The Scientific Method as the "Master Key" for Better Guidance and Evaluation of Student Research at Science Fairs

Sergei L. MOSYAKINNational Academy of Sciences of

Ukraine, M.G.Kholodny Institute of Botany

Background The scientific method is the key to

understanding how modern scientific research is made. However, despite the available resources, students and even teachers sometimes misunderstand this method, or fail to present its results clearly at science fairs, or tend to view it as a mere educational tool with little bearing to real life and development of human knowledge.

Shoptalk Outline The main principles of the scientific method and stages

of scientific research will be discussed Relevant web and other resources will be recommended Case studies (anonymous but real examples) of science fair

projects in which the principles of the scientific method are violated or misunderstood will be presented

Examples of recent discoveries and innovative research in life and earth sciences will be provided and the role of the scientific method in these innovations will be emphasized.

The concept of key innovations in development of science and in evolution of the natural world will be discussed.

Applications of the scientific method and research skills to conscious, responsible, and rational decision-making in everyday life will be emphasized, as well as issues of its integration in curricula with enhanced inquiry-based learning components.

Expected outcomes for the audience better understanding of the scientific

method, its role in science and real life application of the scientific method in

the science fair process at all stages, from topic selection to evaluation of project results

recommended easily accessible resources on the scientific method

practical tips on better guidance of student research

Principles and Stages of the Scientific Method

Ask a QuestionAsk a QuestionDo Background Do Background ResearchResearchConstruct a Construct a HypothesisHypothesisTest Your Hypothesis Test Your Hypothesis by Doing an by Doing an ExperimentExperimentAnalyze Your Data Analyze Your Data and Draw a Conclusionand Draw a ConclusionCommunicate Your Communicate Your ResultsResults

www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project_scientific_method.shtmlwww.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project_scientific_method.shtml

The Web and other resources

Simple steps to find resources: Start from the Society for Science & the Public

web site Links to MANY other educational resources for students and teachers

Science Buddies Links to MANY other educational resources for students and teachers

Wikipedia (just for the beginning) National Academies (NA Press etc.) Sites of universities, research institutions,

scientific societies etc. Online journals Search engines and related resources: Google

etc. (but search options should be used properly!)

Berkeley University Guide:

Understanding Science: how science really works

http://undsci.berkeley.edu/index.php

National Science Digital Library

National Science Digital Library

Science resources from SS&P http://www.societyforscience.org/page.aspx?pid=291

Презентация: Н.Т. МосякинаПрезентация: Н.Т. Мосякина

National Academies (US) & National Academies (US) & Science Education Science Education ((www.nap.eduwww.nap.edu))

http://www.societyforscience.org/document.doc?id=191

Case studies: Real science or not? The case of physical & biological properties of

simple pyramid models The case of the tsunami mitigation project The case of using cyanobacteria (blue-green

algae) in face masks to remove CO2 and produce O2

The case of the project “Saving the <Name> River from pollution” (a topic for lifelong efforts of many scientists of several academic institutions – not a manageable project for a student team)

(additional slides and/or handouts)

Recent discoveries and innovative research in life sciences

Biological Evolution Concept Tree of Life Molecular phylogenetics, molecular &

evolutionary ecology, Evo-Devo, historical biogeography etc.

Understanding the Past, Present & Future in their interaction, in Space & Time

Integrity and predictability added to our views of the living world

Nothing in biology makes sense

Evolution Teaching Resourceshttp://nsdl.org/resource-packages/evolution

Recent discoveries and innovative research in earth and planetary sciences

Plate Tectonics Concept Integral understanding the interaction of

various forces acting on the Earth: Formation of continents and oceans,

mountains and other geological features Volcanism, earthquakes, tsunami etc. Ice ages, global warming etc. Paleogeography (Rodinia, Pangea, Laurasia,

Gondwana etc.) and biogeography Formation and location of mineral

resources… Integrity and predictability added to our

views of the biogeosystem of the Earth

Key innovation concept Intel is all about innovation Intel ISEF and science fairs – innovations

in education, science and engineering Role of innovations in the evolution of

life, science and technology, education, and everyday life

Key Innovation – What does that mean? Definitions

Key Innovation Example 1: Birds

Some features of “normal” birds: Warm-blooded animals Much more clever and much quicker

than (other) reptiles Lightweight bones Strong muscles of forelimbs; attached to keel Active metabolism (needed for flight) Complex mating and nesting behavior,

complex social life Feather Precise 3-dimension locomotion Excellent visual capacity (sight and hearing better than other senses) …list more…What was THE key innovation? Why? Try to build logical chains

explaining origins of other innovations from the key innovation.

Note: The solution will be presented during the shoptalk, after discussion. A few additional slides will be presented.

Key Innovation Example 2: Land plants

Some features of “normal” land plants: Much more complicated vegetative

structures than in algae etc. Greater productivity, greater biomass Complex reproductive strategies

and associated structures (specialized spore-bearing organs, fruits, flowers etc.)

Vascular system (vessels etc.) Ability to live under water stress

or water deficit Ability to form complex communities

and change the environment Ability to conquer the 3-D world on the land …list more…What was THE key innovation? Why? Try to build logical chains

explaining origins of other innovations from the key innovation.

Note: The solution will be presented during the shoptalk, after discussion. A few additional slides will be presented.

Key Innovation Again Some other Key Innovations in organic evolution,

critical evolutionary and ecosystemic transformations:

eukaryotes and multicellularity plants and animals conquer land animals learn to fly newly evolved groups transform ecosystems

(eukaryotes, arthropods incl. insects, early land plants and flowering plants, mammals, etc.)

Then, what humans can do with the global environment?

The importance of systemic and integral thinking Intel ISEF is also a Key Innovation

in modern education

Consider your mobile phone…(activity, flipchart)

Try to list: Main sciences (scientific disciplines) and

technologies needed to make a cell phone Main scientific discoveries that

contributed to making your cell phone

How modern mobile communication changed our lives in just less than 10 years?

Is it just communication now? Socioeconomic perspectives for the future

Note: An additional slide will be presented after discussion

Is the scientific method useful in everyday life? Scientific method is good not only for scienceScientific method is good not only for science It can organize your thought, help you in your It can organize your thought, help you in your

everyday decision-makingeveryday decision-making Inquiry-based learning, project-based Inquiry-based learning, project-based

educationeducation Socioeconomic adaptation in a changing Socioeconomic adaptation in a changing

world, sustainable development world, sustainable development Pursuit of knowledge for a better life Pursuit of knowledge for a better life Can you provide specific examples of everyday decision-making Can you provide specific examples of everyday decision-making

based on thinking similar to that of the scientific method? based on thinking similar to that of the scientific method?

Thank you for your attention!

Sergei L. Mosyakin Prof., Dr. Sci., Director of the

M.G.Kholodny Institute of Botany, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine

s_mosyakin@hotmail.org