Sunday, April 18, 2021

Bill Crawford: Mississippi Needs Quantum Leap in STEM Knowledge

 “If you understand the behavior of electrons and the behavior of photons (light) then you understand everything that matters in the everyday world, except gravity and nuclear power stations.”

Huh?

“Apart from gravity, everything that is important in the home can be described in terms of the way electrons interact with one another, which determines the way that atoms interact with one another, and the way they interact with electromagnetic radiation, including light.”

The quotations come from the introduction to John Gribbin’s “Q is for Quantum: An Encyclopedia of Particle Physics.” Whether we understand it or not, quantum physics, what Gribbin called “the subatomic world of particle physics,” dominates our lives today and tomorrow’s future.

Well, it’s the ever increasing application of quantum physics that really impacts us, not the science itself. From infrared heating in toasters and microwaves in ovens and telecommunications systems to the semiconductors inside cell phones, computers, cars, and home appliances and the lasers in DVD players to the technology that makes magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines, atomic clocks, GPS systems, fiber-optic communications work to the processes involved in genetic engineering, to superfast quantum computers, the applications increase and become more complex every day.

Indeed, we now live in a world heavily dependent upon scientific complexity that we little understand. Even as they develop new and wonderful applications, scientists don’t yet fully understand the complexities of the theory of quantum mechanics and its interaction with Albert Einstein’s special theory of relativity.

Nevertheless, we live in an ever more complex world dominated by science-based technology. Therein lies a problem. An article entitled “Simple thinking in a complex world is a recipe for disaster,” published by The Conversation, has a warning.

“For all our sophistication, we react to the world in simple ways. Our world is complex, but our ability to cope with it is limited. We seek simple solutions that hide or ignore the complexity.”

This inability to fathom complexity, the article continues, “leads to a belief that any worthwhile solution to a situation must be simple. This attitude perhaps explains the widespread mistrust of science today: it has become too complex and technical for the public to understand. So people often ignore or reject its messages, especially when its findings are unpalatable.”

Rather than rely on science, the article suggests, we choose to rely upon popular figures who scoff at or ignore science and offer us simplistic prescriptions that are often wrong.

Hmmm.

What does any of this have to do with Mississippi?

We need a quantum leap (pun intended) in our understanding of science and technology to ease fears and help us take advantage of the economic opportunities they offer.

That begins with much more robust science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education in our public schools with amped up resources to provide up to date textbooks, equipment, and instructors. (The computer science bill passed this year was a step in the right direction.) It continues with choosing leaders who want to harness science for its benefits rather than bedevil and fear it for their lack of understanding.  

“And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good.” – Genesis 1:31.

Crawford is a syndicated columnist from Jackson.

 

16 comments:

Anonymous said...

Yes, anyone can learn how to be a quantum physicist or electronics engineer. No gifts or talent required. Because we are all equal. And we have zero standards.

Anonymous said...

Absolutely genius Bill!
I never would’ve thought that the answer to Mississippi’s problems lies within the world of Quantum Physics
Quick! Someone put Bill in charge of transforming JPS into an absolute global leader of quantum physics and engineering!
Jackson Syndicated Columnist Bill Crawford has got it all figured out.

Anonymous said...

Forget learning to code, I'm gonna go out tomorrow & build me one of them subatomic particle colliders to get ready for the future - buy your tickets now to see protons & electrons bash each other's brains out

Anonymous said...

I say we start with quantum literacy and maybe a vocational program to teach some boo boo engineers

Anonymous said...

Bill Crawford, GET A LIFE!!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

Why do I feel like Slim Pickens riding an atomic bomb in Dr. Strangelove?

Anonymous said...

And Bill advocated for the Kemper Power Plant debacle too. Why is this guy even offered a column.

Anonymous said...

The Vibranium Institute of Vardaman, est. 1966, is right on this stuff! We are producing the future!

With our advanced materials and technology, we shall conquer all.

Equity, Vibranium, Utopia!!!

Scuze Me While I Kiss The Sky said...

I remember sitting cross-legged with a group, in a circle, eating lentils and passing the pipe...seeing, in rotational order, which of us could make up the most bizarre shit...without laughing or setting the shag carpet on fire. Then I quit doing that and got a job.

Anonymous said...

A huge set of Mississippians cannot pass high school. Let’s just try to get drinkable water and drivable roads

Anonymous said...

Quantum Leap? Ziggy says Mississippi should stick with what we know. Which is agrarianism and federal government dependence.

Anonymous said...

This thread is great

Anonymous said...

is this why the city couldnt get the water meters to work?

Anonymous said...

Yes! This would be another great reason to give the teachers a pay raise. Raise after raise and ACT scores are flatlined....

Anonymous said...

The truth hurts. People reject science except when its applications may save their life with an electromagnetic scan of their diseased bodies. Buddy they believe in science then. They don't take the time to think its complex science applied via r and d to develop their cell phone and their computerized car. But, left to their own devices, Mississippians are an anti-science know-it-all lot even whilst they consume proven, complex, data driven science every hour of their lives. Another thing you lot don't get - Irony.

Anonymous said...

@9:53AM
Be careful on your high horse. Lest you fall and break your big ol’ Humpty dumpty sized head!


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If you get tired come relax at the Fox News Tent. To gain admittance to the VIP section, bring either your Republican Party ID card or a Rebel Flag. Bringing both will entitle you to free drinks.Get your tickets now. Since this is an event for trolls, no ID is required, just bring the hate. Bring the family, Trollfest '07 is for EVERYONE!!!

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