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Student Views of Science Ideas: From Evolution to Vaccines???

Year: 2023


Presenter Name: Jon Lund

Description
Controversy and skepticism have often followed the discovery of scientific theories. We investigated the acceptance of important scientific topics. Focusing on four foundational topics in biology: evolution (human and non-human), the age of the earth, climate change, and vaccination safety. We sought to understand what percent of Utah Valley University (UVU) students disagreed with well-known and understood scientific discoveries. We used quantitative questions in an anonymous survey to ask and find out the acceptance of these topics among UVU students. At the beginning of the 2022 Fall semester, a survey was administered by 7 instructors across 13 sections to 1268 students in BIOL 1010. BIOL 1010 represents the general student population because it is a required class for all degree-seeking students. This survey consisted of 22 questions addressing views of scientific ideas. The data was analyzed using R studio. The results can help provide a greater foundational understanding of incoming viewpoints. This understanding is crucial to help us learn what topics require more focus in science education.
University / Institution: Utah Valley University
Type: Poster
Format: In Person
Presentation #A45
SESSION A (9:00-10:30AM)
Area of Research: Education
Faculty Mentor: Heath Ogden