Science Literacy Student PDF

Science Literacy Scientific Literacy There are many misconceptions about science Responsible citizens must develop scientific literacy To be able to make informed decisions for themselves Especially important for politicians who create policy dealing with today’s challenges to m...

Science Literacy Scientific Literacy There are many misconceptions about science Responsible citizens must develop scientific literacy To be able to make informed decisions for themselves Especially important for politicians who create policy dealing with today’s challenges to make informed decisions for others What is Science? Science is an attempt to obtain knowledge through the process of inquiry Search for information, explanations + answers to specific questions The scientific process attempts to eliminate human bias + observe biology in its truest sense 1-3 What is Science? Science does not achieve certain knowledge with absolute proofs Science arrives at theories – which get stronger as they are supported by more evidence 1-4 Scientific Proceses How do we gather data? 2 Scientific Methods (Scientific Processes) 1. Discovery Science 2. Hypothesis-based Science Scientific Process + Data Empirical data are based on observation and experimentation (measureable) Quantitative Qualitative Data can be gathered by 1. Discovery science 2. Hypothesis-based science Scientific Data Air bubbles in ice cores retain atmospheric gases present when the ice was formed. CO2 measured continuously Annual tree rings not only at Mauna Loa Observatory indicate tree age, the ring since 1958 has provided width indicates growth spurts strong evidence for due to warmer temperature. atmospheric change. 7 Scientific Data Empirical data are based on observation and Anecdotal experimentation data (measureable) Quantitative collected in a casual informal Qualitative method not scientific (empirical) data Data can be gathered by 1. Discovery science 2. Hypothesis-based science Quantitative Data These data come from measurements or calculations Often presented in figures or tables Figure 1: Annual mean temperature Canada vs Global Qualitative Data Descriptive data - in words Examples: Observing weather patterns Documenting peoples’ attitudes towards climate change Observing health-related problems due to climate change (see table 1.1) Scientific Proceses How do we gather data? 2 Scientific Methods (Scientific Processes) 1. Discovery Science 2. Hypothesis-based Science Discovery Science Is exploratory Makes observations + asks questions Relies on strong observational skills and detailed notes Driven by curiosity but does not make predications about what will be found May lead to hypothesis based science Discovery Science Examples: Sampling ice cores in the Arctic (NOAA) Documenting the size of the ozone hole (NASA) Dissecting salmon or seabirds to determine concentration of microplastics in tissues (CORI) Monitoring pollution in coastal BC (Pollutiontracker.org) Identify priority contaminants of concern by collecting sediments Collecting weather and climate data (NOAA) Hypothesis-based Science Driven by curiosity, uses scientific method to explain an observation Designs an experiment to test a hypothesis You must have a good reason for your hypothesis, based on what you already know or have observed. A hypothesis must be falsifiable. This means the hypothesis could be disproved. Its not necessary false, but could be false if disproven by empirical data Also called The Scientific Method Scientific Method Ask Questions Do Report Background Results Research Hypothesis is Supported or Construct Hypothesis is Hypothesis False Analyze Design and Results + Conduct an Draw Experiment Conclusions 1-15 Activity 2 pieces of data: 1. Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine is given to almost all school children since the 1980s 2. Autism diagnoses increased in 1990s and 2000. brain and social development disease Are these 2 data related? How do know? Activity In 1998, a research study by Dr. Wakefield concluded that MMR vaccine caused autism and other health problems. The study was published in a medical research journal Activity The impacts of Dr Wakefield’s study Some people are afraid of all vaccines because of this study Many parents decided not to get their children vaccinated The impacts of lower vaccination rates Measles re-appeared. Unvaccinated children died. Activity But…other research studies were conducted, and found no causation between autism and MMR vaccine. Which study is correct? Activity But…other research studies were conducted, and found no causation between autism and MMR vaccine. ¡ 5 large studies in 2002 published NO causation between autism and MMR vaccine ¡ Dr Wakefield’s study was based on only 12 children Activity But…other research studies were conducted, and found no causation between autism and MMR vaccine. In 2010: ¡ Dr Wakefield’s study was based on only 12 children ¡ The study was manipulated and results were inaccurate ¡ Dr. Wakefield was paid by a group who already thinks vaccines are dangerous (he made almost $500,000 to do the study) ¡ Some children in the experiment already had autism Activity But…5 other research studies were conducted, and found no causation between autism and MMR vaccine. Bad Science (due to poor scientific design) misleads readers about the data in an 2010: research study or¡ presents false The study was faked data in awere not and results research true study. ¡ Dr. Wakefield was paid by a group who It happens morealready oftenthinks thatvaccines we think! are dangerous (he made almost $500,000 to do the study) ¡ Some children in the experiment already had autism ¡ Results were faked to make the experiment the way he wanted Good vs Poor Scientific Design Good Science Poor Science Large sample size Small sample size randomization Not able to replicate results Repetition Manipulates too many Standardize all variables (except variables or does not attempt one – independent variable) to standardize variables Only make conclusions based on all Makes conclusions by on data collected assumptions or partial data Copying someone else’s ideas or work and presenting as your own Good vs Poor Scientific Design Science must be: Good Science Poor Science Small sample size Large sample size Objective (unbiased) Not able to replicate Repetition results Honest Standardize all variables (except Manipulates too many one – independent variable) variables or does not Repeatable attempt to standardize Only make conclusions based on all variables data collected Testable and Falsifiable Makes conclusions by on assumptions or partial data Copying someone else’s ideas or work and presenting as your own Learning Objectives Recognize sound scientific research vs poor scientific design Recognized the different scientific processes to gathering data - Hypothesis based testing, Discovery Science Distinguish between empirical and anecdotal data Compare and contrast quantitative and qualitative data. List an example of each Understand why the process of science is paramount in gathering credible empirical data.