This is the quintessential question that students pose to teachers. Here are some possible answers. I bet some of you can think of some more. Feel free to share
When am I Going to use This Stuff?
That is up to you.
I
prefer to look at it this way: you will be coming to this class for
roughly 1 hour a day for about 180 days this year. Try to imagine what
you personally could accomplish in 180 hours. It is a huge amount of
time, and a wonderful opportunity. What can you do with it?
Answer 1: Be a part of the Solution.
We
all live in an amazingly complex global society. You will shortly be
joining this society as adults. Participating in our society in
meaningful ways requires substantial scientific knowledge. Collectively
we are faced by challenging questions. An example: should we use nuclear
energy?
This
is a complicated question, one that we cannot answer without knowing a
fair amount of science. As an adult, do you want to leave questions like
this to someone else, or do you want to advocate intelligently for what
you think is best?
Here is your opportunity. Spend this time now learning science. Be ready to contribute.
Answer 2: Appreciate Life.
I
use science everyday. When I watch the sun set into the ocean, I am
thinking about photon scattering, planetary orbits, wave motion, and
ideal gases. Understanding the world around you in new ways enriches
your life. Whether you want to be a poet or a car mechanic, everyone can
appreciate the beauty of the scientific worldview. Imaging being able to understand and appreciate life in new and different ways. How much is that worth to you? This is what education offers. The amount of time
you spend thinking critically in this class will be forever rewarded by
your new appreciation for everything from living systems to crystal
solids.
Answer 3: Get Ready for Work.
If
you want a job in a technical or scientific field you are going to have
to know everything we talk about in this class and then some. Keep your
options open and don’t fall behind in science now. You could catch up
later, but stay on top of the ball and you can go anywhere or do
anything. The number of jobs that require a scientific background keep
growing.
Answer 4: Look Smart (Be Smart).If you spout some scientific knowledge out of nowhere, you will drop jaws. Your friends and even strangers will revere you as a wise person and come to you with their deep questions about life, love and the universe.
Don't believe me? Here is a video of Neil deGrasse Tyson sharing some wisdom.
