SC300-09 Big Ideas in Science

Unit 1 Seminar: The Scientific Method

6/6/12James Stevens MS RD

Adjunct Faculty

Department of Science

School of General Education

Notable Quote

“It has often been said that the greatest discovery in science was the discovery of the scientific method of discovery.”

--Dr. James K. Feibleman, author of Scientific Method (1972)

Today’s Topics1. Introductions

2. Review Course Policies & Procedures

3. What does science mean to you?:

a. Why is it important?

b. What is the scientific method?

Introductions

• Name, where you live, major

• What is your favorite field of scientific study?

Help your instructor help you!

When e-mailing your professor, please:

• Sign your full name, some students have different last names than what Kaplan has on file

• Be very specific with what help you need• Be respectful and courteous

Writing Assignment Guidelines & Expectations

1. All assignments are required to be completed in Microsoft Word using APA manuscript style.

2. All assignments are required to have a cover page with your name, title of assignment and date.

3. All assignments are required to have a reference page.

4. All references and within-text citations must be written per APA style.

5. Review plagiarism guidelines. Plagiarism software will be used.

6. Thoroughly read and understand assignment directions.

7. Review all grading rubrics before and during completing assignments

Document SharingFamiliarize yourself with contents of Doc Sharing

Shared information with the class. Items include:• Syllabus• Course calendar• Writing tips and guidelines• Additional assignment “Tips for Success”• Articles I find that are interesting and useful in your

studies

Feel free to add articles and resources that you find.

Websites can be added under the Webliography tab.

Discussion Board (DB) Week 1Two DB topics

1. Introduce Yourself (Tell your classmates and instructor a bit about yourself in this discussion)

2. What’s in the can?

3. Read:

a. All your classmates responses and respond in a way to advance the discussion:

i. Refer to text

ii. Ask a relevant question

iii. Share a website link

b. All your instructors responses.

4. Maintain Professionalism and utilize spell check!

Symphony of Science - The Poetry of Reality

The Scientific Method

Scenario

You’re getting ready to log in to your favorite KU Course (SC300 – Big Ideas in Science!) and your computer won’t turn on. Now what?!

Scenario

You’re getting ready to log in to your favorite KU Course (SC300 – Big Ideas in Science!) and your computer won’t turn on. Now what?!

Apply the Scientific Method

The Scientific Method

Observe

• Fish oil has been found to be protective against heart disease

• Fish oil is high in EPA and DHA, two omega-3 fatty acids

• Flaxseed oil is high in ALA, the omega-3 “parent” fatty acid for EPA and DHA

• Does flaxseed oil, due to its high omega-3 fatty acid content, also protect against heart disease?

Background Research

• Research what others have published about flaxseed oil and ALA

• PubMed or other research search engines

• Utilize article reference section

Construct a hypothesis

• If we supplement people with flaxseed oil supplying ALA they should have lower markers for heart disease because ALA can be converted to EPA and DHA in the body.

Test with an Experiment

• Grant Proposal

• Design Study

-Control Variables

• Recruit Subjects

• Conduct study

Analyze Results & Draw Conclusion

• Data analysis using statistics-Statistically significant results that reduce or minimize chance

• Has hypothesis been accepted or rejected

Report your Results

• Scientific Meeting (abstract or poster session)

• Publish in a peer-reviewed scientific journal

• No two studies are alike but they should be repeatable

• Negative results are not insignificant findings

KU Science Center