OVERVIEW:
Scientists use a variety of methods and approaches to collect and analyze data. The methods they choose depend on the questions they are interested in answering. For example, volcanologists might ask a research question such as, how do we predict when volcanic eruptions will occur? To answer that question, they might use a variety of tools such as thermal imagers, seismic monitors, and satellites. In addition to collecting data from these instruments, they may also conduct field research to gather samples of rocks, gas, and ash. In this activity, you will identify a scientific approach used by scientists to study the topic of your chosen news story and draft research questions about it.
Prompt:
To complete this assignment, use the Module Two Activity Template (attached word document). First, examine the news story “How some gut microbes awaken “zombie” viruses in their neighbors” (attached pdf) for descriptions of how the research was conducted. This might be a general description of steps the scientists took, or the specific methods used to collect and analyze evidence. Look for words associated with the scientific method such as observations, hypothesis, field research, experiments, lab research, or data collection.
Next, consider the questions you have about the main idea presented in your scientific news story. What do you want to know more about? (attached 1-2 Topic Exploration word document) What answers or solutions might benefit you or your community? Draft two research questions you are interested in asking. As you write your questions, consult the module overview (attached pdf) and module resources listed (below on page 2 of this document) for assistance writing this assignment.
Specifically, I must address the following three sections of criteria for this assignment:
SECTION 1: Identify Approach
Identifies an approach to scientific research addressed in “How some gut microbes awaken “zombie” viruses in their neighbors”
Areas for improvement for section one may include providing a concise yet clear summary of the scientific approach, or using more supporting examples from the news article
SECTION 2: Measurable Scientific Questions
Prepares measurable scientific questions based on the main idea presented in “How some gut microbes awaken “zombie” viruses in their neighbors”
Areas for improvement for section two: may include providing connecting the questions to the main idea of the news article, or making questions measurable
SECTION 3: Focused Scientific Questions
Prepares focused scientific questions based on the main idea presented in “How some gut microbes awaken “zombie” viruses in their neighbors”
Areas for improvement for section three: may include connecting the questions to the main idea of the news article, or making questions focused
ALL SOURCES SHOULD BE CITED USING APA STYLE
Module Resources:
A) The Practice of Science: An Introduction to Research Methods
https://www.visionlearning.com/en/library/Process-of-Science/49/The-Practice-of-Science/148
In this chapter, you will get a glimpse into the history of scientific research and how the scientific method was formalized. You will also learn how scientists gather evidence using scientific research methods. These approaches allow scientists to test their hypotheses and provide greater insight into natural phenomena. The chapter will help you complete this week’s activity.
• What are examples of approaches or methods that scientists can use to study the natural world?
• What do the authors mean when they say scientific research methods are “complementary”?
B) How the Scientific Method Works
https://science.howstuffworks.com/innovation/scientific-experiments/scientific-method.htm/printable#pt2
This article builds upon the resources from the previous module to provide more detail about the steps of the scientific method and its history. Navigate the article by clicking on either the “Next Page” button at the top of each page or the numbers at the bottom of each page. There are 11 pages in total. This content will help you with this week’s activity.
• Now that you have learned more about what science is, how would you define it in your own words?
• What do the authors mean when they say science is “systematic”?
C) Fact vs. Theory vs. Hypothesis vs. Law … Explained! opens in new window
This entertaining video explains the differences between fact, theory, hypothesis, and law (concepts that were introduced in the previous module). This information will assist you with this week’s activity.
• According to the video, why is it problematic when people criticize the validity of something by saying “it’s just a theory”?
• How are theories and laws interconnected within science?
D) Asking Scientific Questions
This short video explains the role of asking and constructing good questions in science. This content will help you with this week’s assignment.
• What makes a “good” research question in science?
• How do scientific research questions differ from those asked in other disciplines, such as philosophy?