Yes, you read it correctly. During the next weeks, here at Fugal Science we will be exploring the science behind the spidery sense of Spiderman, the flying powers of Superman and Wonder Woman’s invisible jet.
Alternative Energy by RLHyde (Flickr)
In this “heroic” assignment, we will be using the old and faithful scientific method as our exploration tool; so, we will not explore super powers as a metaphor for the Law of Attraction, nor will we be journaling about comics and Comic-Con – as I know many of you were hoping for.
No, we will be dealing with pure science, my friends; the most entertaining kind.
Anything is a matter of exploration and this entertaining case-study will allow us – I hope – to develop appreciation for the scientific method and learn the basic skills we need to become scientific critics.
Have you ever heard a scientific expert on the TV and wonder if you were exposed to real scientific facts or pure rubbish? Then, I suggest you keep an eye of this post series.
The main objective of this exploration will be achieving useful scientific literacy; the kind that will enable us to discern between “good” and “bad” science.
In spite of the possible good humor involved in the task – which we will not neglect – Doris and I are planning to face this task seriously. For starts, we will enroll a course given by Professor Michael Dennin of the University of California at Irvine, starting the 21st of January.
The name of the course «Science from Superheroes to Global Warming» says it all. This course won the 2011 “Best OCW User Experience” Award from Education Portal and was featured in the New York Times. Needless to say that Doris and I are very excited about it.
If you are interested in joining us in this course, you surely can; it’s totally free and is web based, so you can follow it without having to travel anywhere farther than to your living room.
Check the course details here (NOT an affiliate link).
Explore, Dream, Discover!
Join Doris and me in exploring everything.
Chose one of these three alternatives
for being part of the adventure.
....
Hi there! I’m Gustavo and Frugal Science is about helping you rediscover your exploring nature and enjoying the benefits of looking life in a different way. Anybody can become a true explorer –it’s our nature-, all you need is a mindful attention and some frugal science.
The original superheroes were based upon some physical (and chemical) principles. I am less sure about the newer ones, but I don’t consider them especially super anyway.
I look forward to this series with great anticipation.
Roy A. Ackerman, Ph.D., E.A. recently posted..Whose data IS it?
I always loved Superman, he had it all. He was my favorite superhero. Your new series sounds intriguing and I’m very much looking forward to it.
Julia Neiman recently posted..Learning to Say “No”
Hi Roy,
I am pretty sure that’s the basis of the course. If not, is the where I’m basing the exploration.
Gustavo recently posted..Announcing a new exploration: Super Powers
Hi Julia,
Superman is great, isn’t he? – especially when Christopher Reeve made the part.
Gustavo recently posted..Announcing a new exploration: Super Powers
Oh, this seems like fun! I’m looking forward to seeing where this series goes.
Cheri recently posted..Five Questions for the New Year
Thank you Cheri!
You sure are very welcomed
gustavo recently posted..Announcing a new exploration: Super Powers
[...] of California at Irvine. This course is part of the COURSERA program and is the motif for the ongoing exploration held here, in Frugal [...]
[...] my friend, Gustavo Silva, has started a new series about superheroes. No, not like in the comic books, but how much of how they perform is really based in science. [...]