Week 1 - Biology

Science as a Way of Knowing

This week will be dedicated to discussing the scientific method, and the epistemological cycles built within it. The scientific method is build on a premise of observing the natural world and making inferences from those observations.

BY THE END OF THIS WEEK, you should be able to:

  • know where to find your syllabus if you have any questions,

  • identify and describe the six steps to the scientific method,

  • and describe what "science as a way of knowing" means.

Your Week Ahead

Day 1: Your 1st Class:

  1. We will start with introductions and a review of the syllabus followed by a tour of the classroom. I'll describe the general layout of the course and describe how labs and activities will go.

  2. We will introduce Gizmos and make sure everyone can log in correctly. First, go to the link on your student login cards.

  3. I’ll show you the lab space and your individual box. You’ll grab your journal. Hold on to it, as it’s the only one you’ll be given. Be sure to write your name on the outside, top right hand corner in sharpie.

  4. We will start content with an introduction into the scientific method.

  5. Once we begin our activities, you’ll work as a group on the “Science of Patterns” activity. Pick up a copy of this activity in the outbox above your individual boxes.

  6. When finished, hold this activity to submit in your block’s submission box. If you don’t finish, have it ready by next Monday’s class.

  7. After you’ve understood that patterns are essential to observations, AFTER CLASS or by Monday, look for three things in your everyday life that’s you’d recognize as a pattern and write it down in your journal. Be sure to write the date and “Patterns” in the top, right-hand corner.

    1. Examples could be “I notice that I always turn the same direction when I get out of a chair in the living room” or “a bird at the feeder never seems to stay more than 20 seconds”… look for the little details.

  8. AFTER CLASS, review the Lab Safety & Guidelines with your family and sign it with them. The Lab safety form is required to complete labs this semester.

  9. Also AFTER CLASS, fill out this form so that I can learn about what interests you in science AND check that you can log in to gizmos.

Day 2: Refining your Observation Skills

  1. We’ll begin with answering any questions about the science of patterns activity from last class.

  2. We’ll continue with refining your observation skills using more specific qualitative vs. quantitative descriptors. Make sure that you have your journal with you. You’ll begin your first observation in class.

DOWNLOADED FILES

 

IMPORTANT DATES

“Science of Patterns” due in your block’s box by Monday’s class

Did you…?

  • … complete your “Science of Patterns” activity to submit by Monday?

  • … check to make sure you can sign into Gizmos?

  • … finish your “terms to know”?

  • … sign the “Lab Safety & Guidelines” form?

  • … fill out the science interest form?

  • … Begin your first entry in your journal? Remember to label the upper right-hand corner with “Journal 1 Patterns” & the date you made your observation