Why Study Science? Being able to understand scientific principles and think scientifically can help you solve problems and answer many questions in your everyday life.

EX: How do tornadoes form? How Does It Work? Learning science can help you understand natural events that affect your daily life. EX: How do tornadoes form? • Learning the science behind how things work can help make everyday activities, such as biking, safer and more enjoyable.

How Can I Stay Healthy? Scientific thinking can help you to evaluate advertised claims. (Ex: Superstar Energy Bar) For example, you might question whether the claims are based on a controlled study. You might want to know how the study measured improvement in athletic ability and how many people were studied.

How Do I Become an Informed Citizen Many public issues involve science. Examples: Should a town restrict water use in the summer? Should scientists continue to explore space? • As you grow older, you will have more and more opportunities to voice your opinion on public issues--- at public hearings, in the voting booth, or by just talking with friends. And more and more public issues involve science. •Understanding the science will help you weigh the pros and cons and arrive at a decision.

What is the Best Use of the Earth’s Resources? “Paper or Plastic?” Have you ever heard this question at the grocery store? Although the question seems simple, it’s not. Do you know enough science to arrive at an answer? You might be surprised to learn that this question has something to do with science. Scientists are also studying other topics related to Earth’s resources. - Ex: Cars that run on fuels other than gasoline or electric cars.

Topics related to Earth’s resources may seem far removed from your life, but in fact, they’re not. Have you ever wondered where the water in your toilet comes from? Where does the water go after you flush the toilet? Why do adults always tell you to turn off the lights when you leave a room? Could the world’s energy sources ever really run out? Learning science will help you answer questions like these.

Scientific Literacy It is not possible to become an expert in every field of science. Nor is it possible to test everything scientifically by yourself. By having scientific literacy, (you understand the basic scientific principles well enough that you can evaluate information, make personal decisions, and take part in public affairs) you will be able to identify good sources of scientific information, evaluation them for accuracy, and apply the knowledge to questions or problems in your life. You will also be able to keep up with the latest scientific trends and be well qualified for jobs.

Careers in Science

Branches of Science The three main branches of science are earth and space science, physical science, and life science.

Scientists Working Together Although it is convenient to think of science as divided into three branches, these areas are not really separate at all. Most scientific questions being investigated today span the different fields of science. - For example, a physical scientist might investigate one piece of a scientific “puzzle” while an earth scientist works on another piece of the same puzzle.

Science in Non-science Careers In many non-science careers, a knowledge of science is essential in order to perform the job.

Earth & Space Science The study of Earth and its place in the universe. Some earth scientists study forces that have shaped Earth throughout its long history. Others study Earth’s oceans or its weather. Space scientists study the planets and stars that exist beyond Earth.

The study of energy, motion, sound, light, electricity, and magnetism. Physical Science The study of energy, motion, sound, light, electricity, and magnetism. It also includes chemistry--- the study of tiny particles that make up all things, from flowers to stars.

Life Science The study of living things, including plants, animals, and microscopic life forms. Life scientists also study how living things interact with each other and with their surroundings. The study of the human body is part of life sciences, too.

Chef Whether cooking a simple meal or creating a dessert masterpiece, chefs rely on science in the kitchen. Did you know that scrambling an egg involves chemistry or that living organisms are the key to baking delicious breads and cakes? And would you know how to prevent food from spoiling and causing sickness? A lot of science goes into what you eat.

Artist You might be surprised to learn that the work of artists involves science. Sculptors must know about the properties of the materials they use. For example, would bronze be a good material to use for an outdoor sculpture? • Glass artists apply the physics of heating and cooling as they shape glass. •Painters must understand the properties of the paints, paper, and other materials they work with.

Firefighter When a fire alarm goes off, firefighters do not know what type of fire they will encounter. Is it a grease fire, an electrical fire, or something else? Did you k now that some materials actually catch on fire if you spray them with water? Understanding chemistry helps firefighters put out fires and clean up hazardous spills quickly and safely.