Understanding Ocean Acidification through AI-Driven Analysis
Purpose
Explain ocean acidification and its current and future impacts while enhancing communication skills by using AI tools to analyze and present data on this environmental issue.
Phase 1: Using AI Tools
Select Data Sets
Choose relevant data sets on ocean acidification from reputable sources such as NOAA, NASA, or peer-reviewed journals.
Select AI Tools for Analysis
Choose from the following AI tools to analyze the selected data sets:
- Microsoft Power BI: This tool visualizes data trends, patterns, and changes over time.
- Copilot in Excel: Copilot in Excel can help with generating insights through built-in formulas, identifying patterns, and creating basic visualizations like charts or graphs directly in Excel spreadsheets
- Copilot: Copilot can assist with general data interpretation and writing. It can generate summaries, suggest explanations, and support the structure of findings in reports or presentations. It is versatile for both analyzing and synthesizing information across various data types.
Analyze Data Sets
Apply the selected AI tool to identify trends, patterns, and significant changes within your data set. Focus on generating insights relevant to your research question or objective.
Verify the Accuracy of AI-Generated Analyses
- Compare with Historical Data: Cross-check AI findings with historical data or known trends to confirm the AI accurately identifies patterns based on past observations.
- Conduct Manual Analysis: Select a sample of data points and manually analyze them to check if AI results are consistent with non-AI-generated insights.
- Consult Secondary Sources: Compare AI findings with relevant literature or industry reports to validate the accuracy of identified trends and patterns.
- Run Multiple Analyses: If the AI tool allows for different configurations or methods (e.g., regression, clustering), use multiple methods to ensure the consistency of the analysis.
Phase 2: Interpretation and Understanding
Write a 1000-1200 word report interpreting the AI-generated results. Include:
- Description of AI-Assisted Findings: Outline the specific findings generated by AI (e.g., detected trends, correlations) and explain how these results influenced your overall analysis. Demonstrate how you used AI as a support tool rather than the sole basis for conclusions.
- AI Validation: Describe the steps taken to verify AI-generated trends, such as cross-referencing AI insights with course materials or consulting reputable databases or studies on ocean acidification.
- Reflection: Add a reflection on how AI added value to your research, such as accelerating data processing or identifying subtle patterns. Discuss any limitations observed in AI analysis (e.g., data gaps, oversimplified conclusions) and explain how you applied your judgment to address these issues.
Submit your written report as a Word or PDF file through the Canvas assignment submission portal.
Phase 3: Presentation
Create a 5-Minute Video Presentation
Summarize your findings in a concise, engaging 5-minute video. Focus on the main insights and key patterns your ocean acidification data AI analysis identifies.
Use Visual Aids
Incorporate visual aids, such as charts, graphs, or maps generated by your AI tools, to illustrate trends and patterns clearly. Consider simple visuals with labels and captions highlighting main points, avoiding cluttered slides for easy understanding.
Audience and Communication Style
Present findings in an accessible way for general college students with little scientific background. Aim for clarity by explaining key terms and concepts like “ocean acidification” in simple language. Focus on the relevance of your findings, discussing potential impacts on marine life or ecosystems in an engaging way.
Tips for an Effective Presentation
- Introduction: Start with an overview of your research question and the significance of ocean acidification.
- Main Findings: Use visual aids to support each significant finding, explaining briefly what each chart or graph reveals.
- Conclusion: This section summarizes the key points and their implications for understanding and addressing ocean acidification.
Share your video presentation following the How to Create Media in Canvas instructions.
Grading Criteria
- Data Analysis
- Effectiveness of AI tools in analyzing data.
- Accuracy and relevance of the data sets chosen.
- Interpretation and Understanding
- Depth of understanding demonstrated in the written report.
- Clarity and coherence of the interpretation of AI results.
- Writing Quality
- Organization and structure of the written report.
- Quality and clarity of the video presentation.
- Use of visual aids to enhance understanding.