter between friends, in the buildings we construct, and in the communities we form. It constantly wonders and asks why things are the way they are, how we can improve them, and what our place is in the grand scheme of the universe. Science spans from the depths of space to the device you’re using to watch this video.
During the Enlightenment, the Scientific Revolution introduced ideas such as calculus, atomic theory, and gravity. The Industrial Revolution brought significant technological and manufacturing advancements, including the first cars. In the digital age, scientists helped spur the formation of the internet as a means to share research and ideas. Today, advances in medicine and agriculture have saved more lives than have been lost in all of history’s wars.
However, despite these achievements, science and society often find themselves at odds. Scientific discoveries—like the Earth being round, our planet revolving around the Sun, and diseases being spread through germs—were once widely rejected. For instance, Giordano Bruno was executed for suggesting that the Earth wasn’t the center of the universe, and Galileo faced house arrest for supporting similar theories.
Today, we see a rejection of scientific evidence regarding vaccinations, leading to the resurgence of preventable diseases like measles, which had been eradicated by the year 2000. There is also a rejection of scientific evidence for climate change, despite a vast consensus among scientists. As Carl Sagan noted, we live in a society exquisitely dependent on science and technology, yet many people know little about these fields.
Looking back at history, we see that ignoring science has led to societal decline. Ancient Greece was a time of great learning, particularly in ideas about space, time, and light. The subsequent Roman Empire initially embraced these ideas, but complacency set in, leading to a lack of innovation and exploration. As reason and science lost emphasis, Rome eventually fell into the Dark Ages.
Today, despite many voices supporting logic and reason, the struggle for science continues. In the UK, investment in publicly funded research has dropped to less than 0.5% of GDP, the lowest in two decades. This year, the US cut at least $300 million from NASA’s Earth science budget, which includes climate science. This means existing climate studies may be ignored, and useful data may not be collected in the future, all to serve ideological agendas.
In Canada, the situation is similarly concerning. Under the Conservative government, science libraries dedicated to health, environment, fisheries, and oceans have been shut down. Laws protecting endangered species have been weakened, with 80% of Canada’s 71 freshwater fish species currently at risk of extinction. The role of National Science Advisor has been eliminated, and many federal scientists have lost their jobs. A recent survey indicated that 90% of government scientists felt they could not speak freely about their research, and about 25% reported being pressured to alter their research for non-scientific reasons.
While the remaining funds are directed toward science with clear commercial outputs, this approach is shortsighted. Science is often a slow, evolving process. It is much more than just a body of knowledge; it’s a way of thinking that helps us unravel the world’s mysteries and see its beauty. By examining all the facts, we can make informed decisions rather than relying on preconceived notions and biases.
Science does not align with any political party; it simply adheres to evidence. Just as good policy is supported by science, science itself requires funding and advocacy from our governments. So, when you head to the polls to vote, remember that a vote for science is a vote for knowledge and progress based in reality. Look at your party’s policies on science and take a stand. If you believe in the importance of integrating science into our societies, please share this video on social media, via email, or in person to remind others of science’s significance. Subscribe for more weekly science videos.
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This version maintains the core message while removing specific names and sensitive content.
Science – The systematic study of the structure and behavior of the physical and natural world through observation and experiment. – Science has revolutionized our understanding of the universe, from the smallest particles to the vastness of space.
History – The study of past events, particularly in human affairs. – History provides insights into how societies have evolved and how past events shape the present and future.
Society – A community of people living in a particular country or region and having shared customs, laws, and organizations. – The development of technology has significantly impacted modern society, altering communication, transportation, and daily life.
Discoveries – The act of finding or learning something for the first time. – The discoveries of penicillin and other antibiotics have saved countless lives and transformed medical science.
Climate – The long-term pattern of weather conditions in a region, including temperature, humidity, and precipitation. – Scientists study climate change to understand its impact on ecosystems and human societies.
Research – The systematic investigation into and study of materials and sources in order to establish facts and reach new conclusions. – Research in renewable energy sources is crucial for developing sustainable solutions to meet global energy demands.
Technology – The application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes, especially in industry. – Advances in technology have enabled scientists to explore the depths of the ocean and the far reaches of space.
Evidence – The available body of facts or information indicating whether a belief or proposition is true or valid. – Archaeologists rely on evidence from artifacts and fossils to reconstruct ancient civilizations and understand their cultures.
Knowledge – Facts, information, and skills acquired through experience or education; the theoretical or practical understanding of a subject. – The pursuit of knowledge drives scientific inquiry and leads to new discoveries and innovations.
Innovation – The introduction of new ideas, methods, or products. – Innovation in renewable energy technologies is essential for addressing the challenges of climate change and reducing carbon emissions.
