From Student to Scientist:
My Life in Science

Student Handout

PROGRAM GUESTS

DR. ALFRED G. GILMAN Co-recipients of the 1994 Nobel Prize in Medicine for pioneering research that explain how cells relay signals from the "outside" world and use it internally.

DR. MARTIN RODBELL Co-recipients of the 1994 Nobel Prize in Medicine for pioneering research that explain how cells relay signals from the "outside" world and use it internally.

JOHN R. HORNER Professor of Paleontology who has unearthed more dinosaur fossils than anyone in history.

DR. ARNO A. PENZIAS Recipient of the Nobel Prize in Physics for discovering evidence of the "big bang" from the creation of the universe.

DR. EDWARD TELLER Internationally renowned nuclear physicist who developed the hydrogen bomb.

DR. TIM D. WHITE Professor of Anthropology whose startling discovery of a 4.4 million year old primate has provided a "missing link" in the evolutionary chain.

DR. LEON M. LEDERMAN Director Emeritus at Fermi Lab and recipient of the Nobel Prize in Physics.

BACKGROUND

A panel of distinguished scientists discuss the nature of science, presenting it as an opportunity to be a modern day explorer. Each panelist reveals his personal motivation to pursue a career in science and students are urged to pursue their most passionate dreams. Curiosity, according to the speakers, is the single most important trait in becoming a scientist.

The panelists make several thought provoking statements including:

• It is necessary to know the little things in order to understand the larger issues.
• Culture is unified. The different fields of study are all interrelated.
• Chaos theory points out that the future can not be predicted.
• Science and religion are two mutually exclusive ways of looking at the universe.
• Ethics is not a scientific issue; ethics is an issue which belongs to all citizens.
• In science there is no absolute truth.
• This wide ranging discussion on the nature of science emphasizes the joy of discovering new things and ideas.

MASTERS AND THEIR WORK

These men and women are known for their curiosity and passionate pursuit of science. In what subject areas did they make their contributions? Try to discover the great story behind each scientist.

• SCIENTISTS

  • Benoit Mandelbrot
  • Admiral Grace Hopper
  • Marvin Minsky
  • Stephen Hawking
  • Jane Goodall
  • James D. Watson

• SUBJECT AREAS

  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Fractals
  • Astrophysics
  • Simian Behavior
  • Computer Language
  • Genetics

(Answers at end of curriculum)

WEB GUIDE

The Internet is an excellent resource. There are many tools designed to help you find information, one is a subject browser called"Yahoo". Either key in your research topic or simply work your way through the menu of subject offerings. In this case select "Science." You will then face many fascinating choices. Be sure to try out these two paths: "Chaos/The Chaos Network" or "Fractals/Exhibits/ Mandelbrot Exhibit."

FOCUS QUESTIONS

After you watch the program, please respond to these questions:
1. Which career in science holds the most potential for the 21st Century?
2. What subjects, questions or problems are you most curious/passionate about?

CAREER CORNER - School to Work Transition

Science offers a myriad of career opportunities for people with a variety of talents, skills and abilities. Here are some examples. Pick one that interests you and explore it as a career possibility. What does the person do on a daily basis? What educational background and work experience is necessary? Where is the work done? What are the rewards? You may be surprised by what you find!

• Anthropologist
• Cardiologist
• Chemical Engineer
• Environmentalist
• Graphic Illustrator
• Horticulturist
• Lab Technician
• Librarian
• Mathematician
• Mechanical Engineer
• Microbiologist
• Paleontologist
• Physician's Assistant
• Physicist
• Research Scientist
• Scientific Theorist
• Software Engineer
• Statistician
• Teacher/Professor
• Technical Writer
• 3-D Animator

MATCHING ANSWERS: 1-B, 2-E, 3-A, 4-C, 5-D, 6-F.