So far, so good. Launch Pad is off to a fast start. I wanted to summarize what we did and why for each day of the workshop. In addition, we’ll posting some of our materials on the web as soon as possible (likely over the weekend when I’ve scheduled a little downtime).
We started with introductions all around and then had a questionnaire about the math/science background and expectations of attendees and an astronomy pre-test to provide baseline knowledge about where we were at. I do this with all my classes in order to figure out where to pitch material. Not too much advanced math in the group, and those who had had calculus had had it a long, long time ago. Not abnormal at all for a pretty smart group. Most were pretty wide open about their expectations. The pre-tests got graded, but I haven’t seen the distribution, only been told it’s fairly uniform with scores both low and high. Again, not abnormal. We just have to make sure t...
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Hansen’s Predictive Power Is Apparently a DiseaseFrom: mikebrotherton.com
Post Date: 2008-06-25 13:10:07
A friend forwarded me a request he got to suggest some names for future convocation speakers, specifically high-profile scientists. Cool. Sounds like something I could do. But the request he forwarded also had the admonition that James Hansen would not be a good idea right now.
That pissed me off. Let me explain why.
James Hansen, for those of you who don’t know, is a NASA scientist and a leading expert on the topic of climate change. He brought the issue of global warming to the...
more SF Signal Mind Meld: Science to WatchFrom: mikebrotherton.com
Post Date: 2008-06-26 00:59:09
Here’s the question:
Q: There is a lot of scientific research being performed across a wide array of disciplines. So much that it can be difficult to keep up with it all. What current avenue of scientific inquiry do you believe people should be paying attention to, and why?
The answers are posted at sfsignal.com , and responders include Nancy Kress, Kathleen Anne Goonan, and others in addition to myself. Here’s my answer:
Mike Brotherton is the author of the hard science ...
more Interesting Take on Women in ScienceFrom: mikebrotherton.com
Post Date: 2008-07-17 16:48:52
A long, but worthwhile if somewhat depressing essay about why there aren’t more women in science . The depressing part is that he makes a good case that science isn’t a very good career for nearly anyone capable enough to do it, at least Americans, and that women recognize this fact better than men. Men get wrapped up in impressing the wrong peer groups, being less risk aversive, and put ego first rather than admitting making mistakes. Ouch.
Personally I think he’s to...
more The A to Z Guide to Poltical Interference in ScienceFrom: mikebrotherton.com
Post Date: 2008-07-17 14:20:52
The guide is arranged like the periodic table, and brought to you by the Union of Concerned Scientists.
It’s worth taking a little time to peruse. The abuses seem larger and more common than in decades past, but they’re also fresher in the mind.
Science is a tool that generates reliable knowledge about the world and how it works. Don’t we want that to help us guide public policy? Policy decisions also rely on economics and other factors, but the only reason to excl...
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