1999 Curriculum Abstracts

"Discrete mathematics and computer science,"

Enzyme Action - Laura Palen, Saddleback High School

Laboratory investigations form approximately 45% of the curriculum for the Human Anatomy and Physiology course offered as a junior/senior science elective by our high school. Students enrolling in the year-long course must successfully complete Algebra I and Chemistry 1-2 as pre-requisites. Many of the laboratory investigations require the students to make measurements and to record data about structure or function. Some of the activities involve examination by dissection, model building, or flow chart construction. A small number of the investigations utilize applications from chemistry or physics and challenge the student to apply concepts from these natural sciences to their study of structure and function in the human body. The laboratory experiment that they perform as part of their study of enzyme function is included here as the lesson central to this discussion. The presentation has five parts: 1) the objectives of the lesson, 2) the laboratory experiment, 3) steps of the scientific method, 4) aspects of logical reasoning, and 5) applying deductive reasoning and logic to analysis of the results.

The Scientific method is a way of investigating nature. It involves an orderly process of asking a question, acquiring information, and applying critical thinking to the analysis and evaluation of that information. Scientific thinking can be viewed as critical thinking applied to the natural world. The scientist uses empirical evidence or evidence that is susceptible to the senses. It is repeatable and can be verified by many scientists. The second is that the scientist practices logical reasoning. Logic allows the scientist to reason methodically and correctly. It is a skill that must be learned and practiced. The third component is a skeptical attitude. Skepticism prompts the scientist to constantly question by examining the evidence and the conclusions offered by fellow scientists. Being skeptical allows the experimenter to remain open to new avenues of research while at the same time exercising caution in making judgments about new information. By using the scientific method and practicing critical thinking, we build a body of scientific knowledge that consistently explains natural processes in the physical and living universe.

Critical thinking has been defined in a number of ways. While several definitions are included in this unit, critical thinking is the formation of logical inferences. Critical thinking can be summarized as the mental processes, strategies, and representations people use to solve problems, make decision, and learn new concepts. Lastly, critical thinking is the examination and testing of suggested solutions to see whether they will work.

"Discrete mathematics and computer science,"

	Enzyme Action - Laura Palen, Saddleback High School

	Laboratory investigations form approximately 45% of the curriculum for the Human Anatomy and Physiology course offered as a junior/senior science elective by our high school. Students enrolling in the year-long course must successfully complete Algebra I and Chemistry 1-2 as pre-requisites. Many of the laboratory investigations require the students to make measurements and to record data about structure or function. Some of the activities involve examination by dissection, model building, or flow chart construction. A small number of the investigations utilize applications from chemistry or physics and challenge the student to apply concepts from these natural sciences to their study of structure and function in the human body. The laboratory experiment that they perform as part of their study of enzyme function is included here as the lesson central to this discussion. The presentation has five parts: 1) the objectives of the lesson, 2) the laboratory experiment, 3) steps of the scientific method, 4) aspects of logical reasoning, and 5) applying deductive reasoning and logic to analysis of the results. The Scientific method is a way of investigating nature. It involves an orderly process of asking a question, acquiring information, and applying critical thinking to the analysis and evaluation of that information. Scientific thinking can be viewed as critical thinking applied to the natural world. The scientist uses empirical evidence or evidence that is susceptible to the senses. It is repeatable and can be verified by many scientists. The second is that the scientist practices logical reasoning. Logic allows the scientist to reason methodically and correctly. It is a skill that must be learned and practiced. The third component is a skeptical attitude. Skepticism prompts the scientist to constantly question by examining the evidence and the conclusions offered by fellow scientists. Being skeptical allows the experimenter to remain open to new avenues of research while at the same time exercising caution in making judgments about new information. By using the scientific method and practicing critical thinking, we build a body of scientific knowledge that consistently explains natural processes in the physical and living universe. Critical thinking has been defined in a number of ways. While several definitions are included in this unit, critical thinking is the formation of logical inferences. Critical thinking can be summarized as the mental processes, strategies, and representations people use to solve problems, make decision, and learn new concepts. Lastly, critical thinking is the examination and testing of suggested solutions to see whether they will work.