Research Literacy
- Locate printed and online articles from the professional scientific literature
- Read and interpret data in the professional scientific literature
- Write a review of scientific literature in the area of interest
- Critically assess relevance and procedures of primary research
Experimental Design
- Develop a research plan in the area of interest
- Identify and develop testable hypotheses
- Understand the significance of relevant variables, controls, materials, and overall experimental design
- Explain and perform analytical procedures in the area of interest
Data Collection/Analysis
- Apply appropriate laboratory techniques to data collection in the area of interest
- Summarize and present data in an appropriate format using statistical software such as Excel
- Interpret and evaluate data as supporting or refuting the hypothesis proposed
- Maintain organized lab/field notebook
Sharing Results
- Write, present and publicly defend a research proposal
- Summarize key points of research concisely and clearly using PowerPoint software
- Prepare a research poster to be displayed in a public presentation
- Write a final research proposal/report
Relevance and Impact of Research
- Connect primary research to everyday problem solving
- Evaluate the ethical implications of research and acknowledge limitations of research
- View problems using a whole system approach that incorporates various fields of inquiry
- Apply critical thinking skills outside of the classroom