As a child, I was always taught that science is defined by the steps in the scientific method: observation, hypothesis, experiment, analysis, conclusion. Chapter two of Surrounded by Science gives a different take on what science is. It summarizes science learning into six strands. These strands are revolutionary in that they broaden the confines of the definition of science, and allows the common citizen to be a participant in science.

I noticed that the strands also follow the typical process by which a person involves himself in science. First, interest in a particular subject is sparked. Then, a person would explore this subject. Through their exploration, they would learn vocabulary words, scientific terms, and scientific processes. If a person persists in the exploration of a scientific field and contributes to a study, they would eventually identify themselves as a member of the scientific community. Similarly, Surrounded by Science constructs a parallel series of events in its strands.

The example of citizen scientists contributing to the field of ornithology is a great example of these strands put into action. A person who is watching a robin might have his interest sparked (strand 1). This person might proceed to do online research on birds, and become well versed the scientific content he reads (strand 2). He might want to get more involved in ornithology, and therefore participate in a study such as Project FeederWatch. He would catalog and report the different birds he observes in his community, and then reflect on the methods he used and the information he learns (strands 3 and 4). As he sharpens his skills, he will be able to have conversations with other ornithologists about the science (strand 5), and would feel like part of the scientific community (strand 6). Interestingly, although the strands are not designed to be in any particular order, it seems as if they are already in chronological order.