On the left, these are samples of the class going to Trammel Fossil Park to collect fossils to study and take observations with. I included this because it was the first experience we had doig fieldwork and taught us a lot about observational skills. The right is a sample of the class visiting the Creation museum in Kentucky. It was a fruitful experience where we were able to learn about religious and scientific views of how the world was created.
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What was involved
In the my Dinosaurs, Dragons, and Dogma course, I was able to learn about the natural world, delving into the historical, cultural, and scientific significance of fossils, examining how they have shaped human understanding of the past and influenced both mythic traditions and scientific revolutions. I explored how fossils have been perceived throughout history, from ancient civilizations interpreting them as mythical creatures to their role in challenging religious and cultural worldviews during scientific breakthroughs, such as the development of evolutionary theory. A central theme of the course is the resistance new knowledge often faces before becoming widely accepted. By studying the cultural and philosophical frameworks through which fossils were originally understood, I gained insight into why scientific discoveries can be controversial and even threatening to established beliefs. This extends into modern issues, as the class also examines how misinformation spreads, particularly in the context of contemporary social media, and how the process of vetting scientific knowledge plays a crucial role in an increasingly polarized world.
What I learned from the experience
In this course, I learned that fossils are more than just scientific artifacts, they are cultural and historical symbols that have shaped human understanding of the past. I explored how different civilizations have interpreted fossils, from viewing them as mythical creatures to using them as key evidence in scientific revolutions like evolutionary theory. A major focus was on the challenges new knowledge faces before being accepted, as I examined how scientific discoveries often disrupt established worldviews and lead to cultural and philosophical debates. I also studied how fossils have played a crucial role in shaping scientific thought, influencing debates on Earth’s age, extinction, and evolution, ultimately transforming entire scientific disciplines.
How it impacted my life
This course has had a significant impact on the way I think about knowledge, truth, and the role of science in society. It challenged me to see fossils not just as remnants of ancient life, but as powerful symbols that have shaped human history, culture, and scientific progress. Learning about how different civilizations interpreted fossils, and how these interpretations changed over time, made me more aware of the ways in which knowledge is constructed and contested. I now better understand that scientific discoveries don’t exist in a vacuum; they are influenced by cultural beliefs, political power, and societal resistance. This realization has deepened my appreciation for the struggle new ideas must endure before becoming accepted. Beyond fossils, this course also sharpened my ability to recognize misinformation and think critically about the information I consume. In an age where social media spreads false or misleading claims at an alarming rate, I have become more aware of how knowledge can be distorted and weaponized for different agendas. I now approach information with a more discerning mindset, questioning sources, identifying biases, and considering the broader context in which information is presented. This has influenced not only how I engage with scientific topics but also how I navigate discussions on current events, politics, and social issues.
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