Month: December 2024

The figure above showcases our research presentation.

Introduction

The first half of the semester has been fascinating. This class is unique and different from any science class I’ve previously taken. The course structure revolves around our textbook, “Braiding Sweetgrass,” where we write reflections on the chapters we’ve read. We also reflect on “scientist spotlights” and group activities. Each class, we’re assigned to groups of about four people. Each group reads a research article or review on a scientific topic, then we come together to discuss and share what we found. We then swap with other groups to learn about their readings, rotating until we’ve completed all the articles.

Another interesting part of the class is our research project. Each of us was assigned a research partner with the goal of writing a research paper of around 15 pages by the end of the semester. We’re currently in the beginning stages, developing a research question and selecting research articles, review papers, and science communications. This stage is crucial as it lays the foundation for our ultimate goal: to analyze all the articles we’ve read and develop an experiment that incorporates what we’ve learned. My teammate and I are progressing well and are excited to embark on this journey, ready to put on the coat of a “scientist.”

We finished!!! This journey was really amazing and I’m glad I was a part of this class and had the opportunity to experience what scientists do when conducting research and developing their research paper. Working with my partner JB on our research paper was an experience that I will not forget, from developing our research question to picking out our articles to developing and proposing an experiment. We had late nights where we talked about how tedious this whole process was, but also how informative it was from reading the articles. From finishing our book “Braiding Sweetgrass” to presenting our research project to the class and CODES faculty, it feels truly accomplishing. I’ve learned and grown a lot this semester and I’m excited to apply the skills I’ve learned from this class into other areas that require them.

Goal 1: Global Learning (25%)

Below are PDF of scientist spotlight reflection that demonstrates progress toward my goal of Global Learning.

Scientist Spotlight 1:

Scientist Spotlight 2:

Scientist Spotlight 3:

Summary and Reflections

In my grading contract I said that I would add my summary and reflections from our research paper into my portfolio as evidence toward my outcome: Global Learning.

Goal 2 : Information Literacy (25%)

Goal 3: Problem Solving (25%)

Exam 1

On our first exam i got a score of 67/90 which is equivalent to a74%. After reflecting, I was contempt with the score I received. I understood that by failing to prepare, I was essentially preparing to fail ” in terms of meeting my contracted requirement.” This ultimately led me to revamping my problem solving section in my grading contract from and 85% to a 70%.

Exam 2

Currently in progress.

Goal 4: Quantitative Reasoning (25%)

Proposed Experiment

The PDF below is Evidence toward my goal of Quantitative Reasoning.