AJR193

A Joint Resolution designating June 10 of each year as “Science History Day” in New Jersey.

Whereas, The emergence of modern scientific thoughts, including the use of scientific experimentation and quantitative measures, fundamentally altered how humanity investigates and understands the natural world, thus allowing for a more systematic accumulation and transmission of knowledge; and

Whereas, Centuries of scientific progress led to the Industrial Revolution, the Green Revolution, and the development of modern medicine, resulting in a rapid and sustained improvement in quality of life for much of the world; and

Whereas, Science is an iterative and collective process that yields discoveries only after many years of experiments and observations by a community of dedicated scientists trained to conduct research in respective disciplines; and

Whereas, With the devastating reduction in funding and the diminishing capacity of federal science agencies, the American scientific community is losing its lead at a moment when humanity is confronted by climate change, consequent resurgence of communicable diseases, and widening socioeconomic inequality; and

Whereas, New Jersey has a long history as a center of scientific innovation and knowledge production that welcomes scientists from all over the globe; and

Whereas, From the Institute for Advanced Study, which served as a refuge for many German scientists, including Albert Einstein, fleeing Nazi persecution, to Menlo Park, where Thomas Edison established the first industrial laboratory for creation and application of new technologies, New Jersey has always led the nation in science; and

Whereas, Today, New Jersey’s top industries depend on a continued support for all scientific endeavors, such as pharmaceuticals, life sciences, computer systems design, and engineering; and

Whereas, It is fitting and proper for the State to commemorate the centuries of scientific progress that has improved the lives of billions and highlight the importance of continued support for the New Jersey scientific community in the face of unprecedented challenges; and

Whereas, Benjamin Franklin was an accomplished writer, publisher, printer, inventor, and civil servant who also possessed one of the most preeminent scientific minds in Colonial America; and

Whereas, June 10, 1752 is the widely cited date when Franklin conducted an experiment in which he attached a wire to a kite to act as a lightning rod as well as a hemp string and a metal key to the kite to act as an electrical conductor; and

Whereas, When Franklin flew the kite in a thunderstorm, he noticed loose threads of the hemp string starting to stand, and when he moved his finger near the key, he felt the spark, thus proving that lightning consists of electricity and that electricity can be harnessed as an energy source; and

Whereas, This experiment marks the nascence of the American scientific community, which makes June 10 an appropriate date to celebrate scientists and their contributions throughout history; now, therefore,

Be It Resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:

1. June 10 of each year shall be designated as “Science History Day” in the State of New Jersey, in recognition of the scientists throughout history whose discoveries brought about revolutionary changes for the betterment of humanity as well as the importance of continued support for the New Jersey scientific community.

2. The Governor is respectfully requested to annually issue a proclamation calling upon public officials and the citizens of this State to observe “Science History Day” with appropriate activities and programs.

3. This joint resolution shall take effect immediately.

STATEMENT

This bill designates June 10th of each year as “Science History Day” in New Jersey.

The emergence of modern scientific thoughts, including the use of scientific experimentation and quantitative measures, fundamentally altered how humanity investigates and understands the natural world, thus allowing for a more systematic accumulation and transmission of knowledge. Centuries of scientific progress led to the Industrial Revolution, the Green Revolution, and the development of modern medicine, resulting in a rapid and sustained improvement in quality of life for much of the world.

Science is an iterative and collective process that yields discoveries only after many years of experiments and observations by a community of dedicated scientists trained to conduct research in respective disciplines. With the devastating reduction in funding and the diminishing capacity of federal science agencies, the American scientific community is losing its lead at a moment when humanity is confronted by climate change, consequent resurgence of communicable diseases, and widening socioeconomic inequality.

New Jersey has a long history as a center of scientific innovation and knowledge production that welcomes scientists from all over the globe. Examples include the Institute for Advanced Study, which served as a refuge for many German scientists, including Albert Einstein, fleeing Nazi persecution and Menlo Park, where Thomas Edison established the first industrial laboratory for creation and application of new technologies. Today, New Jersey’s top industries include those that depend on a continued support for all scientific endeavors, such as pharmaceuticals, life sciences, computer systems design, and engineering. It is therefore fitting and proper for the State to commemorate the centuries of scientific progress that has improved the lives of billions and highlight the importance of continued support for the New Jersey scientific community in the face of unprecedented challenges.

Benjamin Franklin was an accomplished writer, publisher, printer, inventor, and civil servant who also possessed one of the most preeminent scientific minds in Colonial America. On June 10, 1752, Franklin conducted an experiment in which he attached a wire to a kite to act as a lightning rod as well as a hemp string and a metal key to the kite to act as an electrical conductor. When Franklin flew the kite in a thunderstorm, he noticed loose threads of the hemp string starting to stand, and when he moved his finger near the key, he felt the spark, thus proving that lightning consists of electricity and that electricity can be harnessed as an energy source. This experiment marks the nascence of the American scientific community, which makes June 10 an appropriate date to celebrate scientists and their contributions throughout history.