Lecture Series | My Site 1

Observe

Applying the Known to the Unknown

Here students will learn how to make an observation. What seems intuitive and like a simple concept a true observation is rooted some purpose and through a biased lens. Recognizing these biases and shifting the purpose to an academic level often changes the observation and creates questions.

The Foundations In Research Lecture Series

Here students are taught about how much information is actually available to them. Many peer-reviewed research studies are publicly available through the NIH or other databases. Applying your unbiased observation to a situation often creates questions. When we combine what we know with what we need to know this is how we identify the gaps in what is currently known.

Teacher Writing a Formula on a Blackboard

Controls In and Out of the Classroom

Here students will explore variables beyond independent and dependent variables and understand the connection behind an experiment and the flaws in that experiment that need to be controlled. The more mystery in a project often means there need to be more controls that not only validate the experiment but are distinct enough to be meaningful.

Fact or Fiction

Here students will understand how to read and critique results. We place such importance on controls and observations, now we need to make sure the person(s) doing the experiment also care about these concepts. Deciphering information that is reliable, replicable and well controlled is the key to creating a theory.

Logic and Methodology

Here we build on the skills we’ve learned and apply them at the same time. Model building, concept mapping and organization are key to developing a storyline that is fundable and publishable.

Application of Research

Research is NOT just for the educated or any one demographic. Publicly available data exists in the name of transparency and for other researchers to work through and draw conclusions. Here we discover the importance of this work and the dangers this brings to individuals who have not practiced the skills of unbiasing oneself or learning how to critique.