This module introduces the main learning goals of the course and how we will work towards them. We will start by developing a methodical way of reading a scientific paper and writing an abstract that cuts to the essence of the work. This is really a methodical way of thinking scientifically, but more on this later. You will read a provocative paper by John Tarduno to get your feet wet on this subject related to hotpsots and their relative non-fixity in space. The next big thing will be to develop an algorithm for asking a “good” scientific question. How do you ask a question that provides precisely the information you want? This is not as easy as it sounds. The first step is being simply aware of the question you are asking-- very aware.
Learning Goals for This Module
- (Start to) Build “mind maps” or “concept maps” to organize and build understanding of the questions, methods, results and problem-solving strategies that underlie scientific papers.
- outline a framework for reading science articles
- generate specific classes of “what” or “context” questions about articles to identify technical or other aspects you don't understand.
- generate specific classes of “why” or “implication” questions about articles that will foster discussion about the logic, arguments and broader implications.
- describe the model of mantle plumes used in the article by Tarduno read for this module.
- identify measurements and observations that support this model-- in other words to defend this model (which suggests that surface hotspots are not fixed).
- describe the model for the Deccan traps and possible links to the demise of the dinosaurs
- identify the measurements, observations, inferences for this remarkable story AND any logical holes
Reading / Youtube
WEEK 1:
LEARN ABOUT MIND MAPS and CONCEPT MAPS
Start with Wikipedia:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mind_map
and references at the end of each article.
Search on ‘mind map’ and ‘concept map’. See anything featuring Tony Buzan. Here is a Ted talk with some inspiring moments (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nMZCghZ1hB4).
Examples of mind maps after a quick search (there are lots)
https://www.mindmeister.com/blog/students-guide-to-mind-mapping/
The best concept and mind maps: hand-drawn with pictures, precise key words, and concepts that reflect how YOU think. To get started, see:
https://mindmapsunleashed.com/how-to-mind-map-with-tony-buzan
https://learningfundamentals.com.au/resources/
https://www.open.edu/openlearn/ocw/mod/oucontent/view.php?id=19241§ion=2
https://www.lucidchart.com/pages/landing/concept_map_maker
https://www.visme.co/concept-map-maker/
Books on kindle if you prefer
Buzan: Mind Map Mastery
Knight: Mind Maps: Quicker notes, better memory and improved learning 3.0
READ SOME SHORT PAPERS
WEEK 1: Hotspots paper by Tarduno
WEEK 2: What really killed the Dinosaurs? (TWO short papers: Duncan & Renne)
Some Images and a movie that may help with the Tarduno paper
A cartoon of the Hawaiian mantle plume
An image from a simulation of the rise and spread of mantle plumes from Earth’s core-mantle boundary (Allen, 2011, Nature Geoscience)