Fundamentals of STEM

Fundamentals of STEM

Scientific Discoveries

Newton’s Laws of Motion:

• Isaac Newton changes our understanding of the universe by formulating three laws to describe the movement of objects. 1) An object in motion remains in motion unless an external force is applied to it. 2) The relationship between an object's mass (m), its acceleration (a), and the applied force (F) is F = ma. 3) For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. (Math)

Scientific Discoveries

Radiation from Space

• In 1912, Victor Hess travels to 17,500 feet in a hot air balloon (without oxygen) and observes that radiation increases with altitude. Further experiments convince him the radiation is coming from space. We now know that the vast majority of cosmic rays are protons, and therefore have a positive electrical charge. (Technology)
  

Scientific Discoveries

X-rays

• Wilhelm Roentgen accidentally discovers X-rays as he conducts experiments with the radiation from cathode rays (electrons). He notices that the rays are able to penetrate opaque black paper wrapped around a cathode ray tube, causing a nearby table to glow with florescence. His discovery revolutionizes physics and medicine, earning him the first-ever Nobel Prize for physics in 1901. (Technology)
  

Scientific Discoveries

Vaccinations

• Edward Jenner, an English country doctor, performs the first vaccination against smallpox after discovering that inoculation with cowpox provides immunity. Jenner formulated his theory after noticing that patients who work with cattle and had come into contact with cowpox never came down with smallpox when an epidemic ravaged the countryside in 1788. (Engineering). Lead a discussion on how the utilization of mathematical truths, engineering processes, and technological devices can lead to scientific discoveries.