Week 1 - Biology

Science as a Way of Knowing

This week will be dedicated to discussing the scientific method, and the epistemological cycles built within it. The scientific method is built on a premise of observing the natural world and making inferences from those observations.

BY THE END OF THIS WEEK, you should be able to:

  • know where to find your syllabus if you have any questions,

  • identify and describe the steps of the scientific method, and

  • describe what “science as a way of knowing” means.

Your Week Ahead

Day 1: Your 1st Class:

  1. We will start with introductions and a review of the syllabus followed by a tour of the classroom. I’ll describe the general layout of the course and describe how labs and activities will go.

  2. You’ll help me with information about seating preferences and any other information, we’ll discuss this in class.

  3. We’ll review the scientific method and you’ll begin the “Science of Patterns” activity as a group. You’ll complete this in class and I will check this the following Monday.

  4. After class, review the lab safety and guidelines on page 15 of your Biology Introduction packet with your family or guardian and sign it with them. The lab safety form is required to complete labs this semester; I’ll check for a signature next Monday.

  5. Also after class, complete the terms to know for week 1 and read your “Before Week 2” section in your course manual.

Important Dates

“Science of Patterns”, Terms to Know Week 1, due Monday

Did you…?

  • … complete your Week 1 “Science as a Way of Knowing” activity?

  • … finish your “terms to know, Week 1”? (let me check your answers on Monday before you fill in the definitions; just worry about the big idea section before class)

  • … sign the “Lab Safety & Guidelines” form?

  • … read your “Before Week 2” & complete the activity at the end?