Using the Inquiry Model for Effective Research in a Scientific Context
This unit will provide you with skills, knowledge and resources to conduct a powerful inquiry-based investigation. The unit is set in a science context with a focus on sustainability and the environment, but the skills you will learn can be used in a range of areas:
- Future research-based tasks in your academic course;
- The design and development of strategies for improving digital competencies in students that you will be teaching in the future;
- Greater confidence and expertise in the use of a range on Web 2.0 tools that you will find useful when you begin to develop curriculum resources for students in your classes; and
- A sound understanding of key aspects of the Australian Curriculum with the focus on Sustainability, which will help you to plan valid and relevant student activities in several curriculum areas including Science and HASS.
What do whales, sharks and whale sharks have to do with this unit?
Throughout this unit you will be challenged to examine your beliefs about a number of controversial and emotive topics and issues. You will come to understand that many are highly charged and evoke deep emotions and that often, when it comes to solving problems around that topic, there is no easy solution. Often compromise or the notion of the "lesser of two evils" appears the only way forward. What you will be encouraged to do is to develop the ability to examine things with objectivity and through data-driven information to come up with your own ideas about how to solve your chosen problem.
The theme of whales, whale sharks and sharks that permeate the website, was designed to symbolise the often juxtaposed emotions we have around different topics. Whales and whale sharks often evoke feelings of majesty and awe while for sharks it is of fear and anger. We 'love' whales and 'love to hate' sharks and yet they both have an extremely important role to play in the marine ecosystem. What you will be encouraged to do is dig beneath the emotive veil of a range of topics to ascertain an objective, scientifically based position around a range of topics.
The theme of whales, whale sharks and sharks that permeate the website, was designed to symbolise the often juxtaposed emotions we have around different topics. Whales and whale sharks often evoke feelings of majesty and awe while for sharks it is of fear and anger. We 'love' whales and 'love to hate' sharks and yet they both have an extremely important role to play in the marine ecosystem. What you will be encouraged to do is dig beneath the emotive veil of a range of topics to ascertain an objective, scientifically based position around a range of topics.
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Whale Sharks
They are not whales but are the largest ocean fish, growing up to 40 feet long. Despite the enormous size of these creatures very little is known about their movements and their habits. Whale sharks are found off the North West coast of Western Australia but where they go to breed, how they travel and where they travel to during the months they are not seen off W.A. is unknown. Research is currently under way in W.A. to determine more about these majestic creatures. An example of a topic to get you thinking.... |
Sharks
We have always had a love / hate relationship with these majestic creatures. We love them, we fear them, we eat them and we are enthralled by their behaviour. Are there more sharks in the ocean or are there just more people swimming? See our interview in emotions to gain more insight. Can inquiry and research answer questions and provide us with a more detailed picture about both of these majestic creatures? |