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SCI 103 First Reading Discussion

Science, Systems, Matter, and Energy

Miller - Chapter 3, p. 33

3-1 The Nature of Science

1. Define what is meant by a “model.”

2. Give a specific example of a model used in scientific inquiry.

3. Compare “inductive reasoning” with “deductive reasoning.”

4. Give a specific example of each that is not given in the book.

5. What is meant by “junk science?”

6. How do we go about sniffing out junk science?

3-2 Models and Behavior of Systems

7. Compare a “positive feedback loop” with a “negative, or corrective feedback loop.”

8. Give an example of each.

9. What is meant by “time delay?”

10. What is its affect on a complex system?

11. What is meant by “synergy?”

12. Give a specific example of synergistic interaction.

3-3 Matter

13. Discuss the composition of organic compounds.

14. Give some specific examples of organic compounds.

15. What is meant by “matter quality?”

16. Why is an understanding of matter quality important to us?

3-4 Energy

17. What is meant by “energy quality?”

18. Why is an understanding of energy quality important to us?

3-6 Nuclear Changes

19. Name and discuss the three types of nuclear changes (processes.)

3-8 Matter and Energy Laws and Environmental Problems

20.Why is it important for us to strive for a Low-Throughput Economy as compared to a High-Throughput Economy?