Module Overview: Thinking Like a Scientist
Overview
This module covers the qualities that describe how a scientist thinks compared to the types of thinking used in other disciplines. It covers in detail the scientific method as well as how to determine real science vs. pseudo science. It also reviews basic reading strategies and critical thinking skills used by college students and how to critically evaluate sources.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this module, you will be able to:
- Evaluate information scientifically in the context of his/her own life
- Explain the importance of observation and hypothesis testing in the scientific process, and distinguish between science and non-science practices.
- Perform scientific investigations in lab setting, gather, analyze and critically evaluate scientific data, and communicate scientific results according to appropriate academic standards.
- Utilize academic research skills; such as evaluate the quality/credibility of information from various kinds of sources, narrow topics and discern the most important information from texts.
- Employ strategies to build and retain vocabulary.
- Identify how authors organize text both written and oral and use vocabulary for specific purposes and audiences, and apply these strategies to their own academic writing and speaking.
- Improve sentence clarity and structure by addressing errors in the context of their own writing.
Why Thinking Like a Scientist Is Important
This module sets the foundation for the rest of the course by defining the lens through which we will explore class content. It also introduces students to many reading and critical thinking skills we will practice throughout the course. Understanding how scientists think and the strengths and limitations of this discipline help students better understand science as a whole.