Part 1: Natural Science Topic Exploration
In this section, you will explore a natural science topic by selecting and analyzing a current news story. You will also reflect on your existing knowledge about the topic. Then, you will identify how research on the topic was conducted as described in the news story.
Describe the main idea discussed in your chosen news story.
In other words, what is the key concept or thesis being examined in the news story?
Explain your prior and desired knowledge regarding the main idea in your news story.
What do you already know about the topic? Do you have personal experience with the topic? What else would you like to know about it?
Identify a scientific approach that the scientist(s) used to research the topic.
Consider the way the topic was studied or how evidence was collected. Consult your article for this information. You do not need to conduct outside research.
Part 2: Fundamental Questions About the Natural World
In this section, you will identify questions you want to answer about your topic. Your finalized question will directly influence the hypothesis you write. Finally, you will consider how your opinions and experiences affected the focus of your hypothesis.
Finalize your research question related to the main idea in the news story you selected.
Your finalized question will be based on the questions you began working with earlier in the course.
Propose a hypothesis based on your finalized research question.
Make sure your hypothesis is directly related to your finalized research question and is both testable and falsifiable.
Explain how your personal beliefs, assumptions, and values influenced how you approached writing your hypothesis.
Think about your preexisting opinions and knowledge about the topic. How might they have affected the focus of your hypothesis?
Part 3: Major Developments in the Natural Sciences
In this section, you will research a significant advancement, discovery, or event that has affected how scientists research your topic. You will also explore the interrelationship between science and ethics.
Describe one major development in the natural sciences that has impacted how your topic was or may be studied.
In other words, what advancements or events have changed how scientists research your topic?
Describe the contributions of a scientist (or group of scientists) who was involved in the major development relevant to your topic.
You might consider the scientist’s motivations to study the topic, the challenges they encountered, or how their research changed how we think about the topic.
Discuss how an ethical issue might impact research on your topic.
Some examples of ethical issues in science include bias in research, the impact of politics on science, research funding sources, objectivity in science, or the spread of scientific misinformation.
Part 4: The Value of Studying the Natural Sciences
In this section, you will reflect on the benefit of having a deeper understanding of the natural sciences to you personally and to society as a whole.
Explain how viewing the world through a scientific lens may influence your personal life.
In other words, how might applying scientific inquiry skills to your daily experiences help you better understand them or take action?
Articulate how being a more scientifically informed citizen may affect your relationship with your community.
Think about challenges or opportunities in your community. How might being more scientifically literate benefit your community?
Discuss how being a more scientifically informed citizen may help you understand global contemporary issues.
Consider how being scientifically literate could influence how you approach current challenges or questions in the world, even outside the sciences.
Natural Science Topic Exploration
Main idea of the news story
The main idea discussed in the chosen news story is the impact of climate change on biodiversity loss and the need for conservation efforts to mitigate its effects.
Prior and desired knowledge about the main idea
I already have a basic understanding of the topic of climate change and its effects on the environment. I am aware that climate change is primarily caused by human activities, such as the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes. I also know that climate change leads to rising global temperatures and changes in weather patterns, which in turn affect various ecosystems and species.
However, I would like to deepen my knowledge on the specific impacts of climate change on biodiversity loss. I want to understand how rising temperatures, habitat destruction, and changes in precipitation patterns contribute to the decline of species. Additionally, I am interested in learning about the strategies and initiatives that scientists and conservationists are implementing to protect and restore biodiversity in the face of climate change.
Scientific approach used to research the topic
The news story describes a scientific study conducted by a group of researchers who collected data on biodiversity loss in different ecosystems. The researchers utilized various methods, including field surveys, statistical analysis, and modeling techniques, to assess the impact of climate change on species extinction rates. They analyzed historical data on temperature changes and compared it with current extinction rates to understand the correlation between climate change and biodiversity loss.
Fundamental Questions About the Natural World
Research question
How does climate change contribute to the decline of biodiversity and what conservation strategies can be implemented to mitigate its effects?
Hypothesis
If climate change continues at its current rate, then the loss of biodiversity will accelerate, leading to significant ecological consequences. However, implementing conservation strategies such as habitat protection, species reintroduction, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions can help mitigate these effects.
Influence of personal beliefs, assumptions, and values on hypothesis
My personal beliefs and understanding of climate change influenced the focus of my hypothesis. I already have a strong conviction that climate change is a pressing issue that requires urgent action. Therefore, my hypothesis reflects my belief that climate change will have detrimental effects on biodiversity unless effective conservation measures are put in place.
Major Developments in the Natural Sciences
Major development that impacted the study of climate change and biodiversity
One major development in the natural sciences that has impacted the study of climate change and its effects on biodiversity is the advancement in remote sensing technologies. Satellite imagery and other remote sensing techniques have revolutionized the ability of scientists to monitor changes in ecosystems on a global scale. This has provided valuable data for studying the impacts of climate change on biodiversity loss.
Contributions of scientist(s) involved in the major development
One scientist who has made significant contributions to the use of remote sensing technologies in studying climate change and biodiversity is Dr. Greg Asner. Asner is an ecologist who has developed innovative remote sensing methods to assess ecosystem health and monitor changes caused by human activities. His work has helped scientists better understand the relationship between climate change, biodiversity loss, and ecosystem functioning.
Dr. Asner’s research has focused on using airborne laser scanning (lidar) technology to measure vegetation structure and carbon storage in forests. By combining lidar data with satellite imagery, he has been able to map forest structure and identify areas at higher risk of deforestation or degradation. His work has not only improved our understanding of the impacts of climate change on forests but also provided valuable insights for conservation planning and land management.
Ethical issues impacting research on climate change and biodiversity
One ethical issue that can impact research on climate change and biodiversity is the influence of politics on science. Climate change is a highly politicized topic, and there can be pressure from political entities or interest groups to downplay or dismiss scientific evidence that supports the need for action. This can lead to biased research or limited funding for studies related to climate change and its effects on biodiversity.
Furthermore, research funding sources can also pose ethical challenges. If research projects are primarily funded by industries or organizations with vested interests in downplaying the impacts of climate change, there may be conflicts of interest that could compromise the objectivity and integrity of the research.
The Value of Studying the Natural Sciences
Influence of scientific lens on personal life
Viewing the world through a scientific lens can help me better understand the natural processes that shape our planet. By applying scientific inquiry skills to my daily experiences, I can analyze phenomena critically and make informed decisions based on evidence. For example, understanding the science behind climate change can empower me to make sustainable choices in my lifestyle, such as reducing my carbon footprint or supporting renewable energy sources.
Effect of scientific literacy on relationship with community
Being more scientifically informed can enhance my relationship with my community by enabling me to contribute to discussions and initiatives related to environmental issues. I can share my knowledge with others, help raise awareness about climate change and its impacts on biodiversity, and collaborate with local organizations or government agencies working towards environmental conservation. By actively engaging with my community, I can contribute to collective efforts aimed at creating a more sustainable future.
Understanding global contemporary issues through scientific literacy
Being scientifically literate allows me to critically analyze global contemporary issues beyond just environmental concerns. It equips me with the tools to evaluate scientific claims, navigate through misinformation, and make informed decisions based on evidence. This is particularly relevant in today’s world where scientific topics such as public health, technology, and energy play crucial roles in shaping our society. By having a deeper understanding of these issues, I can actively participate in discussions and advocate for evidence-based solutions to global challenges.