Cosmos: ‘What do we know about it?’, ‘How do we know what we know about it?’ and ‘What do we not know about it?’

Post author:misp
Post published:March 15, 2018
Post category:Secondary School

Last Wednesday Dr. Sunu Engineer, a doctorate in physics from IUCCA, came to MBIS to speak to DP students about the Cosmos. His talk came at a time when the DP 2 Physics students are studying Astrophysics as their Option. He began with three ‘simple’ questions about the Cosmos: ‘What do we know about it?’, ‘How do we know what we know about it?’ and ‘What do we not know about it?’

For two lessons he had the undivided attention of the DP Physics students. The information he provided was cutting edge, including research published as soon as 8 days prior to the presentation. Aside from a few interjections by Mr. Heyworth on concepts students were unfamiliar with, Dr. Engineer delivered an introductory lecture on Astrophysics he would have otherwise given to university level students. He didn’t water down complexity and while some of it flew over the heads of students, many were able to follow along. His talk touched on all the major elements of Astrophysics ending with a quick calculation of the age of the universe and a mention of Einstein’s equations of general relativity.

Dr. Engineer’s passion and wealth of knowledge came through in his presentation. In true ‘IB/TOK’ spirit he also made students aware of the limitations of knowledge in Astrophysics. He recalled joking with his supervisor when he submitted his dissertation –“should I call this science fiction or science fact?”. Furthermore, he discussed the incomprehensible scale of the universe. The scale of time, distance, size, density and luminosity, as much as we try to put into units that make sense they are inherently counter-intuitive. It is quite a marvel that humans are able to contemplate, much less understand it, the way we do. Overall, it was a presentation that left many in a sense of wonderment with their heads in the stars. Students enjoyed it thoroughly and everyone was able to get something out of it. Hopefully Dr. Engineer will come back soon to speak again!

Arman Jindal

DP2 Physics Student

Human systems and economic activities	The study of how and why people construct organizations and systems; the ways in which people connect locally and globally; the distribution of power and authority.
Social organization and culture	The study of people, communities, cultures and societies in the ways in which individuals, groups and societies interact with each other.
Continuity and change through time	The study of the relationships between people and events through time; the past, its influences on the present and its implications for the future; people who have shaped the future through their actions.
Human and natural environments	The study of the distinctive features that give a place its identity; how people adapt to and alter their environment; how people experience and represent place; the impact of natural disasters on people and the built environment.
Resources and the environment	The interaction between people and the environment; the study of how humans allocate and manage resources; the positive and negative effects of this management; the impact of scientific and technological developments on the environment.

Living things	The study of the characteristics, systems and behaviours of humans and other animals, and of plants; the interactions and relationships between and among them, and with their environment.
Earth and space	The study of planet Earth and its position in the universe, particularly its relationship with the sun; the natural phenomena and systems that shape the planet and the distinctive features that identify it; the infinite and finite resources of the planet.
Materials and matter	The study of the properties, behaviours and uses of materials, both natural and human-made; the origins of human-made materials and how they are manipulated to suit a purpose.
Forces and energy	The study of energy, its origins, storage and transfer, and the work it can do; the study of forces; the application of scientific understanding through inventions and machines. (IBO, 2009)

Cosmos: ‘What do we know about it?’, ‘How do we know what we know about it?’ and ‘What do we not know about it?’

Field Trips

Athletics

Academics

Student Services

Arts

CAMPUS

You Might Also Like

Buddy reading initiative

Developing opportunities for MBIS students through our Co-Curricular programme.

Pop! I am the Winner