STEM Educator | Chemistry & Scientific Literacy Advocate | Graduate Student Mentor
ARSC 105 Module 1
Science as a Valid Way of Understanding the Natural Word
Module 1: Science as a Valid Way of Understanding the Natural World introduces foundational concepts that help students understand how science works and why it is a trustworthy way to explain natural phenomena. Specifically, we cover the Nature of Science, the peer review process, the distinction between positive and normative claims, the influence of media and motivated reasoning, and how to identify scientific explanations using the Claims-Evidence-Reasoning (CER) model.
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Because many topics in ARSC 105 have been recent targets of mis/disinformation campaigns, we also introduce students to the most common strategies used to spread false or misleading information. Additionally, students learn how to evaluate scientific information presented in the media using the SIFT and CRAAP methods. Together, these tools equip students with the critical thinking skills needed to evaluate the socio-scientific issues facing our world today.
Lecture Schedule & Resources
Lecture 1: Introduction
Lecture 2: Nature of Science (NOS) & Science & Religion - Two Different Ways of Knowing
Lecture 3: Nature of Science Continued
Lecture 4: Media, Motivated Reasoning, and Mis/disinformation strategies
Lecture 5: How to Identify Scientific Explanations
This lecture mainly focuses on the goals, learning outcomes, structure, and assessment of the course.
Introduction of NOS using the Mystery Tube activity. Methodological Naturalism & misconceptions. How Science Works.
Additional Resources: Characteristics of Science
Scientific certainty and consensus.
Understanding biases. Four types of reasoning. Lateral Reading. Mis/disinformation strategies. SIFT & CRAAP.
Additional Resources: Spotting Pseudoscience Primer
Claims, Evidence, Reasoning (CER) model. Positive and normative claims.
Additional Resources: Lecture Slides