Academic Research in Science: Online and Scholarly Inquiry
Navigation Links:
Overview and Purpose
Academic research is an important skill that allows students to take an active role in investigating scientific phenomena, comparing the reliability of different sources, and developing a repository of evidence to shape one’s beliefs, in order to support scientific inquiry and argumentation. However, methods for academic research continue to change and evolve more and more rapidly over time with the growing presence of artificial intelligence (AI). This mini-course equips secondary-level science students and their teachers with a guide and toolbox for engaging with academic research in order to support evidence-based argumentation and inquiry within the science classroom. Participants will explore the principles of scientific research in order to develop an authentic research paper through a series of interactive, project-based, and reflective modules and activities. With an emphasis on modernization of research practices, this course prepares its learners to consciously interact with AI-powered technology and carefully evaluate the reliability of sources while building solid, research-based arguments.
Needs Assessment
I found that many students and their science teachers face challenges in initiating assignments rooted in completing academic research and using internet-based tools consciously and effectively. Students often do not know how to find or use sources beyond what the Google search engine immediately provides them. Synthesizing and connecting research findings to an argument presents an additional layer of challenge that students often struggle to confront. Furthermore, the existence of modern technology further complicates students’ abilities to complete their own academic research without overreliance on AI tools. This aligns with research that ineffective use of AI and other modern technologies can impede students’ abilities focus and learn content and skills for themselves (National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, 2018, p. 187; Resnick, 2024, p. 2)
This mini-course is designed to address these gaps by providing practical tools and ideas for effectively completing academic research that encourages deeper thinking, digital literacy, and a better understanding of conscious and ethical use of AI, search tools, and online resources. Students are instructed on how to complete and use academic research on their own, while also being exposed to AI as a possible support but not replacement. This encourages a greater degree of learner agency as they do not become overly dependent on AI, but simultaneously supports digital literacy and familiarity with modern tools and technology (Resnick, 2024, p. 4).
Performance Objectives
- Identify basic principles of scientific research, including the differences between primary and secondary sources and the structure of a scientific article.
- Retrieve relevant and reliable sources using scholarly databases, advanced search settings, and AI tools.
- Evaluate the credibility of sources using a structured rubric and written justification, while comparing between different source materials that present the same information.
- Construct a research-based argument using supporting evidence synthesized from multiple reliable sources.
- Communicate an evidence-based argument with supporting visuals and proper citations to a variety of target audiences.
Google Classroom
A number of assignments will require you to submit them via Google Classroom.
To join the Google Classroom for this course, please enter the following code: 6phev5fz
Course Units
This mini-course includes the following units. Click the title of a unit to go to its page.
Unit 1: Effective Retrieval of Scientific Research Using Online Tools
This unit will support students in defining the basics of scientific research; identifying and using online search tools; and identifying the sections of primary and secondary research sources.
Unit 1 - Lesson 1: Introduction to Scientific Research and Online Search Tools
Unit 1 - Lesson 2: Examining Scientific Sources
Unit 2: Understanding and Evaluating Scientific Research
This unit will support students in recognizing bias in sources, critiquing sources for their reliability, comparing popular science articles to actual research, and using AI to support these tasks.
Unit 2 - Lesson 1: Recognizing Bias in Sources
Unit 2 - Lesson 2: Critiquing and Comparing Sources
Unit 3: Using Scientific Research to Support Argumentation
This unit will support students in summarizing research findings, synthesizing findings from multiple sources, developing arguments based on these findings, and using AI to support these tasks.
Unit 3 - Lesson 1: Summarizing and Synthesizing Research
Unit 3 - Lesson 2: Using Research to Support Argumentation
Unit 4: Communicating Scientific Research to a Wider Audience
This unit will support students in communicating their findings to multiple audiences, citing sources, and using AI to support these tasks.
Unit 4 - Lesson 1: Communicating Research and Arguments
Unit 4 - Lesson 2: Citing sources
Extended Resources
National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2018. How people learn II: Learners, contexts, and cultures. The National Academies Press. https://doi.org/10.17226/24783
Resnick, M. (2024). Generative AI and creative learning: Concerns, opportunities, and choices. An MIT Exploration of Generative AI. https://doi.org/10.21428/e4baedd9.cf3e35e5