Science in the 1950s

To supply more details from our class discussion this week.

On early computers in the 1940s and 1950s:

http://www.library.upenn.edu/exhibits/rbm/mauchly/jwm11.html

and on the importance of the transistor:

http://www.nobelprize.org/educational/physics/transistor/history/

and on the development of the polio vaccine:

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/aso/databank/entries/dm52sa.html

and the creation of the US’s first commercial nuclear reactor:

http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/history/4569/_atoms_for_peace__in_pennsylvania/471309

The US attempts to answer the challenge of Sputnik with Vanguard

Duck and cover PSA from the early Cold War

Words fail me. This must be seen to be believed.

Human testing with a tactical nuclear device

What was a diphtheria outbreak like?

Read this: http://dianastaresinicdeane.wordpress.com/2011/09/15/lessons-from-a-kansas-graveyard-what-a-1903-outbreak-of-diphtheria-can-teach-us-today/

The Panama Canal

Here’s a cool palindrome about Teddy Roosevelt: A MAN, A PLAN, A CANAL: PANAMA

 

Video: 

For more info:

From How Stuff Works: http://geography.howstuffworks.com/central-america/panama-canal3.htm

Timeline of Canal Construction: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/timeline/panama/

This explains what it was like for the workers: from WGBH The American Experience: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/general-article/panama-workers/ and here is an animation of how it was expected to work: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/bonus-video/panama-locks/

Here’s a video that shows how it works: http://science.discovery.com/tv-shows/big-bigger-biggest/videos/big-bigger-biggest-constructing-the-panama-canal.htm

Discussion on Pragmatism

Go to the link from the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy here: http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/pragmatism/ to help you understand the material on pp. 618-9 in your textbook.

Pragmatism was born from the meeting of a group of thinkers centered around Harvard University called “The Metaphysical Club” (Metaphysics is that branch of philosophy which attempts to understand the nature of being and reality– what is at the essence of things, how do we determine what is real, what existence IS, etc. In other words, mind-blowing stuff.) They were seeking to reconcile scientific theories with man’s need for religious belief.

Thus, they certainly did not believe that ideas were largely worthless.They believed that we could value ideas based upon their practicality, among MANY other things. Be ready to discuss this at the next class meeting.

Animated map of nuclear explosions worldwide

Note how many different countries have detonated nuclear weapons at least in testing, and where those explosion have taken place.

Atlantis found?

Just thought this was interesting…

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/higher-education/lost-continent-found-off-africa/story-e6frgcjx-1226583761275

Tennessee Evolution Statutes

Note the date on each law…

Tennessee Evolution Statutes

PUBLIC ACTS

OF THE

STATE OF TENNESSEE

PASSED BY THE

SIXTY – FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

1925

CHAPTER NO. 27

House Bill No. 185

(By Mr. Butler)

AN ACT prohibiting the teaching of the Evolution Theory in all the Universities, Normals and all other public schools of Tennessee, which are supported in whole or in part by the public school funds of the State, and to provide penalties for the violations thereof.

Section 1. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Tennessee, That it shall be unlawful for any teacher in any of the Universities, Normals and all other public schools of the State which are supported in whole or in part by the public school funds of the State, to teach any theory that denies the story of the Divine Creation of man as taught in the Bible, and to teach instead that man has descended from a lower order of animals.

Section 2. Be it further enacted, That any teacher found guilty of the violation of this Act, Shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction, shall be fined not less than One Hundred $ (100.00) Dollars nor more than Five Hundred ($ 500.00) Dollars for each offense.

Section 3. Be it further enacted, That this Act take effect from and after its passage, the public welfare requiring it.

Passed March 13, 1925

W. F. Barry, Speaker of the House of Representatives

L. D. Hill, Speaker of the Senate

Approved March 21, 1925.

Austin Peay, Governor.

______________________________________________________

PUBLIC ACTS

OF THE

STATE OF TENNESSEE

PASSED BY THE

EIGHTY – FIFTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

1967

________

CHAPTER NO. 237

House Bill No. 48

(By Smith, Galbreath, Bradley)

SUBSTITUTED FOR : SENATE BILL NO. 46

(By Elam)

AN ACT to repeal Section 498 – 1922, Tennessee Code Annotated, prohibiting the teaching of evolution.

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Tennessee :

Section 1. Section 49 – 1922, Tennessee Code Annotated, is repealed.

Section 2. This Act shall take effect September 1, 1967.

Passed : May 13, 1967

James H. Cummings, Speaker of the House of Representatives

Frank C. Gorrell, Speaker of the Senate

Approved : May 17, 1967.

Buford Ellington, Governor.