A Homemade Scientific Method Experiment

In class, we discussed the benefits and methods of the STEM field in solving some of the most complex problems facing us today. We examined the methods typically used by scientists and engineers and explored through in-class activities the differences in approaches of these two related fields. Whereas engineers typical approach a problem with prototype designs and a desire to efficiently solve a problem, the scientific method generally tries to explain a problem to pave the way for engineering design. For instance, we might want to extend the time period of plant growth by delaying the color change of leaves. To address this from a scientists perspective, it might be helpful to know if leaves on a plant change colors and fall off due to cooler weather, less light, or both. (I have been told it is both, but have not asked a biologist or verified this comment.)  We could set up an array of growth lights on a timer to extend the light exposure for plants that are outside without changing the exposure to cooler weather. By bringing some of the same type plants indoors and growing them on a windowsill of an unused room, we can test if the light cycle triggers leaf changes without the change in temperatures. As a final control, we could expose a 2nd set of indoor plants to growth lights. The engineer would benefit in designing a automated system that extends plant growth with the least amount of energy by knowing which factors (light or temperature or both) need to be controlled efficiently.

Population Explosion

Without reducing rapid population growth, will it will be possible to solve the world’s global
Challenges? My first thought was that population would continue to put an increasing burden on our natural resources and force a confrontation on the issue to continue solving other environmental issues. Then, I discovered the statistics that undernourishment and those without access to clean drinking water have declined rapidly over the past 30 years. In 1987, 19% of the world's population were undernourished and 27% did not have access to clean drinking water. Today, those numbers have dropped to 11% and 9%, respectively. This is despite the fact that the world population has increased from 5 billion to 7.5 billion people. Add to this that the population growth rate that exploded after the industrial revolution (0.5% - 0.6% between 1700 and 1927, increasing sharply to 2.1% in 1974) has started to decline (1.2% today). Some population models predict a leveling off of population around 11 or 12 billion people in 2100. This suggests that population is not yet a crushing burden on our resources and that we can solve many of today's environmental issues without immediately addressing world population growth.