Introduction to Scientific Thinking

Catalog description

Introduction to Scientific Thinking aims to (1) teach students to read/analyze scientific literature, using the CREATE pedagogical strategy (www.teachcreate.org) to help them learn novel approaches to such analysis, (2) help students develop metacognitive awareness of their learning strategies, as well as the confidence that they can understand complex scientific material that is not presented in textbook format, (3) demystify science through email surveys of paper authors as well as assignments (e.g., grant panels) that put students in the roles of working scientists . This will be accomplished through close analysis of a series of readings from primary and secondary sources, and a combination of homework assignments and in-class activities designed to challenge students to develop and hone both their critical analytical skills and their creative thinking about science, particularly in the area of experimental design.