Module 01: Scientific Curiosity and Motivation

Teaching Deck

Learning Objectives

• Explain why connectomics matters scientifically
• Formulate one testable connectomics question
• Distinguish motivating narratives from evidence-backed claims
• Identify personal learning goals for the technical track

Session Outcomes

• Learners can complete the module capability target.
• Learners can produce one evidence-backed artifact.
• Learners can state one limitation or uncertainty.

Agenda (60 min)

• 0-10 min: Frame and model
• 10-35 min: Guided practice
• 35-50 min: Debrief and misconception correction
• 50-60 min: Competency check + exit ticket

Capability Target

Write one connectomics study question with measurable structural outputs and one explicit non-claim.

Concept Focus

1) Question before method

• Technical: define target measurement before tool choice.
• Plain language: know what you are asking first.
• Misconception: tools generate good questions automatically.

Core Workflow

• Identify curiosity question.
• Convert to measurable structural hypothesis.
• Define one metric and one limitation.
• Plan first dataset/tool touchpoint.

60-Minute Run-of-Show

• 00:00-08: Why map the brain?
• 08:00-20: question framing examples.
• 20:00-34: learner question drafting.
• 34:00-46: evidence-boundary critique.
• 46:00-56: revise to testable hypotheses.
• 56:00-60: exit ticket.

Misconceptions to Watch

• Misconception: tools generate good questions automatically.
• Misconception: connectome equals full explanation.
• Misconception: broad vision statements are sufficient project plans.

Studio Activity

Draft one question-to-hypothesis sheet with metric, dataset, and non-claim.

Activity Output Checklist

• Evidence-linked artifact submitted.
• At least one limitation or uncertainty stated.
• Revision point captured from feedback.

Assessment Rubric

• Minimum: question, metric, limitation all present.
• Strong: clear falsification condition and realistic scope.
• Failure: motivational text without measurable outputs.

Exit Ticket

Write a 3-sentence hypothesis with one metric and one caveat.

References (Instructor)

• Use module references listed on the module page.

Teaching Materials

• Module page: /modules/module01/
• Slide page: /modules/slides/module01/
• Worksheet: /assets/worksheets/module01/module01-activity.md