>    1.  A rigorous formalised framework of investigation, forming theories,
>    predicting outcomes, testing the theory against reality to find it's
>    flaws, forming (hopefully) improved theories and then repeating the
>    whole process ad infinitum to extend the frontiers of knowledge.

I for one have been rather distressed by the "rigor" used in science fair
sorts of things these days.  Seems like "they" have insisted on careful
application of a formalized scientific method, and as a result removed all
the fun and wonder...

I'd rather have a kid make a Van de Graf, tesla coil, robot, computer,
rocket, etc, etc - things that really "hook" people, than a carefully
rigorous study of something boring...

But then I've long since decided that engineers aren't scientists, anyway,
and I definately fall into the 'engineer' catagory.

BillW

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