June 11: Objectivity?

 Objectivity and Value-Based Science

How do biases affect our science?

Pitbull and Bunny

In the video linked above, we can see a Pitbull licking a bunny as the bunny spins around. The bunny didn't seem too concerned about this treatment as it stayed still instead of running away. The Pitbull also seemed very calm and almost nurturing to the bunny, as if it were cleaning one of its own puppies.

This is how I interpreted the video because of the animals' body language and the bunny's compliance to being licked. Given these behaviors, it only makes sense to me that the bunny did not feel in any immediate danger.

My interpretation is influenced by the value that I hold which leads me to believe that domestic animals can be civil with one another. If I were to be more objective, I would take into account the fact that animals have instinctual behaviors and could possibly have ulterior motives. 

After recognizing my possible bias and rewatching the video, I realized that the Pitbull could be sparing the bunny because the owner is present. Some dogs that are well trained will control some of their instincts when their trainer is around, so it is possible that the Pitbull was only playing with the bunny in an attempt to behave; however, this also depends on the idea that this is the relationship that the Pitbull has with its owner.

June 10: 3D Printing

 3D Printing and Design

My final design

Using Tinkercad to Create a Model that will be 3D Printed

Before today, I had almost no experience in 3D modeling and design other than watching my brother do it at home. Due to my inexperience, I chose to use Tinkercad to learn the basics of manipulating 3D models for my printing project. For my project, I decided to make a star-shaped keychain with my first initial (J) on it. I chose this because it is a basic design, but also requires all of the skills that I learned today. 

By using Tinkercad, I learned how to measure models in the workspace and view how large they would print. I also learned how to properly embed text into a design so that the words come out in the desired clarity. For the keychain's hole, I learned how to create hollow shapes in order to make indents in my design, which also helped in creating my text.

June 7: Computational Thinking

 Coding

Learning to use Python 2 for the first time

Before today, I knew almost nothing about coding and programming. The last time I touched a computer science class was in elementary school, but today I successfully did some programming with Python. I started from the ground up with Code Academy and learned the basic Python syntax. I learned that there are many things that you can do through writing code. These operations include printing text in the console, creating True and False statements, and even using it as a calculator!

I completed the Python Syntax and Strings and Console Outputs sections, and barely started the Conditionals and Control Flow section

AI

Learning about ChatGPT's User Biases

 Yesterday we read two articles that described AI's inherent user bias: Artificial Intelligence Has a Problem With Gender and Racial Bias. Here’s How to Solve It, Why algorithms can be racist and sexist. These sources showed that AI systems can be intentionally or unintentionally biased based off of the materials that they are trained with, such as only giving facial recognition programs information from one demographic. This bias is dangerous in multiple ways. First, the continuation of this incomplete training is hindering AI's full potential to function properly. Second, by not including information about certain demographics in the system's training, these groups are either recognized less or purposefully neglected by AI. In order for programs such as ChatGPT to give unbiased and helpful information, we must begin training these programs with wider arrays of sources.

June 6: Pseudoscience

SETI: Science or Pseudoscience?

SETI Radios

SETI is the search for extraterrestrial intelligence, but are the methods real or fake science?

My discussion group: John, Tanish, Trey, Gracelyn

A Primer on SETI at the SETI Institute 

Technosignatures and the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence | News | Astrobiology (nasa.gov)

Aliens are often thought of as nothing more than a conspiracy theory; however, a team of scientists are working towards finding signs of this intelligent life through the detection of radio signals from space. Although the SETI mission has been going on for 60 years, their radio efforts have not seen any definite results. Despite this, I still believe that the methods of the mission are scientific, and that this search is not pseudoscience.

Pseudoscience is defined by a few conditions: it claims to be a science, is unfalsifiable, and may have empirical evidence, but the evidence seems to only support the theory. In this way, some may claim that the search to find intelligent life despite having no results after all their research is implementing false evidence to support their theory. The theory of intelligent life is indeed falsifiable, even if we do not currently have the technology to prove it. Because of this, I do not believe it is wrong for scientists to continue using any hope of proof that they find in order to continue their mission. Therefore, the method that SETI uses is definitely scientific.

With the knowledge that the SETI radios have not found much solid evidence, and that their method is scientific, how can the search be improved? Some scientists speculate that the frequencies may just be out of the range of what we are trying to pick up, so at this point we need to start experimenting! In all actuality we have no clue how extraterrestrials may communicate, but SETI must open up new avenues in their scientific research because microwave detection is not proving successful.

June 4: Engineering Design Process

Skinny Mobile (fig.1)

The Engineering Design Process

Creating a mode of transportation with only K'NEX (a.k.a the Skinny Mobile)

June 3: Self-Driving Cars

 

Self-Driving Car Dilemma 

The ethics of programming self-driving cars to make the best decisions is a difficult task.

How will self-driving cars choose how to resolve conflicts on the road? Well, the decision is actually up to the programmers. Today we discussed what a self-driving car should do in the event that large debris falls off of a truck in front of the car, given that there is not enough time to hit the brakes.

 In this scenario, the car has the option to A) Hit the debris and sacrifice the driver, B) Swerve left into an SUV, or C) Swerve right into a motorcycle. If I was making the decision, I would swerve left into the SUV as it is a vehicle with a high safety rate and would likely protect the automated car driver while not causing too much harm to the SUV driver. 

This option creates a balance between saving the automated car driver and preventing casualties. However, solutions like this bring the complication of deliberately deciding to hit another vehicle on the road, which makes the decision unethical. These self-driving vehicles would only be safe if every vehicle was self-driving, so I believe that vehicles must first implement driving assistance to transition to automated vehicles. These assists include automatic braking, lane warnings, cameras, and cruise control, which can lead to further developments. 

This scenario has led me to rethink other ethical aspects of technological advancements, such as how these cars might unintentionally endanger others.

A Little About Me and My Governors School Experience

A Little About Me and My Governors School Experience

The sciences provide a world of possibilities for any interest, including emerging fields with little current knowhow. The Governors School for the Sciences and Engineering, otherwise known as GSSE, gives opportunities for the sciences to be discovered: materials science, math, physics, chemistry, biology, industrial systems, and general STEM topics. Despite these amazing opportunities, I was also drawn to the beautiful campus it is on, and the various labs to be explored. I have the privilege of studying the materials science course here, which correlates to my interest in nuclear technologies! Outside of my appreciation for the sciences, I am also an athlete on the wrestling team and a cadet in my high school's JROTC program. These activities take up most of my free time, but I also enjoy going out with friends and indulging in video games.

Me (middle) and my fellow captains (sides) at one of my JROTC Drill Meets