Illuminating the secrets of science

Two College of Humanities and Sciences (CHS) students share how conducting experiments at the Exploratorium, a laboratory which was set up (for HSI 1000: How Science Works, Why Science Works), has helped them to put to practice the scientific processes enabling them to distil facts from misinformation.

Year 2 Philosophy Major Christopher CHIN tested buoyancy, the net upward force on any object in any fluid, by constructing and testing explanations to show that a correlation exists due to the presence of a cause and effect relationship. His experiment included verifying that water expands as temperature increases.

He says, “The scientific method allowed me to stress-test my understanding, collect evidence and seek solutions. It is fascinating as it is similar to the skills I apply in philosophy, where we are taught to question, even challenge, assumptions.”

Year 2’s Nicole WONG, who majors in Life Sciences and minors in Psychology and Forensic Science, adds, “What stood out for me is the relevance of the scientific method to a wide range of topics…and how I can play a part in bridging the information gap between scientists and the public.”

Nicole’s experiment focused on heat transfer, the movement of heat from one physical location to another due to temperature differences. She studied two possible explanations of this observation by performing experiments that led to the acceptance/rejection of one (or both) of them.

Find out more about this course at https://chs.nus.edu.sg/programmes/common-curriculum/scientific-inquiry-i/