Examine fundamental concepts and theories in the natural sciences.

This topic will guide you as you engage in the learning resource for this course.

This topic addresses the following competencies:

Competency 114.1.1: Scientific Concepts and Methodologies
The graduate recognizes and analyzes various natural phenomena; applies natural science methods and approaches to these natural phenomena.
Competency 114.1.2: Fundamentals of Natural Science
The graduate examines fundamental concepts and theories in the natural sciences.
Competency 114.2.3: Ecosystems
The graduate analyzes the components, organization, interactions, and processes of ecosystems.Virtual Museum of Nature and Science

Access the learning environment for this course at the link below and complete the readings, activities, and quizzes for the “Int Nat Sci Applications: Tasks” section:
“Museum of Nature and Science”

When you launch the course and enter the virtual museum, you can click on any object to enter. Then you will see the left side menu.

The Integrated Natural Sciences Applications learning module is entitled, “Int Nat Sci Applications: Tasks” located near the bottom of the left side menu. Click on this button to work through the lessons that will help prepare you for your independent task research.

For additional support in utilizing the materials to address the performance tasks for this course, view the following videos:Task 1

Scientific understanding changes over time. New knowledge, research, and events, such as natural disasters, teach us about our natural world. These new elements continually add to and deepen our understanding of the natural world. In this task, you will research (1) a concept and (2) an event. Through these examples, show how science has changed over time. Using the course materials and other resources available to you, such as the internet, you will research a (1) specific scientific concept or phenomenon for which our understanding has changed over time (structure of the atom, theory of evolution, theory of plate tectonics, etc) and (2) a specific historical event (moon landing, Mt. St. Helen’s volcanic eruption, etc) that has changed our scientific understanding. Note that your concept and event do not have to relate to one another. You will summarize and synthesize your findings in your task 1 multimedia file.

Good topic choice is imperative for your success on this task. You can get feedback on your topic choices by reaching out to your course mentor or emailing naturalscience@wgu.edu.

Click to see an example of Task 1.

Watch the following videos for help with Task 1.
Integrated Natural Sciences Applications: Task 2

This topic will guide you as you engage in the learning resource for this course.

This topic addresses the following competencies:
Competency 114.1.1: Scientific Concepts and Methodologies
The graduate recognizes and analyzes various natural phenomena; applies natural science methods and approaches to these natural phenomena.
Competency 114.1.2: Fundamentals of Natural Science
The graduate examines fundamental concepts and theories in the natural sciences.
Competency 114.2.3: Ecosystems
The graduate analyzes the components, organization, interactions, and processes of ecosystems.ask 2

A key concept related to ecosystems is that all components of an ecosystem are connected. Changes in a system can result in ripple effects felt throughout the interconnected system. Human actions that directly affect one part of an ecosystem can have indirect effects on other components. In this task, you will choose and research a specific ecosystem of your choice and summarize and synthesize your findings on that ecosystem in your task 2 multimedia file.

Good topic choice is imperative for your success on this task. You can get feedback on your topic choices by reaching out to your course mentor or emailing naturalscience@wgu.edu.

Click to see an example of Task 2.

Watch the following videos for help with Task 2.
Integrated Natural Sciences Applications: Task 3

This topic will guide you as you engage in the learning resource for this course.

The scientific method is a useful tool in order to study and understand our natural world. In addition, communicating one’s findings and experiment results is as integral part of the field of science. In this task, you will be a scientist and will choose, design, conduct, and present a science experiment as an experimental report. (Suggested length 4-8 pages, double spaced.) For a list of possible science experiment topic ideas refer to the “Topic List” attachment in Taskstream.com. This is not an exhaustive list, only suggestions. Also please note that if you wish to conduct an experiment using a living organism, no science experiments using vertebrate animals (including humans) as test subjects will be accepted. Your science experiment, designed from a testable question that investigates the relationship between two variables (independent and dependent) must have an objectively measurable outcome (i.e. yields quantitative, numeric data).

Good topic choice is imperative for your success on this task. You can get feedback on your topic choices by reaching out to your course mentor or emailing naturalscience@wgu.edu.

Click to see an example of Task 3.

Watch the following videos for help with Task 3.