1. Introduction to Biology
Topic 1
Introduction to Biology

2. Nature of Science
Topic 1 Day 1

3. We will do this together later
Do Now
Grab a response card as you walk in and answer the following questions individually. Be ready to share and explain your thoughts. Use the sheet at your table to pick the row number that best defines your personality. (you have 5 ,min when the bell rings so start now)
Stop Watch
Answer question: either yes you believe your horoscope or no you don’t
If you know your astrological sign put it here (Gemini, Libra, etc.) If you don’t leave it blank
This number comes from the sheet with twelve rows. Pick the row that best describe you as a person
We will do this together later

4. Horoscopes – True or False?
Do you believe your horoscope to be accurate? Why or why not?
Is there a scientific basis for horoscopes?
T will ask class and record how many students believe and do not believe in astrology.
It is important to get an idea of the preconceived notions of the students. Do they believe astrology to be a real science or not?
The goal of this activity is to get the students to start thinking about the characteristics that are required for true science prior to introducing the guidelines for valid scientific investigation.
Using the PPT reveal what astrological signs correspond with each of the strands and descriptions.
Lead discussion focusing on how many students picked a strand that truly aligns with their astrological sign based on their birthday.
Record the number of hits vs. the number of misses.
ASK: Does this qualify as a real science? Would you classify astrology as science, pseudo-science or non-science?

5. How accurate is your horoscope?
KEY TO SUN-SIGN DATES
Row #
Dates
Sun Sign 1
Mar 21-Apr 19
Aries 2
Apr 20-May 20
Taurus 3
May 21-Jun 21
Gemini 4
Jun 22-Jul 22
Cancer 5
Jul 23-Aug 22
Leo 6
Aug 23-Sep 22
Virgo 7
Sep 23-Oct 22
Libra 8
Oct 23-Nov 21
Scorpio 9
Nov 22-Dec 21
Sagittarius 10
Dec 22-Jan 19
Capricorn 11
Jan 19-Feb 18
Aquarius 12
Feb 19-Mar 20
Pisces
Look at the following chart – Does your horoscope reflect the personality characteristics that you chose?

6. Nature of Science Benchmark
SC.912.N Identify what is science, what clearly is not science, and what superficially resembles science (but fails to meet the criteria for science). SC.912.N Recognize that the strength or usefulness of a scientific claim is evaluated through scientific argumentation.

7. Today you will… Define the purpose of biology.
Identify the criteria that differentiate science from non-science and pseudo-science.

8. What is science?
In the left column of your power notes write your own definition for the following words:
Science
Non-science
Pseudoscience
Introduction of power notes – students need to understand the importance of taking good notes in their biology class.
It is expected that students will have their notes in their research classes.

9. Science vs. Pseudo-Science and Non-Science
Science - The systematic study of the structure and behavior of the physical and natural world through observation and experimentation.
Non-Science - May be logical and based on good reasoning, but does not fall within the realm of science (Religious beliefs, philosophy, personal opinions, or ethics).
Pseudoscience - Defined as a non-science which is portrayed as a legitimate science by its followers. Example = astrology
These definitions go in their PowerNotes:
Science - The systematic study of the structure and behavior of the physical and natural world through observation and experimentation.
Non-Science - May be very logical and based on good reasoning, but simply does not fall within the realm of science (Religious beliefs, philosophy, personal opinions or attitudes, or ethics).
Pseudoscience - Defined as a non-science which is portrayed and advertised as a legitimate science by its followers and supporters. Example = astrology
Science is CONPTT – Consistent, observable, natural, predictable, testable, and tentative.

10. SCIENCE Science is POTA Observable Predictable Testable Argumentative
Science is CONPTT – Consistent, observable, natural, predictable, testable, and tentative.

11. Exit Ticket