The equation symbolizes the relationship between energy (E), mass (m), and the speed of light (c).
Comedic Reference:
Quotation on a desk appearance: “Now that desk looks better. Everything's squared away, yessir, squaaaaaared away.”
Page 2
Announcements:
Clicker points from the first class (1/20/26) are posted to Canvas.
Students advised to check for points with a registered turning point device.
A reminder for checking daily for upcoming assignments, particularly the first “Canvas assignment” based on five core concepts introduced last time.
Module 2 will be released by the weekend; this module will cover the mechanisms of evolution.
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Testable and Falsifiable Explanation:
A question regarding where the bread goes provides options, demonstrating testable hypotheses.
Possible answers include:
A. hypothesis
B. theory
C. anecdote
D. control
E. variable
Page 5
Conservation Issue:
Topic: Lead bullets and their environmental impact.
Date of study: March 15, 2018.
Source: University of Cape Town.
Summary: Lead bullet fragments left by hunters are poisoning endangered African vultures.
Page 6
Case Study on White-Nose Syndrome (WNS):
2007 Discovery: Thousands of dead bats found in New York State.
Characterized by a white fuzz on the muzzles of affected bats.
Statistics: 6 million bats have died so far; 7 species affected, with 2 nearing extinction.
The syndrome has spread to 38 states and 8 Canadian provinces.
Page 8
Environmental Challenges:
Discussion about various predictable and unexpected challenges facing the environment.
The need for systematic collection and logical analysis of physical evidence for problem-solving.
Mention of the intersection of science and ecology.
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Definition of Science:
A way of knowing based on inquiry derived from the Latin verb meaning “to know.”
It's a systematic study of natural phenomena, evolving from human curiosity.
Science develops a body of knowledge as more information becomes available by:
Gathering evidence
Evaluating evidence quality
Drawing conclusions.
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Nature of Science:
Scientists pose questions measured through data collection.
The objective is to form hypotheses and find evidence supporting or contradicting them.
Biologists test ideas using carefully designed experiments based on predictions from alternative hypotheses.
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Strength of Hypotheses:
Emphasis on hypothesis-driven science, combining scientific method and logic to evaluate hypotheses.
A hypothesis is a tentative explanation based on collected evidence.
It's recognized that a hypothesis can never be proven, only supported.
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Best Testable Hypothesis Examples:
A: If bean plants are given fertilizer, they will grow taller than plants without fertilizer. (Valid testable).
B: If bean plants are given fertilizer, they will grow taller because nutrients are important (Not purely testable).
C: If bean plants receive 10g of nitrogen fertilizer weekly, they will grow taller than those with none over 21 days. (Most precise and valid).
D: If you hum a tune, plants will grow taller because they enjoy music. (Not testable).
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Scientific Evidence:
Required to be testable and falsifiable, averaged from hundreds to thousands of data points.
These data undergo rigorous statistical analysis and peer-review before publication in scientific journals.
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Certainty in Scientific Explanations:
Scientific certainty is contextually dependent on evidence: it increases with more evidence, but it is never absolute.
Page 20
Religion vs. Science Discussion:
Many people find no contradiction between their faith and scientific reasoning.
Science is confined to the physical realm; religious matters often delving into the supernatural are not addressed via scientific methods.
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Quote from Galileo Galilei:
“I do not feel obliged to believe that the same God who has endowed us with senses, reason, and intellect has intended us to forego their use.”
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Quote from Katherine Coleman Goble Johnson:
“I counted everything. I counted the steps to the road, the steps up to church, the number of dishes and silverware I washed … anything that could be counted, I did.”
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Quote from Carl Sagan:
“Science is not only compatible with spirituality; it is a source of spirituality.”
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Quote from Neil deGrasse Tyson:
“So you’re made of detritus from exploded stars. Get over it or better yet, celebrate it. What nobler thought to cherish than that the universe lives within us all?”
Page 25
Discovery-Based Science vs. Hypothesis-Driven Science:
Discovery-Based Science: Characterizes natural phenomena; describes within observable patterns and correlations leading to testable hypotheses.
Hypothesis-Driven Science: Applies scientific method and logic to validate or invalidate a hypothesis through predictions and experimentation.
Page 27
Investigating Scientific Questions Process:
Curiosity: Observation leads to questions.
Investigation: Literature consultation and formulating new hypotheses.
Methodology: Make testable predictions, gather data, support/refute the hypothesis, and share findings.
Page 36
Biomimicry Definition:
The design and production of materials, structures, and systems modeled after biological entities and natural processes.
Page 37
Basic vs. Applied Science:
Basic Science (Pure Science): Expands knowledge with no immediate applications.
Applied Science: Utilizes scientific knowledge to address immediate problems.
Page 70
Winter Count of Bats with WNS:
Data representation of bat populations in colonies affected by WNS versus those that are not affected from 1985 to 2010.
Page 72
Study Objectives for Upcoming Classes:
Distinguish between hypothesis-based and discovery-based science.
Explain basic vs. applied science concepts.
Anatomy of scientific inquiry including roles of control, experimental, and placebo groups.
Understand independent and dependent variables, the significance of correlations, and the importance of sample size in scientific conclusions.