NSC 1150 ASSESS 1

Practice your problem-solving skills by using the scientific method to determine if you can rely on data to reject or accept your hypothesis on whether lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of cancer.

Introduction

Science is simply the word we use to describe a method of organizing our curiosity.

Tim Minchin, comedian and musician

Every day, everywhere incredible processes are shaping and affecting our world. A bundle of cells multiplies over and over again, forming the heart tissue of a growing fetus. A group of researchers studies a deadly virus, working toward a vaccine. A team seeks new methods to safely develop sustainable energy.

Understanding science is more important than ever. Because while there is real, reputable research being conducted in every scientific field, there is also an endless stream of unreliable information that only looks like valid science flooding our newsfeeds. We have to reason our way through all these claims and figure out the best way to respond. That may mean making a thoughtful decision, changing our behavior, or doing more research.

In this course, you’ll learn about basic biology, public health, and environmental science, and you’ll discover scientific strategies and techniques that will help you strengthen three essential outcomes. They are:

• Problem solving: Through the scientific method, you will learn how to communicate about discoveries of the past, solve real-world problems in the present, and analyze alternative approaches to solve problems in the future.
• Scientific and Evidence-Based Inquiry: Scientific discovery requires you to use research and empirical evidence to further develop questions, propose explanations to problems or scenarios, and to use a scientific lens to describe the world around you.
• Innovative Thinking: Thinking like a scientist requires constant curiosity, creativity, a willingness to test new ideas, and a mindset that is open to unexpected perspectives.

• Overview

  This assessment allows you to practice your problem-solving skills by identifying and communicating the key parts of the scientific method. You will use the scientific method to determine if you can rely on data to reject or accept your hypothesis on whether lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of cancer. Once you understand the scientific method and how it helps scientists seek answers to important questions, you can apply it when answering questions and solving problems in your own life. Problem solving is a universal skill and one you will continue to refine as you progress throughout your career.In this assessment, you will use scientific method to do an analysis of the data provided in the assessment template. Based on this assessment, you will prepare a pamphlet for your targeted readers in Assessment 2. You will use the feedback on your analysis in this assessment to prepare your pamphlet.

• Preparation

  Use the following scenario for this assessment:

  You work as a research assistant at a primary care center, where your role is to ask patients about their lifestyle choices (that is, smoking, exercise, environmental exposures, et cetera). Based on this information, create a pamphlet to inform patients of the risks of their choices so that the patients can make informed decisions for themselves.

  1. Refer to the following:
     • Taylor, M. R., Simon, J., Dickey, J. L., Hogan, K. A., & Reece, J. B. (2020). Campbell biology: concepts & connections (10th ed.). Pearson. Available in the courseroom via the VitalSource Bookshelf link.
       • Chapter 1, “Biology: The Scientific Study of Life,” Figure 1.4 on page 9.
       • Chapter 11, “How Genes Are Controlled,” pages 212232.
  2. Review the data set in to do your analysis. You will enter your analysis into this template and submit it in this assessment.

  COURSE BOOK:

Campbell Biology: Concepts & Connections

ISBN: 9780136539414

By: Martha R Taylor; Eric J. Sim…