CU Science Discovery - STEM Research Methods
Issued by
University of Colorado Boulder
The Science Discovery STEM Research Methods micro-credential validates that high school students have developed foundational skills in the scientific process. Through a mentored research project with a University of Colorado scientist, participants learn to review literature, ask testable questions, design experiments, visualize & analyze data, and communicate findings through a scientific poster presentation.
- Cost Free
Skills
Earning Criteria
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Complete the Research Methods Seminar (in-person or online) and meet the learning objectives: *Make scientific observations, ask questions, and formulate testable hypotheses *Maintain meticulous accurate records *Obtain, read, and evaluate primary scientific literature *Collect, Analyze, and visualize data *Develop a visual model *Create an engaging narrative to communicate their research.
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Develop a professional relationship with a research mentor who can verify research skills development.
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Complete a self-inventory of scientific research skills. Create a scientific poster as evidence of research project. Obtain mentor’s evaluation of learner's scientific research skills.
Standards
Asking questions and defining problems in 9–12 builds on grades K–8 experiences and progresses to formulating, refining, and evaluating empirically testable questions and design problems using models and simulations.
Modeling in 9–12 builds on K–8 experiences and progresses to using, synthesizing, and developing models to predict and show relationships among variables between systems and their components in the natural and designed world(s).
Planning and carrying out investigations in 9-12 builds on K–8 experiences and progresses to include investigations that provide evidence for and test conceptual, mathematical, physical, and empirical models.
Analyzing data in 9–12 builds on K–8 experiences and progresses to introducing more detailed statistical analysis, the comparison of data sets for consistency, and the use of models to generate and analyze data.
Mathematical and computational thinking in 9–12 builds on K–8 experiences and progresses to using algebraic thinking and analysis, a range of linear and nonlinear functions including trigonometric functions, exponentials and logarithms, and computational tools for statistical analysis to analyze, represent, and model data. Simple computational s...
Constructing explanations and designing solutions in 9–12 builds on K–8 experiences and progresses to explanations and designs that are supported by multiple and independent student-generated sources of evidence consistent with scientific ideas, principles, and theories.
Engaging in argument from evidence in 9–12 builds on K–8 experiences and progresses to using appropriate and sufficient evidence and scientific reasoning to defend and critique claims and explanations about the natural and designed world(s). Arguments may also come from current scientific or historical episodes in science.
Scientists and engineers must be able to communicate clearly and persuasively the ideas and methods they generate. Critiquing and communicating ideas individually and in groups is a critical professional activity.