Learning History | History Education | Historical Oregon

The profession of food science technicians involves research and development to help improve the qualities of food and beverage products. The job happens to be a highly responsible one. These professionals work in close contact with scientists and conduct various kinds of tests on food and agricultural products. Whatever research and tests on food products are performed, food technicians need to comply with the rules and guidelines set by the Food and Drug Administration. The field of food and science technology also includes professionals like biological technicians, chemical technicians, environmental science and technicians. The food technician, therefore, would be working in close touch with these professionals, according to the requirement. These professionals do not only perform food and agricultural products test, but they also analyze the end result and maintain a record of these tests. In addition, food and science technology professionals also look after the requirements of the laboratory like ordering supplies, maintenance of inventory and sterilization of laboratory equipment.

Science technician professionals may be required to work in different weather conditions. Mostly, food technicians perform their work in laboratories. Agricultural technicians and environmental science technology professionals spend most of their time working in remote locations. With the advent of advanced technology, food and science technicians need to be quite well versed with the operation of laboratory equipment. Besides traditional and electronic equipment, the field of food and science technology also involves extensive use of computers for the research and development work.

Science education has lately been the source of much heated debate, largely due to the film Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed featuring Ben Stein. Stein’s documentary lamented the monopoly of Darwinian evolution in scientific research and science education. As expected, many prominent neo-Darwinists, for instance Richard Dawkins and P. Z. Myers, have reacted aggressively to the film. Recently, a renowned paleontologist joined the fray. However, his contribution was a stunning surprise.

Dr. Robert T. Bakker is one of most famous living dinosaur experts, known for his 1986 book The Dinosaur Heresies. He is the Curator of paleontology at the Houston Museum of Natural Science and the Director of the Morrison Natural History Museum in Colorado. Recently Bakker was interviewed on the Laelaps Science Blog by Brian Switek.

During the e-mail interview, Bakker said that he considered “the loud, strident, elitist anti-creationists” to be be greatest enemy of science education in the United States. He explained that he meant “Richard Dawkins and his colleagues”, calling them “uber-Darwinists”. In his view, they “come across as insultingly dismissive of any and all religious traditions.”

Computer microscopes are changing the way science is taught in the elementary and middle school classroom. Traditional methods involved setting up bulky equipment along with making flawless slides for getting a clear picture of the object to be studied. Students would many times struggle to locate the critical elements of the prepared slide. With the computer microscope it has become easier for the teacher to concentrate on content rather than setting up the equipment. Images can be projected on a large screen for the entire class to view.

Hand-held digital microscopes such as the SmartScope are one of the best science tools for use in the classroom. Firstly, it can be easily set up by simply connecting to a computer through the USB port. This simple feature has eliminated the need for the teacher to explain details of the instrument, as in the case of the light microscope. Secondly, the hand-held digital microscope has a flexible lens which is capable of achieving a range of magnifications.

Viewing prepared glass slides of common specimens of animals, insects, plants, amphibians and frogs, is as easy as setting the tip on the slide and adjusting the light level and focus dials. Many students struggle with making their own slides, for instance when the slides develop air bubbles. The computer microscope allows teachers to project a single slide for every student to see allowing them to discuss important features using only one slide. Students can even work individually, eliminating the need for constant attention of the teacher.