The class began with a discussion on intelligence and technology. Intelligence, which they determined to be the ability to store and process information in order to adapt, aids technology in setting humans apart from other species. The class then took a look at several Interactivate applets, such as Experimental Probability, A Better Fire, and Rabbits and Wolves. Through these web-based simulations, the students learned how different factors affect an outcome, whether it is the roll of a die, the spread of a forest fire, or predator-prey population dynamics.
After experimenting with the computer models, the students discussed the scientific method and the order of life (molecule, cell, tissue, organ, etc.). Starting with a cell, the students worked as a class to think of each higher level, from tissues and organs to ecosystems and finally the biosphere. The class ended with a look at the incredible possibilities of computing. Computers allow us to calculate the billions of gene sequences in the human genome, a process that would be impossibly slow and full of mistakes if done by a human. The students were also introduced to Moore's Law, which says that due to the ever-increasing rate of technology, the storage and speed of a processor will double every 18 months. This brief look at the power of computing helped the students understand the potential of and opportunities in computational science.
Today, the students looked at a molecular model of an ideal gas. They used this model in order to derive the relationships between several variables, including volume, pressure, velocity, etc. While deriving these relationships, students explored the different techniques used to determine relationships between variables, and the scientific basis behind the techniques. After deriving the ideal gas law, the students discussed the basis behind knowledge and assumptions (i.e. "How do you know what you know?") Students looked at the process that is used in deciding whether information is accurate or not.