Statistics and Graphing

Statistics play a vital role in the scientific enterprise. This activity provides background information and tutorials on basic statistics (mean, median, standard deviation, etc.) used in science. Topics include descriptive statistics (measures of central tendency and dispersion) and presenting data (tables, figures, and graphs). Sample datasets from actual scientific experiments are used to illustrate points. Links to an online statisitical tool and an online graphing application are also provided. Educational levels: Undergraduate lower division, High school

Photosynthesis and Respiration

Most people are aware that plants undergo photosynthesis, a process by which they convert sunlight and carbon dioxide in sugar and water. But not as many realize that plants also undergo respiration, which is the reverse of this process. In a two-part activity, students will examine the processes of respiration and photosynthesis with the aquatic plant, Elodea, by measuring how it changes the pH of water, and examine the the process of respiration by using the same technique with seeds of the mung bean (Phaseolus aureus). They wil also examine a case study involving the release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere by slash-and-burn agriculture. Educational levels: Undergraduate lower division, High school

Measurement

This two-part activity provides an introduction to the basics of measurement (linear, mass, volume, density) and discusses the role of inferential statistics in comparing any two measurements. The concept of random variations in measurements is introduced, which leads to a discussion of binomial distributions and probability in comparing measurements and results. Students will use online databases to form null hypotheses and test them using an online t-test calculator. Links to datasets, an online statistical application, and to related sites are also provided. Educational levels: Undergraduate lower division, High school

Experimental Analysis

Central to good science are accurate observations, testable hypotheses, well-designed experiments or other tests, and reasonable data analyses. The purpose of this activity is to introduce the basics of designing and analyzing experiments. This is accomplished by using a computer simulation that involves the real-world industry of farming fish. The two laboratory exercises include further steps in organizing and analyzing data. Educational levels: Undergraduate lower division, High school

Leaves and Air Pollution

In this activity, students investigate the effects of automobile pollution on plant growth by making measurements on two populations of leaves, one from within 10 meters of a busy road and a population of the same species situated more than 20 meters away. They will choose a method for measuring the leaves, create a table for their data, and test their hypotheses by performing a t-test. Educational levels: Undergraduate lower division, High school

Ground-Level Ozone: Smog City

This lesson provides an introduction to the problems associated with ground-level ozone ('smog'). It reinforces the idea that ozone at ground level is harmful while that in the upper atmosphere has a beneficial effect. There is also discussion about how ozone is formed and some of its effects on air quality and human health. Students can listen to two National Publc Radio (NPR) shows that discuss air pollution in Los Angeles and Houston, and perform an activity in which they use an online simulation to change various parameters (weather conditions, population, emission levels from various sources) and observe the changes in air quality that result. Educational levels: Undergraduate lower division, High school

Ground-level Ozone: Your Vehicle

In this activity, students quantify and analyze their personal contributions of smog-forming compounds due to driving. The activity builds upon the previous lesson (Ground-Level Ozone). The students will review online materials on vehicle emissions and use an environmental calculator produced by Environmental Defense to examine their individual emissions of ozone-forming compounds. They will enter year, model, and make of vehicle, along with annual mileage, and receive an estimate of output of smog-forming nitrogen oxides and hydrocarbons (VOC's). To conclude the activity, they will review some online resources on the connection between asthma and air pollution. Educational levels: Undergraduate lower division, High school

Drinking Water Treatment

This lesson provides an introduction to the treatment of drinking water to remove harmful or distasteful substances. Topics include the history of treatment and a brief listing of treatment processes. Students can examine a selection of online resources for more detailed information on modern treatment methods and potential contaminants. The lesson includes an activity in which they construct a model treatment plant and treat water that they have 'contaminated' themselves in order to observe firsthand the steps involved in purifying water for human consumption. Educational levels: Undergraduate lower division, High school

Population: Growth

This lesson discusses population growth, both in the United States and in the world. Topics include factors that influence population growth, such as government policy, religion, education or economic levels, energy use per capita, and whether a country is agrarian or industrial. The lesson includes an activity in which students research an online resource on population growth and answer questions as they navigate through its presentation. Educational levels: Undergraduate lower division, High school

Diagnostic error reduction in the United States and Italy through the intervention of diagnostic management teams

A major challenge to most countries is the growing cost of healthcare. The cost of laboratory testing is approximately 3% of the total clinical costs. On the other hand, waste from inappropriate admissions to clinical departments is reported to be as high as 15%. A frequently used approach to save dollars in healthcare is the random reduction in the budget for laboratories, with a focus on reduction of the number of unnecessary laboratory tests. The World Health Assembly has approached the problem by publishing a list of essential in vitro diagnostic tests, in order to achieve a global rationalization of the problem. A much more thoughtful strategy to saving healthcare finance is to improve the efficiency of the diagnostic process. This report presents an opportunity to reduce diagnostic error and increase the efficiency of diagnostic testing. Reduction in time to a correct diagnosis provides a major financial as well as a clinical benefit. In addition, reducing both overutilization and underutilization of laboratory tests while achieving the correct diagnosis is a major benefit to challenged healthcare budgets. One approach taken to achieve major savings in healthcare has been the creation of “Diagnostic Management Teams,” composed of experts in specialty areas of medicine who are primarily based in the clinical laboratory to advise physicians on the selection of only necessary tests and the interpretation of complex test results