Basic scientific literacy is essential for understanding real-world applications of the natural sciences.

 

 

 

Basic scientific literacy is essential for understanding real-world applications of the natural sciences. As a consumer and voter, you will be faced with issues that require a basic understanding of science. For example, you might ask yourself the following questions: How can genetically modified foods affect my health? Should scientists be held liable for not predicting earthquakes that led to human casualties, as they were in Italy in 2012? Is anthropogenic climate change real? Is fracking a concern where I live? Because of the prevalence of natural science issues such as these, it is important to understand basic natural science concepts and how they impact our daily lives.

The project for this course has two parts. In part one, you conducted a research investigation that examined an issue in the natural sciences. You identified appropriate resources for investigating the issue you selected, used these resources to develop a question related to the issue, and applied natural science principles to the issue and question. In addition, you identified an audience who would be interested in the selected issue. In Part Two, you will develop a presentation for the audience you identified in Part One. In your presentation, you will explain how scientific thinking has impacted you and your audience, supporting your claims with evidence.

Part Two of this project addresses the following course outcomes:

Illustrate the impact of scientific thinking on personal and professional experiences
Communicate effectively to specific audiences in examining fundamental aspects of the natural world
Utilize empirical evidence in drawing conclusions about the impact of contemporary scientific issues on individuals and society
Prompt
Referring to your research investigation, create a presentation that explains how scientific thinking has impacted you and discusses the impact of your selected issue on your audience.

Specifically, the following critical elements must be addressed:

Provide a brief overview of the scientific background of your issue and question. How does the issue relate to the natural sciences?
Explain how the issue impacts the audience. In other words, how is the issue relevant to members of the audience? Why should the audience care about the response to your question or the outcome of your hypothesis? Support your response with specific examples from your research investigation.
Describe the empirical evidence you have to support your conclusions about the impact of the issue on you personally and on your audience. Support your response with specific examples from your research investigation.
Explain why this issue is importa

 

Sample Solution

Crafting Your Presentation on [Your Chosen Scientific Issue]

This guide will help you structure your presentation on the scientific issue you investigated in Part One. Remember to replace bracketed information with specifics from your research.

Introduction

  • Capture Attention: Start with a thought-provoking question or an interesting fact related to your scientific issue.
  • Introduce Yourself: Briefly introduce yourself and your background.
  • Present the Topic: Clearly state your chosen scientific issue and its connection to the natural sciences.

Understanding the Science

  • Background Information: Provide a concise overview of the scientific principles underlying your issue. Use visuals like diagrams or flowcharts to enhance understanding (consider using free image resources like Pixabay).
  • Research Question: Reintroduce the specific question you formulated in Part One. Explain how it relates to the broader scientific issue.

Impact on the Audience

  • Relevance: Explain why your chosen issue is relevant to your target audience. Highlight real-world consequences or potential applications.
  • Examples: Use relatable examples from your research to illustrate the impact on the audience. This could include case studies, statistics, or local environmental concerns.

The Power of Evidence

  • Empirical Evidence: Present the key findings and data collected during your research investigation. Use graphs, charts, or quotes from credible sources to support your claims.
  • Personal Impact: Explain how the research process and the scientific evidence have impacted your understanding of the issue. Share a specific example of how your perspective has changed.

Importance of the Issue

  • Big Picture: Explain the broader implications of your chosen issue. How does it connect to other scientific concepts or global challenges?
  • Future Considerations: Discuss potential solutions, ongoing research, or areas requiring further investigation.

Conclusion

  • Recap: Summarize the key points of your presentation, reiterating the impact of scientific thinking.
  • Call to Action: End with a thought-provoking question or a call to action that encourages your audience to learn more or take action.

Additional Tips

  • Tailor Your Language: Use clear and concise language appropriate for your audience’s scientific background.
  • Engage Your Audience: Incorporate interactive elements or visuals to keep your audience engaged.
  • Cite Your Sources: Acknowledge the sources used in your research, even if not directly quoted.

By following these steps and incorporating the specific details of your research, you can create a compelling and informative presentation that effectively communicates the scientific importance of your chosen issue.

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