Predicting the Future: Science and Empirical Reasoning

In 4 sessions students are exposed to the use of empirical reasoning formally introduced in the 17th century and now more refined and widely applied. The approaches described in the session can be used to establish predictions in science and the real world. The instructor demonstrates how raw data can be used to establish relationships and predict the future. This approach is central to experimental science, used in developmental engineering and the quantitative modeling is now being used to make a variety of financial and public policy decisions. This approach can also help those interested in techniques often used at the "Science Fair" competitions. Students exposed to this approach are more fully informed researchers, consumers and citizens.