17th October 2015

Reflection

http://www.educ.ualberta.ca/staff/olenka.bilash/best%20of%20bilash/observation.html

Based on the previous lesson, i have learned about observation and the importance of observation. The article above further elaborates on the importance of observation to a teacher. From what i have learned, i have concluded that observation is the contact of theory to the outside world. All observation in science is influenced by theory.

Theory rules that the observation must fit the theory according to the empiricist. Furthermore, it is also known that observation can be a useful evidence if it makes contact with a theory in some way    ( it can be a proof or as a refutation ). An observation can be used in science if the observation is reliable. It has two aspects, first being the observation must be informative enough because it serves as justification of other claims. The observation must also be justified and certifiable. These features are a must for observations to be accountable and useful contributors to knowledge.

Anyone can notice interesting features of the image, but the process is only accountable only in light of the theories that describe how the image is formed. This accountability will give its license to contribute to knowledge. In the description of observation, the results must be about the objects of the theory. Theory is said to guide the description of observations. We also learned that observations in science are theory - laden. More is described in our online discussion platform below.

http://padlet.com/norhayati_maska/NOStheoryladenobservation

Learning artifacts :-

Article : Retrieved on 17/10/2015

http://www.educ.ualberta.ca/staff/olenka.bilash/best%20of%20bilash/observation.html

Photo : retrieved on 17/10/2015

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/26/0d/9b/260d9b5e3673486b78cb7949ed31ae2d.jpg

Online discussion platform : Retrieved on 17/10/2015

http://padlet.com/norhayati_maska/NOStheoryladenobservation

Photo : retrieved on 17/10/2015

http://image.slidesharecdn.com/p160kuhnandresponses-111006175904-phpapp02/95/p160-kuhn-and-his-critics-37-728.jpg?cb=1317924066

15th October 2015

Reflection

Based on the previous lesson, i learned more in detailed about the hypothetico - deductive method of confirmation the steps are as shown in the picture above. The hypothetico - deductive method is often regarded as the only ‘true’scientific research method. It fuels debates and discussions between many fields of science.We were also thought about situational conditions whereby, when an experiment is conducted, if the results are not shown according to the prediction, the problem may be because of the conditions during the experiment which is not satisfied. We were also thought to apply this in a classroom scenario where if the student does not achieve an expected mark / result, the teacher should not blame the student but scope the situation and the conditions in place which will help the student further improve.

The difference between a hypothesis was also discussed during our lesson. A hypothesis is a possible explanation for a observation or problem that can further be tested by experimentation. They are also known as educated guesses while a prediction is a guess about what might happen based on the observation. The article below also further discusses the difference between a prediction and hypothesis.

http://madaboutscience.weebly.com/prediction-vs-hypothesis.html

Furthermore, we also learned about underdetermination which is a relation between an evidence and theory. Theories are said to be underdetermined when there are plausible multiple theories that fit the facts.We also learned about the responsible aims of science with the help of the video below. We were also taught about the responsible abilities of science. This is where the empiricist gives science the aim of producing true accounts of the observable phenomena and the unobservable causes and constituents but also points of the problem of underdetermination. Agnoticism does not have the knowledge about the existence of God but it does not deny God’s existence. On the other hand, the realist claims that there is a good reason to believe in the truth of the theory that is the best causal explanation of the phenomena. Lastly, we learned about the significance of observability from the realist and empiricist view. The realist view of science is there are no sharp limiting of justification by the factor observability and they further undermine the significance of observability by pointing out that the line between what is observable and what is not is itself unclear. The empiricist view of science is that there is an obligation to explain the degree regarding the difference between evidence viewed with the unaided eye and evidence dependent on the use of instruments.



I would need help in further understanding the chapter of underdetermination which is difficult to understand because of the various terms. I will have to read up and conduct more research to further understand the chapter. I would use the knowledge given during my future teaching by scoping the conditions of the situation during a class to further improve my lesson in the future.


Learning artifacts :

Image : Retrieved on 16/10/2015

http://image.slidesharecdn.com/biznesaradrmalar-140114063947-phpapp02/95/biznes-tdqiqatlar-18-638.jpg?cb=1390432171

Article : Retrieved on 16/10/2015

http://madaboutscience.weebly.com/prediction-vs-hypothesis.html

Video : Retrieved on 16/10/2015

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=moeaEMB8S9Q

8th October 2015

Reflection

From the previous lesson, I have learned about confirmation and how to describe confirmation. A scientific explanation or finding can be learned through a scientific enquiry method. A scientific enquiry method is a way to ask and answer scientific questions by making observations and doing experiments. The steps in a scientific enquiry method is : -

• Identification and Definition of the Problem
•  Formulation of the Hypothesis
• Collection, Organization and Analysis of Data
• Formulation of Conclusion
• Verification, Rejection or Modification of Hypothesis by the test of its consequences in a specific situation

The steps in a scientific enquiry method is also as shown below in the picture.

Furthermore, we also learned about internal and external virtues. Internal virtues are features that do not depend on observations for evaluation. It depends on the consistency of the claims in a theory. However, external virtues are dependent on the observation of the experiment that is carried out.

A theory that is made must be testable and the easiest way to test it is by observing through experimentation. However, theories are usually used for objects or events that are not amenable to observation. The theories do not test what can be observed with the naked eye or other five senses however the effects of the theories can be observed such as the effects of energy.

Moreover, we also learned about the basic model of confirmation which is a model that confirms a theory based on deductive reasoning. This model is called the hypothetical - deductive model of confirmation. This confirms a theory based on deductive reasoning which is, if the hypothesis is true, then the effect must happen and when the effect happens or can be seen, so the theory must be true. The presentation stated below further explains the hypothetical - deductive model.


http://www.slideserve.com/faith/lecture-7-hypothetical-deductive-method

There are also amendments made to the first model because there were only two components which are the hypothesis and effects. However, the conditions of the environment might affect the result. Therefore, the new model has three components :-

1. Hypothesis
2. Conditions of testing
3. Predicted effect

If the hypothesis is true and the conditions are right, the effect will be observed. The results might fail because the conditions were incorrect but that will not necessarily mean that the hypothesis itself is wrong. Therefore, it must be regularly tested in order to confirm the hypothesis.

From this chapter, i would need most help in memorizing the scientific enquiry method. This is because I have not familiarized myself with the steps. I would use this knowledge to be able to conduct experiments or teach my students to conduct experiments properly with the methods given.

Learning artifacts :-

Image : retrieved on 8/10/2015

http://www.primaryclassroomresources.co.uk/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/s/c/scientific-method-chart_1.jpg

Powerpoint : retrieved on 8/10/2015

http://www.slideserve.com/faith/lecture-7-hypothetical-deductive-method

1st October 2015

Reflection 

From the previous weeks lesson, we were required to read up on a chapter ( e-book attached below  )  about providing explanations of a phenomena and how being able to provide explanations is a great achievement because explanations provide answers to questions of how it happens and why that phenomenon occurs and they generate curiosity to find out more.

( https://e.edim.co/76729303/chapter_3_explanation2.pdf?Expires=1443965453&Signature=kocbn-uyO9GqG-njWhlub-4DsD2sw~brTZoq~3RR-KUhFAMgaklhT02zNeSVgdW59KLI1GlG0oTT0LicVL3c8bpQpvkR9ZH~Mrd5DaZ0MqaVAJ6cIuencJKUw6GGOa1ObR1aH2RLjngDBSCeZ~tO1jDl-~a94lg80HSegYIETAWxnry5KkkCaNuN3yh7sCjrhbHlNxpkkReov37pOUFpupPE44bQ~IXDWlPfZEMCuTDnkcdOPYoRfkYaBUBhGTqUrqVBGYb1PeE9dxsstTb8n0OdpcI6MBQgOEz8vH6zZ9TrV~no8~Gd8Qv5oKM9tNPQc3BNRqPtzwWx0p~DoPlQ2g__&Key-Pair-Id=APKAIJNVNRBLLSTGN23Q )

The chapter talks about the covering-law model where it is considered as a good explanation depending on how the explanation is formed rather than how it says. An example of this model is a scenario where a driver who is not familiar with the traffic and roads will observe that other cars stop at an intersection with a stop sign. The valid explanation for this is because there is a stop sign and the other cars are stopping because it is the law to stop at a stop sign. This is a good explanation because the law is understood and the conditions are attained therefore, this outcome can be predicted.

The previous model can also be referred to as deductive-nomological model (D-N model) of explanation. I have understood from this that nomological means it relates to law and deductive is used to describe the strict logical linkage between the law, the conditions and conclusion. This model shows that an explanation can be shown as arguments with premises and conclusions.

Furthermore, there are also amendments to be made for the covering - law model. The first improvement made was to include a measure of unification. Secondly, the amendment made to the model was to have an explanation that specifically includes causal laws and theories.

The one thing i need help with in this chapter would be a better understanding about the terms and models used because i’m not familiar with them yet therefore I would have to do more research and read up about it to understand it better. I will use this knowledge in the coming future to teach my students about how to derive an explanation. With this knowledge, I am also able to explain things in a more orderly manner by following the deductive-nomological model of explanation.

Learning artifacts :-

E-book : retrieved on 4/10/2015 ( pg 51 - 68 )
https://e.edim.co/76729303/chapter_3_explanation2.pdf?Expires=1443965453&Signature=kocbn-uyO9GqG-njWhlub-4DsD2sw~brTZoq~3RR-KUhFAMgaklhT02zNeSVgdW59KLI1GlG0oTT0LicVL3c8bpQpvkR9ZH~Mrd5DaZ0MqaVAJ6cIuencJKUw6GGOa1ObR1aH2RLjngDBSCeZ~tO1jDl-~a94lg80HSegYIETAWxnry5KkkCaNuN3yh7sCjrhbHlNxpkkReov37pOUFpupPE44bQ~IXDWlPfZEMCuTDnkcdOPYoRfkYaBUBhGTqUrqVBGYb1PeE9dxsstTb8n0OdpcI6MBQgOEz8vH6zZ9TrV~no8~Gd8Qv5oKM9tNPQc3BNRqPtzwWx0p~DoPlQ2g__&Key-Pair-Id=APKAIJNVNRBLLSTGN23Q

17th September 2015

Reflection

From the previous lesson, i learned that internal is defined as something that does not require observation for evaluation whereas external is defined as something that requires observation of the outside world for evaluation and virtues is defined as the characteristics of something which is positive and also the features of a theory that makes a good theory.

I also learned about the features of scientific theory. Theories have many different properties and they must meet two criteria’s which are :-
A) they must be reliable indicators of truth
B) It is something that can be evaluated. ( accessible to everyone)

The features of theories can be grouped into internal and external features. An example of internal virtue is logical consistency, which means it involves no logical contradiction. To be logically consistent all claims must be true and does not contradict each other. To be inconsistent at least one of the claims must be false. This blog further explains logical consistency ( https://aphilosopher.wordpress.com/2007/10/31/moral-reasoning-logical-consistency/ )
This video also provides further explanation and examples on logical consistency.

Furthermore, the features of internal virtues ( as written in the book below ) are entrenchment, explanatory cooperation, testability, generality and simplicity. Some explanation for the features of internal virtues are :-

•  Entrenchment is a principle of conservatism and is not a rule to be abided by strictly
• Explanatory cooperation is the property of explaining why things behave the way other theories explain them to be. 
• Testability is testing the prediction / observation to see if it can be used in a general context.
• Generality makes the theory more reliable because relevant test can be carried out numerous times to produce same results at the end of the day.
• Simplicity is not an independent objective standard but is dependent on the linguistic and theoretical context. 

Moreover, the features of external virtues are explanation where the theories should be able to explain an observed phenomena. The more the phenomena that can be explained, the more likely the theory is to be true. A theory that is reliable should be able to explain a broad variety of things. Another feature is that they can go through testing and confirmation. This can be accomplished by looking at new evidence as predicted by the theory. It also does not explain why something happened but that it does happen according to predictions made.

https://books.google.com.my/books?id=VK5yIq-wzdgC&pg=PA27&lpg=PA27&dq=internal+and+external+virtues&source=bl&ots=-weo98WlvL&sig=n660flxw_NJ_PiWBJ4jtsWFfbK4&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0CDMQ6AEwA2oVChMI__a2973-xwIVzsKOCh2SOwLi#v=onepage&q=internal%20and%20external%20virtues&f=false (pg 30, 36 - 50 )

From this lesson, what i would need most help in would be how to clearly distinguish the features of internal virtues which can be confusing at times. I would use this knowledge to properly point out to the students what are internal or external virtues ( in their context ).

Learning artifacts :-

Video : Retrieved on 17/9/2015

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TanAaWlfy3Y

e-book : Retrieved on 17/9/2015 ( pg 30 )

https://books.google.com.my/books?id=VK5yIq-wzdgC&pg=PA27&lpg=PA27&dq=internal+and+external+virtues&source=bl&ots=-weo98WlvL&sig=n660flxw_NJ_PiWBJ4jtsWFfbK4&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0CDMQ6AEwA2oVChMI__a2973-xwIVzsKOCh2SOwLi#v=onepage&q=internal%20and%20external%20virtues&f=false

Article : Retrieved on 17/9/2015 

https://aphilosopher.wordpress.com/2007/10/31/moral-reasoning-logical-consistency/

10th September 2015

Reflection

From the previous lesson, I learned several things. We watched videos of our assignment which were about the explanation of scientific theories and laws, and also about the misconceptions of scientific theories. From those videos, the video I enjoyed the most was made by Group 2.

This video explains the definition of scientific theories and laws in simple terms which are easy to understand. I also learned about the misconceptions of scientific theories. An example of one is how science is complete. This is incorrect because science is an ongoing process and there is much more to learn about the world. In fact, in science, making a key discovery often leads to many new questions for investigation. Furthermore, scientists are constantly elaborating, refining, and revising established scientific ideas based on new evidence and perspectives. From this assignment, i have also gain more knowledge on how to make videos and ways to make a video more engaging ( through feedback from other students after the video presentation).

Furthermore, I also learned about the differences between scientific theories, scientific laws and hypotheses. A hypotheses is a statement that is a still being tested whereas a theory is a hypotheses that has been repeatedly tested and not disproven, and a law is a statement that is universally accepted and it is based on mathematical evidence which can be proven. The picture and video below further explains the differences between scientific theories, laws and hypotheses.

For this lesson, I would need further help in learning how to construct a hypothesis because sometimes I write them incorrectly. I will use this knowledge to teach my students on the importance of a hypothesis as it must be written in every scientific report. With this knowledge,I can also teach them how to construct a hypothesis easily using the method learned ( if... , then... ).

Learning artifacts : 

Video : Retrieved on 11/9/2015

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qSvZZSp3ed8&feature=youtu.be

Video : Retrieved on 11/9/2015

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tz5xXTBw2BM

Photo : retrieved on 11/9/2015

http://image.slidesharecdn.com/1-130717042553-phpapp02/95/1charac-oflife-30-638.jpg?cb=1374035168

3rd September 2015

Reflection 

From my previous lesson, I learned mainly about the true definition and the characteristics of scientific theories and scientific laws. Firstly, I learned that the definition of notion is that it is an idea or opinion about something. Moreover, I learned that the definition of theory in the scientific point of view is different, it is defined as something that is verified based on proven hypotheses. Law is defined as something/rule that is accepted to be true or occurs repeatedly when placed in the same conditions. It is shown in the video below the definition of theory and law in a scientific point of view.

I also learned the comparison between the scientific theory and scientific law which is that scientific theories can be improved or modified as evolution takes place. From the picture above it also explains how scientific laws can be expressed in a mathematical equation. The article below also talks about how both scientific theories and law are different because a scientific theory is an explanation of an observed phenomenon whereas a scientific law is a unifying concept.

http://www.livescience.com/21457-what-is-a-law-in-science-definition-of-scientific-law.html

Lastly, I was thought of the characteristics that defined a scientific law or theory. The characteristics of a scientific theory is that it is testable, the results obtained must be replicable by other scientists. However, the characteristics for scientific laws is that it can be used to predict outcomes and it can mostly be represented in a mathematical equation.


Learning Artifacts : 

Article : Retrieved on 3/9/2015

http://www.livescience.com/21457-what-is-a-law-in-science-definition-of-scientific-law.html

Photo : Retrieved on 3/9/2015

http://image.slidesharecdn.com/whatischemistry-140827121333-phpapp01/95/what-is-chemistry-7-638.jpg?cb=1409141646

Video : Retrieved on 3/9/2015

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0PKRIHoIdQw