2.1: The Scientific Method- Converting Curiosity into Study
- Page ID
- 138511
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The Scientific Method: Converting Curiosity into Study
Supplies Needed
- Worksheet (provided)
- Vides (links provided)
- Space for discussion (if in-person)
- Discussion board (if online)
Readings
Introduction
Steps
- Introduce the concepts of science and belief, explaining that humans use both systems to learn about the world. Explain that science is self-correcting while dogma is unwavering. Discuss examples (i.e. we have the science and technology to clone animals, should we clone humans? This illustrates how science depends on ethics, a belief system. Beliefs cannot be scientifically ‘tested’ while natural phenomena can be).
- Review the steps of the scientific method and the assumptions of science introduced by Jonathan Marks in the beginning of Chapter Two: Evolution in Explorations.
- View the short video Turtles and Snakes by Mark Rober to underscore how nearly any idea or curiosity can be converted into scientific study using the tenants of the scientific method: https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=k-Fp7flAWMA#!
- Distribute worksheets and have students work independently (or in pairs).
- (Optional) ask students to share the research topics they brainstormed for the class discussion.
- Discuss take-away ideas with the class.
Takeaway Ideas and Points for Review:
- All humans use science and belief systems to explore the world and create theories about it.
- Science is a specific way of investigating the world. Scientists use the scientific method because it helps us operationalize ideas and standardize approaches to answering difficult questions and creating theories about our observations.
- Science is self-correcting – as new (and potentially contradictory) data are introduced, theories are amended or improved upon. Dogma is static and does not change.
Adapting for Online Learning
Tips and Suggestions
For Further Exploration
Image Attributions
References
The Scientific Method: Converting Curiosity into Study Worksheet
- How does the epistemology of science differ from other ways of knowing about the world?