Earth Day

To me, Earth Day is just another reminder to our society and planet that we must find an alternative fuel source in order to reduce our carbon footprint and the damage that is being done to the ozone layer. As scientists continue to find and build cars that reduce the use of gasoline, they are not addressing the initial need to find an alternative and effective fuel source that is economically abundant and productive. All that is occurring is a delay in which we as a global community are delaying the inevitable, one where fossil fuels are no more and the destruction of the ozone layer leading to other ecological disasters. In turn, society will then be forced into a time of disaster, with no way to travel in leisure or transport goods that we all have become reliant on. So scientists, start working to solve the problem, not to avoid it.

Motivation

For me, the motivation to learn chemistry is found in the relation of applicable studies to real life situations. In aspects such as stoichiomietry, I understand the purpose of finding balanced equations and utilizing them for the basics of pharmaceutical needs. By seeing the point of each section we're learning, I gain an extrinsic motivation to learn anything that I believe will help others and lead me to gain an advantage in life. Whenever we're studying such things for pure observation or just because we can however, I feel no real need or motivation to understand the subject or unit. This is the basis of my motivation (and lack of) in the study of chemistry.

What is the purpose of Grades?

The awe inspiring speech that is posted on Mr. Grdinic's blog is very eye-opening and posts a good argument against the emphasis that society and school forums put on trivial things such as grades. While grades do give a general idea as to a person's understanding of the materical at the time, they do not take into account the many factors that can appear in a student's life and have an affect on their score and outcome. What should truly be influenced and revered is the child's understanding and retainment of the information, to the degree that the subject and aspects of the subject have become second nature. So much emphasis is placed on a student's grade and test results that unneeded stress is added onto their lives, leading to more psychological problems and an imbalance to a person's life. When a person's life is constantly revolving around one aspect, they come to hate that one thing which they spend the most time upon, which is why you don't here many students being enthusiastic about attending school or the end of summer vacation. A balance is needed like in any diet, and the wording and ideas that were immersed in the article of Ms. Gallagher's is extremely insightful and better explains my own beliefs.

Science and Politics

In general, science and politics go hand in hand, with the interests of the governments and the government's well-being providing funding and research into underdevoloped areas. Politics also play a role in morality and ethics in some scientific fields, such as stem cell research and abortions. In my personal opinion, politics and science should be kept separate, with governments barring some life-saving ideas and treatments that could benefit the world as a whole. In most cases where political parties are completely against ideas such as abortions, most of the time, the politicians themselves don't actually give a damn about the topic. Politics uses science in order to appeal to the general public's own beliefs and twist them for their own benefit and to gain popular support. However, the government should continue to fund and develop science departments and fields to help mankind reach their potential since most individuals or even groups of individuals are not able to gather even a fraction of what government funding can provide. While not easy to maintain the balance that I wish were reality, I still hope that a fine line between government interference and gains in science is drawn so as to further increase humanity's development.