Basic research leads us to a greater understanding of how the natural world operates.

Applied research aims to develop useful applications from the knowledge gained from basic research. Another name for “applied research” is technology.

The Functions of Science pure science applied science the search for knowledge; facts using knowledge in a practical way

Science attempts to establish cause-effect relationships. 

Pure Science The search for facts about the natural world. ? In science, we often try to establish a cause-effect relationship. Pure science is often what is done at universities and colleges. The basic understanding of why and how things work and react as they do are discovered. The goal in pure science is NOT to make money – but to understand. Industry often funds research at universities in hopes of taking what is learned to make a marketable product and to make money. This synergistic relationship between the business community and academia is beneficial to both parties. Driven by curiosity: the need to know, explore, conquer something new.

Applied Science The practical application of scientific discoveries. Also known as “technology” - Used to improve our lives Cell phones Biodegradable garbage bags APPLIED SCIENCE With all technology, science has a moral component. What are some pros and cons of our present-day technology? great potential for good…great risk for harm. Technology is a mixed blessing. Must weigh the potential good vs. harm of technology. e.g. Atomic bomb may save human lives. What we search for and how we use technology depend on out system of values. e.g. Human cloning to harvest organs for transplantation. Stem cell research.

Corning Glass NASA’s Problem Design a material Corning Glass that is clear and can with- stand extreme differences in temperature without fail- ing (cracking). Design a face shield to protect and provide clear vision. Corning Glass FAILED…but SUCCEEDED at making great cookware that can withstand extremes in temperature. Often times in science, great discoveries are made serendipitously or by accident. People set out with a goal in mind and discover something else, quite remarkably.

Fertilizers help plants produce more food. Nitrogen (N) Promotes vegetative growth, making the plants lush and green Excess nitrogen: few blooms (flowers) Phosphorous (P) Gives energy and vitality Promotes rapid maturity and flowering Potassium (K) Promotes strong plant growth and deep roots Helps plants become more disease-resistant Fertilizers help plants produce more food. When adding any fertilizer to foliage, it is important to remember that a little goes a long way. Too much of a good thing can be harmful. Plants need air (carbon dioxide), water, organic matter and trace amounts of minerals.

Table Sugar = sucrose (glucose + fructose) HOCH2 O HOCH2 O O CH2OH HO OH HO OH OH Formula: C12H22O11 [C12(H2O)11] Dehydration of Sucrose: C12H22O11 + 11 H2SO4 12 C + 11 H2SO4.H2O saccharin A compound, C7H5NO3S, that is several hundred times sweeter than can sugar and is used as a calorie-free sweetener.

risk-benefit analysis weigh pros and cons before deciding Because there are many considerations for each case, “50/50 thinking” rarely applies.

How does scientific knowledge advance? 1. curiosity 2. good observations 3. determination 4. persistence Fleming: biologist knew that bacteria was on everything. Was curious about a moldy orange in his lab. Made a microscope slide and noticed that no bacteria was on the mold. His CURIOSITY helped him to discover penicillin. Charles Martin Hall - was determined to find a method to extract aluminum from the ore bauxite that was readily available in Earth's crust. He succeeded!

Aluminum Mining Charles Martin Hall 1850s: aluminum sold for $500 / pound Developed method to extract aluminum from bauxite Hall’s method 1 pound Al costs 30 cents 4-6 pounds bauxite + Charles Martin Hall (1863 - 1914) was motivated by a professor at Oberlin College who remarked that anyone discovering a cheap method of producing aluminum would become rich and famous. Hall's discovery, in his home laboratory within eight months of his graduation, was the foundation of the aluminum industry in the United States. Paul Heroult (1863 - 1914) a student of LeChatelier's, was, like Hall, 23 years old when he discovered the same method of producing aluminum. Heroult's discovery was the foundation of the aluminum industry in Europe. Earth's crust is ~8.3% by mass of aluminum. This makes aluminum the third most abundant element and the most abundant metal. Aluminum metal was not isolated until 1825, when Hans Oersted produced it in a pure form. It was considered a semi-precious metal (rare and expensive) in 1884 when an aluminum cap was placed on the Washington monument. current = 1 lb Al