Sarah Han's Three Semester Review

The Topic:
Over the last three semesters, we have examined the Science of Nature and the Nature of Science. Specifically, we've looked at how we use the foundations of scientific practice to explore the evidence, causes, and implications of past and present global change, and examine the use of scientific knowledge and communication when making decisions for the future. Ultimately, we aim for the program to help students plan for resilience in a future of global change.

How has your experience as a Science & Global Change Scholar helped in that understanding (compared to what you have received if you were not in SGC)?

Choose and discuss at least two (2) of the following:

• Cite and discuss any example of how you have employed the hypothetico-deductive method of science in some setting other than the SGC colloquium during the last three semesters. Indicate how (or whether) your SGC experience prepared you to employ it. (This may include SGC supporting courses.)
• Cite and discuss any example of encountering failures of the critical thinking skills (for instances, people using logical fallacies, or failing to employ some piece of the scientific toolbox in a situation where it improves understanding) in your experiences as a college student so far.
• Provide an example of a news-related item that you encountered outside of the SGC colloquium dealing specifically with global climate change that has struck your attention during the last three semesters. Indicate how (or whether) your SGC experience enhanced your understanding of it.
• Cite an example of a misunderstanding of the scientific method or a misapplication of scientific information that you have encountered during the last three semesters. Indicate how (or whether) your SGC experience enabled you to identify it.
• Indicate which topic or set of material in the SGC colloquium has been most effective in helping you choose a major, in connecting you to your major, or enhancing your attitude and approach toward your major.

Also, cite at least two (2) specific items from classes that are SGC requirements or supporting courses, but which are not CPSP classes, that additionally support your thesis.

Additionally, discuss how your learning was improved or enhanced by interacting (in or out of class) with one or more fellow SGC Scholars. Please use particular examples of how being in this living-learning community actually aided in learning (or, if it did not aid in learning, indicate such).

Scholars aims to encourage active contribution on the part of students, either in specific academic situations (e.g., Colloquium discussions and projects; field trip activities; etc.) or as part of the larger Scholars community. To what degree do you think you have personally contributed to SGC, giving particular examples?

Furthermore, discuss to what degree (if any) did being in Scholars brought you in contact with people or concepts that challenged previous beliefs or opinions you had (either concerning the academic material of the program or other personal issues in your life). [Please note: a challenge is not necessarily a contradiction! Consider a "challenge" as any situation that caused you to examine or reflect on a belief or opinion that you already had.] How have these beliefs and opinions changed as a result of your experiences over your first three semesters?

Finally, how do you think your Scholars experience might inform your future? Are there particular lessons, methods, events, or other aspects of your time in SGC that you expect to draw upon as a junior and senior? In post-undergraduate education (if any)? In your professional career? [Obviously this is just speculation on your part; it is often the case that it is only in hindsight that we discover what was really our most important or formative experiences!]

Last modified: XX Sometember 202Y