Q1) We discussed in class how there is no such thing as a "scientific proof." Explain in your own words.
There is no such thing as a scientific proof as science primarily deals with theories and hypotheses. A scientific theory is a hypothesis supported by observation and the documentation of the outcomes of the experiments aimed at proving or disproving the hypothesis. However, there is no ultimate proof that a scientific theory or hypothesis holds in all outcomes or situations as we do not have a universal knowledge and understanding of everything there is to know in science; for example, there is a possibility that an experiment could disprove the theory of relativity, we just don't know what experiment that is. Therefore in science, an absolute proof is almost always impossible. Science purely tries to explain things by finding evidence supporting the hypothesis.
Q2) Write a new part for your project of 250 words or more.
Click here to view the second pre-draft of my report. It includes updates to sections, "History of Green Energy Sources" and "New Green Energy Technologies".
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Homework 9
As assigned in IFSC 4399, I have began drafting my final report on the past, present, and future of green energy technologies as a replacement for current non-renewable energy sources.
Click here to view a pre-draft of my report.
As far as work I have done on my report; I have drafted the following sections of my report: Purpose and Introduction. Additionally, I have started drafting the section regarding the History of Green Energy Sources. For the other sections of my report (Current Green Energy Sources, New Green Energy Technologies, Promising Technologies, Roadmap to the Future, A Glimpse of the Future: 2109, and the Conclusion), I have started to look for content to add to these sections. For all sections of the report, I have tried to note what I plan to do for each section.
Click here to view a pre-draft of my report.
As far as work I have done on my report; I have drafted the following sections of my report: Purpose and Introduction. Additionally, I have started drafting the section regarding the History of Green Energy Sources. For the other sections of my report (Current Green Energy Sources, New Green Energy Technologies, Promising Technologies, Roadmap to the Future, A Glimpse of the Future: 2109, and the Conclusion), I have started to look for content to add to these sections. For all sections of the report, I have tried to note what I plan to do for each section.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Homework 8: Minority Report Review
Minority Report is a movie set in the future around 2054 in Washington, D.C. The movie is premised on the fact that in the city, murderers are caught before they actually commit the crime based on visual evidence obtained from three precognitives, or ‘precogs’, who can see the future murders happening while they are in a dreamy state. A high-tech computer system captures these images from the precogs as they are seeing them, and the Washington, D.C. Precrime division uses those images as evidence in convicting the criminals.
Now, I realize movies are not necessarily supposed to be realistic, but I have to say this: I don't believe the events portrayed in this movie could actually happen in real life. One of the most troubling concepts I have with this movie in relation to the real world is that in the movie, they are arresting individuals before they commit a crime. Arguably, the ‘precogs’ are never wrong and the utopian idea of a murder-less society is very appealing. However, using the precogs’ visions of future murders as evidence for crimes that have not yet been committed is something I believe our society would not be okay with.
Another concept I find debatable in this movie is the concept of free-will versus predestination, and whether free-will can alter the future. As the Division of Precrime uses the precogs’ visions for committals, this movie tends towards the idea of predestination, and that the future can’t be altered. I find this hard to grasp as I believe that free-will drives and empowers us and the path we take changes our future.
Regardless, this movie is great and I recommend all to watch it.
Now, I realize movies are not necessarily supposed to be realistic, but I have to say this: I don't believe the events portrayed in this movie could actually happen in real life. One of the most troubling concepts I have with this movie in relation to the real world is that in the movie, they are arresting individuals before they commit a crime. Arguably, the ‘precogs’ are never wrong and the utopian idea of a murder-less society is very appealing. However, using the precogs’ visions of future murders as evidence for crimes that have not yet been committed is something I believe our society would not be okay with.
Another concept I find debatable in this movie is the concept of free-will versus predestination, and whether free-will can alter the future. As the Division of Precrime uses the precogs’ visions for committals, this movie tends towards the idea of predestination, and that the future can’t be altered. I find this hard to grasp as I believe that free-will drives and empowers us and the path we take changes our future.
Regardless, this movie is great and I recommend all to watch it.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Homework 7: Outline for Final Project
Green Energy Technologies:
A Look at the Present and
A Plausible Roadmap to the Future of Sustainable Green Energy
I. Introduction
a. Purpose
i. This report will delve into current green energy technologies and provide a roadmap to the future of sustainable green energy sources, as the need for sustainable renewable energy sources is becoming clear.
b. Orienting Material
i. The Need for a Sustainable Green Energy
1. Majority of energy today comes from nonrenewable resources
2. Due to depleting of natural resources, global warming (will not get into the debate), and many other reasons, clear and present need for sustainable green energy
3. (http://www.bp.com/productlanding. do?categoryId=6929&
contentId=7044622),
The world still has enough known reserves to provide 40 years worth of energy (at current energy consumption rates) from non-renewable energy sources. Additionally, Clean Edge (an energy research and publishing firm; http://www.cleanedge.com /reports.php), projects that global renewable energy revenues will rise from $16 billion in 2004 to more than $100 billion by 2014. With this in mind, renewable energy sources will become an integral part of our energy future.
II. Body
a. History of Green Energy Sources
i. Early Times (B.C.)
1. First recorded use of “green energy”
http://www.thesolarguide.com/solar4scholars/renewable-history.aspx
a. 3200 BC First recorded use of wind energy. The sail is invented by the Egyptians.
b. 200 BC Invention of the windmill, in China.
2. 1839-The discovery of solar photovoltaics. Edmond Becquerel notices that sunlight absorbed in certain materials produces electricity.
3. 1882-The first hydroelectric plant is finished, in Appleton, Wisconsin.
ii. Present
1. Nuclear Powerà Not really green and comes from limited amounts of radioactive substances
2. Solar Energy
3. Hydroelectric Dams
4. Wind Power
5. Biomass/Biofuels
6. Geothermal
b. Current Innovative Green Technologies
i. Recent Innovations
1. Coal Power Gone Green http://www.anticorruption.ca/forum/phpBB2
/viewtopic.php?t=8276&sid=154576d81a76024e0113d8c481968d24
2. Website:
Description: This article gave information of using carbon nano-tubes instead of silicon to extract energy more efficiently from the sun.
3. Website: http://www.alternative-energy-news.info/150mpg-algae-powered- toyota-prius/
Description: This article gave information about possibly using algae as a replacement for gasoline in cars. This seems very possible and extremely eco-friendly because of a lack of harmful byproduct.)
c. A Look to the Future
i. Promising Technologies
ii. Roadmap
1. With a projected growth of nearly 26%/year in revenues from renewable energy sources, it is projected that by 2030, revenue for renewable energy will jump to nearly $3.2 trillion. Granted, there are many different factors that could change these figures, most importantly the fact that profits tend to decrease per product as widespread adoption will likely bring prices of new technology down.
iii. A Glimpse of the Future : 2109
1. Provide a fictional yet creative look at the future after a century of innovation.
III. Conclusion
a. Recap
A Look at the Present and
A Plausible Roadmap to the Future of Sustainable Green Energy
I. Introduction
a. Purpose
i. This report will delve into current green energy technologies and provide a roadmap to the future of sustainable green energy sources, as the need for sustainable renewable energy sources is becoming clear.
b. Orienting Material
i. The Need for a Sustainable Green Energy
1. Majority of energy today comes from nonrenewable resources
2. Due to depleting of natural resources, global warming (will not get into the debate), and many other reasons, clear and present need for sustainable green energy
3. (http://www.bp.com/productlanding. do?categoryId=6929&
contentId=7044622),
The world still has enough known reserves to provide 40 years worth of energy (at current energy consumption rates) from non-renewable energy sources. Additionally, Clean Edge (an energy research and publishing firm; http://www.cleanedge.com /reports.php), projects that global renewable energy revenues will rise from $16 billion in 2004 to more than $100 billion by 2014. With this in mind, renewable energy sources will become an integral part of our energy future.
II. Body
a. History of Green Energy Sources
i. Early Times (B.C.)
1. First recorded use of “green energy”
http://www.thesolarguide.com/solar4scholars/renewable-history.aspx
a. 3200 BC First recorded use of wind energy. The sail is invented by the Egyptians.
b. 200 BC Invention of the windmill, in China.
2. 1839-The discovery of solar photovoltaics. Edmond Becquerel notices that sunlight absorbed in certain materials produces electricity.
3. 1882-The first hydroelectric plant is finished, in Appleton, Wisconsin.
ii. Present
1. Nuclear Powerà Not really green and comes from limited amounts of radioactive substances
2. Solar Energy
3. Hydroelectric Dams
4. Wind Power
5. Biomass/Biofuels
6. Geothermal
b. Current Innovative Green Technologies
i. Recent Innovations
1. Coal Power Gone Green http://www.anticorruption.ca/forum/phpBB2
/viewtopic.php?t=8276&sid=154576d81a76024e0113d8c481968d24
2. Website:
Description: This article gave information of using carbon nano-tubes instead of silicon to extract energy more efficiently from the sun.
3. Website: http://www.alternative-energy-news.info/150mpg-algae-powered- toyota-prius/
Description: This article gave information about possibly using algae as a replacement for gasoline in cars. This seems very possible and extremely eco-friendly because of a lack of harmful byproduct.)
c. A Look to the Future
i. Promising Technologies
ii. Roadmap
1. With a projected growth of nearly 26%/year in revenues from renewable energy sources, it is projected that by 2030, revenue for renewable energy will jump to nearly $3.2 trillion. Granted, there are many different factors that could change these figures, most importantly the fact that profits tend to decrease per product as widespread adoption will likely bring prices of new technology down.
iii. A Glimpse of the Future : 2109
1. Provide a fictional yet creative look at the future after a century of innovation.
III. Conclusion
a. Recap
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