Human Life & The Universe

Juli Moore

Dr. Iris Totten

Kansas State University

Overview

Introduction Center for the Understanding Origins Human Life & the Universe Acknowledgments

The Center for the Understanding of Origins

Est. 2004 Takes a multi-

disciplinary approach to addressing issues of origins

Human Life & the Universe

Designed to address humanistic and scientific issues of origins of universe, Earth, life, and language.

Multi-disciplinary approach Total enrollment

– 22 students

Pre-requisites

Course overview

Supplemental assignments Exam/quizzes Pre-post attitudinal surveys Questionnaire

Teaching Objectives

Philosophy Physics Geology

Biology

English

– Define scientific boundaries– Explain origin of universe– Explain origin of earth, evolution, and

history of life

– Explain Population genetics, evolutionary mechanics, and speciation

- Define role of literature in science

How successful was this class?

Pre & Post-Attitudinal Surveys

Science attitudes and beliefs 37 questions

– 10 questions (Likert Scale) – 27 questions True/False

12 participants Results

– Per discipline

Science can study the supernatural.1-totally agree, 2-agree, 3-neutral, 4-disagree, 5-totally disagree

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

students

Lik

ert

Scale

1-5

pre-survey

post-survey

Philosophy?

Intelligent design is a scientific theory. (T/F)

Scientific theories can be tested alone, without assuming the truth of other theories one does not wish to directly test. (T/F)

Theories can be proven. (Likert)

All ad-hoc hypotheses are false. (T/F)

50% same

100% correctly

58% same

92% correctly

50% same

67% agree

50% same58% correctly

Physics?

The idea that the universe is finite is logically inconsistent. (T/F)

The atoms we are made of were once in stars. (T/F)

We cannot do experiments on stars but astronomy is nevertheless a science. (T/F)

The universe began with a huge explosion. (T/F)

67% same

67% correct

58% same

67% correct

58% same

58% correct

67% same25% correct

Geology?

The acceptance of a very ancient and complex Earth history preceded the acceptance of evolution.(T/F)

The long progressive history of life, was first reconstructed by those who accepted evolution. (T/F)

The geological time scale is based on the theory of evolution. (T/F)

The fossil record supports the idea that all organisms evolved from a common ancestor. (T/F)

58% same

92% correct

58% same92% correct

75% same92% correct

75% same83% correct

Biology?

Evolution is a process and natural selection is one of the forces that drive it. (T/F)

Evolution is a study of history and therefore is not directly testable.(T/F)

Mutations are the source of all genetic variation on which natural selection acts. (T/F)

100% same92% correct

50% same58% correct

58% same17% correct

English?

Science can give us answers about morality. (Likert)

Literature and the Arts have nothing to do with science. (Likert)

Michael Crichton’s Jurassic Park proves cloning should not be done. (T/F)

George Gordon, Lord Byron was an early astronomer. (T/F)

8% same

92% disagree

42% same

92% disagree

67% same

75% correct

58% same

75% correct

Opportunities to grow.

Theories/ad hoc hypothesis Origin of the universe Geological time scale and fossil record Evolution, mutations, and natural selection Literary application to science

Students thoughts?

Questionnaire

Have you learned about what science is and is not from this class?– Strong philosophy support– Reflected in survey results

Have you learned the most accurate and current scientific story for the origin of the universe, the earth and life as a result of this course?– Strong physics support?– How question was worded?

Questionnaire cont.

Has this course affected your understanding of how science relates to society and religion?– Multi-discipline approach prevailed

Critical thinkers Broadened awareness about science/religion Limits of science Still doesn’t believe the scientific theories Benefited from multiple professors

Class Overview

All would recommend class to a friend.– Pre-requisites (science background)

Student suggestions– More debate– Better testing– Address misconceptions– Paper instead of comprehensive final– demanding

Response to overall experience

Enjoyable Interesting Offered new perspectives Challenging Overwhelmed Frustrated

Rank academic difficulty

Philosophy

Physics

Geology

Biology

English

47% demanding but doable

40% demanding but doable

56% just right

61% just right

50% just right

Successful?

93% agree that it is important for them to know about science in

their daily life.

Teaching Objectives

Philosophy Physics Geology

Biology

English

– Define scientific boundaries– Explain origin of universe– Explain origin of earth, evolution, and

history of life

– Explain Population genetics, evolutionary mechanics, and speciation

- Define role of literature in science

Conclusion

Multi-disciplinary approach works!!! Focus on teaching opportunities Students perspectives Continue classroom assessments

Acknowledgements

The Center for Understanding Origins Dr. Iris Totten – Geology Dr. Keith Miller – Geology Dr. Oliver Weaver – Physics Dr. Linda Brigham – English Dr. Bruce Glymour – Philosophy Dr. Srinivas Kambhampati -- Biology