MODULE: What Is Science? – Instructor’s Guide

Download the TWA Handout

CASE STUDY: The Last Flight of TWA 800

A.      Learning Outcomes: After completing this module, students will be able to:

1. Analyze the aspects of a problem and accurately state this problem as a question.
2. Make a list of types of data that will be needed to investigate this problem.
3. Make a list of sources for this data.
4. Make a list of hypotheses as possible solutions to the problem.
5. Analyze new data that applies to this problem and draw a conclusion as to which hypothesis this new data best supports.
6. Be able to write an explanation of the reasoning and supporting evidence they used to draw this conclusion.
7. Be able to explain why it is difficult, if not impossible, to conduct a direct experiment to replicate a historical event.
8. Be able to explain why scientists do not address hypotheses that involve supernatural or paranormal causes.

B.      Materials: 

1. Handouts of the Case Study: One per student.

C.      Format:

1. Students work in groups of 4-6.
2. They discuss the story and the problem.
3. At page 4, they disband from the group and work independently, answering the remaining questions as individuals.

D.     Assessment:

1. Answers students give to the questions on the handout.
2. Pages 1 – 3: 30% of grade for group work.
3. Pages 4- 7: 70% of grade for individual work.