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 will then discuss journaling and describe some journaling techniques, then review the scientific method to set up for tomorrow’s activity.

  4. AFTER CLASS, review the lab safety and guidelines on page 14 of your Biology Introduction section 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.

Day 2: Science of Patterns & Refining Your Observation Skills

  1. 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.

  2. We’ll then finish the day by practicing journaling techniques to help you with your first journal.

  3. After class, read pages 4-9 in your textbook.

  4. After class, complete the Terms to Know on page 24 and Journal 1 on page 25 by Monday.

DOWNLOADED FILES

IMPORTANT DATES

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

Did you…?

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

  • … finish your “terms to know” that is at the end of the Science as a Way of Knowing packet and the journal 1?

  • … finish your reading pages 4-9 in your textbook?

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