SC Big Ideas in Science Unit 1 Seminar: The Scientific Method 1/4/12 James 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 Topics 1.Introductions 2.Review Course Policies & Procedures 3.What does science mean to you: 1.Why is it important? 2.What is the scientific method? 4.KU Science Center Tour

Introductions Name, where you live, major What is your favorite field of scientific study?

Help your instructor help you! Please… On s, put your term (1201A), course (SC300), section number (07), and last name in the Subject Line. Example subject line: RE: 1201A SC Stevens: Assignment Question

Writing Assignment Guidelines & Expectations 1.All assignments are required to be completed in Microsoft Word 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 must be written APA style. 5.Review plagiarism guidelines. 6.Thoroughly read and understand assignment directions. 7.Review all grading rubrics before and during completing assignments

Document Sharing Familiarize 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 1 Two 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

KU Science Center Tour

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 Tour