World view: Calling science to account

[buffalo]

World view: Calling science to account

As you read this I will be in San Diego for the annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). For policy wonks like me, it’s an unmissable event. ***It is also a prime example of what is wrong with science’s relationship with the mass media. ***

Like sausages being made, or legislation being passed, the process that turns scientific developments into headlines and into radio and television reports isn’t pretty to observe. Nor is it optimal.

One of the main jobs of the AAAS meeting is to parcel up original research that has already been published, and often publicized, into digestible chunks. These then reappear as news stories in papers and broadcasts around the world, turbocharged by quotes from the scientific luminaries attending the meeting. This at least marks a change in tempo from the weekly routine, which converts original scientific findings, via a production line of embargoed press releases from journals and universities, into a steady stream of largely uncritical stories. (The mainstay of this process is the embargo system, whereby reporters and editors desist from reporting on findings until a fixed embargo time — and then do so all at once.)

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[kimmielittle]

World view: Calling science to account

As you read this I will be in San Diego for the annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). For policy wonks like me, it’s an unmissable event. ***It is also a prime example of what is wrong with science’s relationship with the mass media. ***

Like sausages being made, or legislation being passed, the process that turns scientific developments into headlines and into radio and television reports isn’t pretty to observe. Nor is it optimal.

One of the main jobs of the AAAS meeting is to parcel up original research that has already been published, and often publicized, into digestible chunks. These then reappear as news stories in papers and broadcasts around the world, turbocharged by quotes from the scientific luminaries attending the meeting. This at least marks a change in tempo from the weekly routine, which converts original scientific findings, via a production line of embargoed press releases from journals and universities, into a steady stream of largely uncritical stories. (The mainstay of this process is the embargo system, whereby reporters and editors desist from reporting on findings until a fixed embargo time — and then do so all at once.)

more…

Hiyas

Thank you

 

[edwest2]

Some decry a lack of science education among young people. But who is going to motivate them? In the 1960s, I picked up everything I could find about the space program. A focus needs to be established.

Thank you for posting.

Peace,
Ed

 

[buffalo]

The point of this article is well taken. Just read the science articles in any news publication. No one checks. No one questions. Sometimes you can read two opposing science articles in the same paper. And they are both right. Give me a break. It is worse for medical reporting.

Poor journalism in science, politics, news and religion make these outlets virtually worthless…unless…someone is trying to sell secularism.

 

[Monte_RCMS]

Some decry a lack of science education among young people. But who is going to motivate them? In the 1960s, I picked up everything I could find about the space program. A focus needs to be established.

Thank you for posting.

Peace,
Ed

If you want to develop some kind of fluency with foreign languages, you need to study about two levels above where you want to be fluent.

The same thing applies to math and science.

So, basically, parents should see that their high school kids have math up through calculus and also chemistry, physics, biology and geology. That would be a good start. The basics. Including lab courses in all four.

The encourage the kids to sign up for optional courses, perhaps in community college. Or via home schooling.

Turn it into a hobby and provide small cash rewards for various accomplishments along the way.

 

[buffalo]

If you want to develop some kind of fluency with foreign languages, you need to study about two levels above where you want to be fluent.

The same thing applies to math and science.

So, basically, parents should see that their high school kids have math up through calculus and also chemistry, physics, biology and geology. That would be a good start. The basics. Including lab courses in all four.

The encourage the kids to sign up for optional courses, perhaps in community college. Or via home schooling.

Turn it into a hobby and provide small cash rewards for various accomplishments along the way.

I argue that they need to be taught how to reason first and foremost. Mandatory philosophy and metaphysics courses for students. (Sidebar - civics class too)