Problems Worth Solving

Research in Biology serves to both further scientific understanding and to solve problems. Both are equally important. A thorough understanding helps us to evaluate solutions to a problem more effectively. And using understanding to solve problems is a satisfying application of that knowledge. 

In this course we have looked at important concepts in cellular biology, interactions among cells and the body, and how individuals in populations interact. We have also seen and done some experiments that help us to further scientific understanding, as well, we have explored some of the ways Choices in Biology are important. Issues centred around nutrition, environmental impacts, and medical problems relate to many of the concepts we have seen in this course.

Choices in Biology, though, aren’t always as clear cut as working to cure a patient from a debilitating disorder. Some of the most difficult decisions touch on issues that need to consider both sides of an issue. For example, addiction involves specific changes to neuronal activity in the brain. We could then ask, “Could using technology be addictive?” The conclusion can be presented in a video, for example.

In this Activity we will look at how to answer difficult questions like this one. Recommending the best choice will rely on your good understanding of the important concepts from this course.

Asking Questions

Asking questions is the first step toward making Choices in Biology. Good questions should have elaborate and detailed answers. One way of formulating questions is to take a statement and reorganize it into the form of a question.

In the following interactive, review each of the 13 statements using the chevron buttons to move back and forth. Ask yourself if you agree or disagree with each statement. Think about details you have learned in this course as you pick 6 statements you wish to explore. Use good Responsibility skills (definition: I can meet the commitments of the learning environment.) as you describe your thoughts about your choice of answer. Try to focus on using as many details as you can think of, even if they are just in point form. Finally, after you have recorded your thoughts, identify other individuals or groups of people who would agree with or disagree with the statement.  

Long Description

Describing An Issue

Each of the statements you considered can be reworded into a question. Each question can then be answered, with specific details, by someone who agrees with the statement or someone who disagrees with it. 

At the end of this Activity you will evaluate both sides to one of these statements. Before choosing a statement, ask yourself, which statement did you feel most passionately about? Could you see both sides to each statement, or was there one statement that you found it difficult to see one side of? Sometimes an issue that you can clearly see from only one side is the best statement to choose because you can already anticipate the counter arguments you could make when discussing this statement with someone. Don’t rush this decision!

Once you have chosen the statement you would like to evaluate, change the wording around to make it into a question. This will be the central question you will be looking to answer. 

Next, collect evidence and details from your coursework. You could use Mindomo to create your discussion web similar to this discussion web template, but you can use any tool you wish. In addition to scientific reasons you can also include social, ethical and/or legal implications. If you find that you have more than three reasons for any one side, record only the best three in your discussion web. It’s better to use fewer but more relevant and better explained details in your evaluation instead of more numerous but less detailed explanations. Be sure to keep track of your sources so it’s easier to make citations later.

Be sure to use good Independent Work skills (definition:I can effectively monitor, assess, and revise my plans to complete tasks and meet goals.) to complete your discussion web. Try to make connections by finding reasons and evidence that one side could use to argue against the other. Using specific details here will help you when you get ready to write your evaluation of the question. Use good Self-Regulation skills (definition:I can set goals and seek help in achieving them as needed.) to decide if you have enough information.