Establish Criteria to Evaluate Science Paper

Assignment:
Post a set of criteria that the class will utilize to evaluate the Carbon Dioxide paper posted on the D2L site.

• What is the overall purpose of the research?
• Why was the research done in the first place?
• What is the papers major finding?
• Were the experiments done appropriate to the research?
• Did the experiments provide sufficient data to support the research?
• Are the conclusions valid based on the evidence presented?
• Do you agree with the conclusions drawn from the data?
• Were the correct controls, independent, and dependent variables used?
• Are the references used legitimate?
• Are the conclusions over-generalized or appropriately careful?
• Are there other factors that could have influenced, or accounted for the results?
• What further experiments could be done, to expand on this research or to answer any lingering questions?
  

Presentation on Penny Weights

What would a penny weigh picked up from the sidewalk?

What would a 1908 penny weigh?

What would a 1793 penny weigh?

For our group presentation on the penny we chose to present our information in a power point. For our presentation we had slides on the present day penny, the history of the penny, and some specifics about the 1908 and 1793 pennies. Our group also had a "filler" video on how the present day penny is made.

Our presentation had some good information in it, however it was not the preferred information that was requested by the assignment at hand. We spent too much time on the history of the penny rather than actually answering the questions presented to us. We should of approached this project with more of a "science" prospective. In saying that I mean we should of went out and did more experiments with penny weights, had some figures, graphs, equations, probability charts, etc.

The other presentations were about the same, many groups focused on "filler" information that was not needed. No one really focused a lot on the science of the question: How much would the penny weigh. However the fun facts were rather entertaining. On the other hand, I liked how group members took turns presenting each slide and the energy some put into it.

The presentations could of been better if all the groups would of went out and added more scientific research into their presentations. Since everyone was doing the history of the penny-by the time the last group went (us) I was rather tired of hearing the same statistics over and over.  Also I would of loved to see other ways of presenting not just power points, ex. posters, drawing on board, or even acting out the presentation in a little skit.
**Approach the presentation with a different perspective: Don't think of it as "Okay we have a 7 minute presentation how will we fill that time" rather as "We have 7 minutes to show the class what we found"
Also, if you are bored of doing the research it's almost guaranteed that your presentation will be boring.  If your not interested why should the audience be?

Professional Development Plan (PDP)

Assignment: Post on your blog the important items that should be covered in a professional development plan for this course.

What should it include?
A mission: To learn about the issues that science professional's face in their careers and learn how to properly deal with them through work in this course.

Some goals: Pass the course with an acceptable grade; complete all assignments-including four projects/presentations, peer evaluations and completing a content and reflections portfolio; and build quality relationships with peers.  

A strategy for achieving those goals:
Attend class every day and when you have to miss make sure to get notes from a classmate.
Speak up in class and share your knowledge/thoughts on the topic being discussed.
Do all of your homework and turn it in on time.
 
Important class values: Teamwork, group discussions, respect for one another, time management, and professional relationships with classmates and the professor.  

1st blog posting!!

Hi everyone! 

My name is Amy and I'm starting this blog on account of my Issues for Applied Science Professional's class for the Fall 2011 term at UW-Stout. I will be blogging about various topics that pertain to that class and science related areas. Looking forward to an interesting semester. Feel free to leave comments or other feedback.