Semester 2 of 2 – Research 1: Scientific Design begins with an overview of the scientific method. As students become familiar with the scientific method, they understand how to conduct successful scientific investigations. When trying to understand scientific research, scientists must be able to understand data, which is why the next component of the course discusses tables, graphs, charts, and raw data. Students show their knowledge by completing detailed lab reports. Students then survey an overview of subject-specific science courses, including biology, physics, chemistry, epidemiology, biotechnology, genetics, as well as different engineering fields. They also put the engineering techniques together to design a solution to a societal problem. Students learn the effects of disease on the human body and explore the ever-growing field of biotechnology and the controversies surrounding it. Students learn about the creation of fossil fuels as well as alternative energy sources. They examine how the use of these fuels affects the environment and how those issues can be avoided or solved. Lastly, students learn about the greenhouse effect and conduct their own research and investigation into climate change.




