Hacking the Earth: A Retrodictive Thought Experiment for Earth Science Students

About Hacking the Earth: A Retrodictive Thought Experiment for Earth Science Students

Abstract

Engineering students assist in the development of a virtual lab experience for earth science students involving reverse engineering. This experience will take the form of an in-depth retrodictive thought experiment relating to the origin and nature of planet earth as a whole. Due to the enormous size of the specimen, an in-lab dissection and analysis is obviously out of the question. Never-the-less, the earth science students are guided into a virtual reverse engineering approach which explores current scientific data and theories related to the history and formation of the earth. The earth science students will consult library and internet resources for the latest pertinent data, and assess the credibility and confidence level of this information. Group discussions, both within the smaller team of lab partners and the lab class as a whole, will play a key role in fleshing out the fascinating history and nature of our planet, and the subsequent implications . Early versions of this approach have already been found to be particularly enlightening for science students at Christian schools, regardless of whether or not a strict literal reading of the first chapter of Genesis is preferred. However, this academic exercise will be framed so as to be appropriate for science students at secular schools as well. A rationale for the reverse engineering approach is explored, along with a discussion of how to remain objective, and science students are encouraged to journey to the logical conclusions of the ir resulting scientific, philosophical and perhaps theological implications. It is hoped that through this study, secular science students will find this to be an interesting case-study of the interactions at the interface of scientific and religious questions, and perhaps pique their interest in considering a theistic worldview. It is also hoped that Christian students find some measure of resolution between scientific and spiritual perspectives, experience a strengthening of their faith, and enjoy a deeper relationship with their Maker.