Science Education and Spiritual Transformation

Science Education
and Spiritual Transformation

 

Thought Provoking Science Lessons 
that Use Critical Thinking 
to Transform Yourself

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(free online version)

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John Bickart, Ph.D.

Red Shirt Interactive Group
Asheville, NC

Copyright © 2024 John Bickart. Some rights reserved.
This book may be shared for non-commercial reasons. This means that it may be copied as a whole or in part and shared in print or any electronic media as long as it is not sold or used to carry advertising. If copied, the author requests attribution.

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Cover photo composite by Anthony Scaravilli

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1st edition, November, 2024
1.03 January 21, 2025

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ISBN: 9798833945506

Printed in the United States of America

www.bickart.org

 

Dedication

All of my dedications for books written thus far include my loving wife, Wendy. There is a reason for that, Wendy. This one is also for, and largely because of you.

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Table of Contents

 

00 Introduction

Chapter 1 ... Observation versus Analysis
[Becoming a great observer is so much more than being a good scientist.]
1a Observation versus Analysis

1b The Quintessential Observer
Chapter 2 ... You Are Your Own Best Teacher
[Authentic wonder and awe versus critical thinking, only.]
2a A Teacher's Wonder

2b The Unseen
2c The True Teacher
Chapter 3 ... The Nature of Science
[Social and psychological implications of how we teach, viewed through the lens of STEM.]
3a The Social Impact of STEM
3b Science and Spirituality
Chapter 4 ... Thermodynamics
[Modern thermodynamics and Aristotle's four elements.]
4a Honoring Aristotle
4b How to Get More Energy
Chapter 5 ... Interrogation versus Observation
[Examining the pervasive role of technology versus the transformational role of the human senses.]
5a Mr. T. and Me
5b Awakened Science Experimentation
5c Mechanization
5d Reading the Book of Nature
Chapter 6 ... Friction
[Where physics meets social emotional relationships.]
6a Radically Shifting to Unconditional Love in School
6b How to Use Friction to Your Advantage
Chapter 7 ... The Psychological Handling of Spacetime
[Implications of physicality.]
7a The World Gym Theory
7b Learn to Return
Chapter 8 ... Fire & Desire
[The biology, chemistry, and physics of fire as related to the psychology behind intention and wishing.]
8a Why Can't Wishes Be Scientific?

8b Anatomy of a Wish
Chapter 9 ... Gravity
[Gravity seen as a force versus Einstein’s geometry of curved space in The Theory of Relativity.]
9a How Falling Can Be Useful
Chapter 10 ... The Scientific Method
[Galileo’s historic attempt to bring new ideas using the scientific method.]
10a The Scientific Method
Chapter 11 ... How to Transform Your Students
[How nature transforms with carbon dioxide.]
11a How to Transform Your Students
Chapter 12 ... Naming, Categorizing & Labeling
[Using the holistic approach.]
12a Loss and Redemption
12b Math Phobia
12c Don't Get Lost in the Trees
12d Emerson, Dewey and Pat
12e Grandma Ach
Chapter 13 ... The Woods Are On Fire!
[The Biochemistry, Engineering, and Physics of the Woods.]
13a The Woods are on Fire!
Chapter 14 ... The Mathematics of Trees
[The proportions of water, carbon dioxide, and minerals that make up the matter in a tree.]
14a The Mathematics of Trees​
Chapter 15 ... Nature Favors Balance
[Trees, Rocks & Bones.]
15a Nature Favors Balance
Chapter 16 ... The Scientist-Artist
[Can technology imitate nature as art does?]
16a The Scientist-Artist
Chapter 17 ... Carbon-Based Life Forms
[The organic biochemistry of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen in the symbiotic actions of
photosynthesis.]
17a Carbon-Based Life Forms
Chapter 18 ... The Physics of Trees
[Theories of how plants grow upwards.]
18a The Physics of Trees
Chapter 19 ... The Mathematics and Science of Wonderful Water!
[Water's molecular geometry and other synergetic properties it exhibits.]
19a How to Teach Science Which Engenders Awe
19b Wonderful Water
Chapter 20 ... The Test of a Real Scientist
[Good Science means Good Observation]
​20a The Test of a Real Scientist
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99 Conclusion