To ensure an interesting discussion, you are encouraged to think creatively about your post. It is also important to review the module resources listed below and read the prompts in their entirety before participating in the discussion.
For your initial post, address the following prompts:
1. Based on this week’s resources listed below, what do you think motivates scientists to ask, “Why?” In other words, what inspires scientists to pursue their research? Include specific examples to support your response.
2. With your response to Question 1 in mind, reflect on why you selected your news story. Respond to the following question: What was it about the news story that interested you or made you curious? (my reason for picking this article…my own health issues as a cancer survivor and hearing about the process “gut plays)
RESOURCES:
A) My news story (referenced in question2) https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/02/220223111242.htm
B) Discovery: The Spark for Science
https://undsci.berkeley.edu/article/0_0_0/whatisscience_02
When we encounter something in our natural world that we do not understand, we can apply our scientific literacy skills to come up with an explanation. This brief article discusses how curiosity and wonder drive science. It will help you participate in this week’s discussion.
• What conducting research?
• When have you created and tested a hypothesis in your everyday experiences?
• motivates scientists to keep going when they encounter challenges and obstacles while
C) Bill Nye: Scientific Curiosity Kept Our Ancestors Alive
In this engaging video, educator and TV personality Bill Nye argues that curiosity is what allowed humanity to evolve. He also discusses the importance of getting young people interested in science and makes suggestions for how we can do that. This video will help you participate in the discussion.
• According to Nye, why is it empowering to understand science?
• What is the connection between creative play and disciplined learning, according to Nye?
D) Home Seismometers Provide Crucial Data on Haiti’s Quake
https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-021-02279-y
This short article discusses how Haitian citizens provided scientists with data about the magnitude-7.2 earthquake that hit the Caribbean in August 2021. It provides an excellent example of regular people implementing the scientific method. The article will help you contribute to this week’s discussion.
• Why did ordinary people in Haiti start collecting data about earthquakes?
• What has been the effect of people using DIY seismometers to gather data?