Enhanced Scientific Literacy Using Project-Based Biology Laboratory Exercises

越来越多的文献充分证明了美国公众的科学素养水平很低。为了解决这个问题，我们提供了一个框架，在这个框架中，大量的本科生可以达到基本的科学素养。我们正在通过每年为大约2325名学生开设普通生物实验课程来实现这一目标，这些学生包括非科学专业的学生、少数族裔和未来的K-16教师。本课程改编自俄克拉何马州立大学、纽约大学、sweethbriar学院、Wellesley学院和Project Kaleidoscope的材料。新的生物学课程利用基于项目的学习和批判性思维技能的发展来介绍和允许相关科学概念的讨论。预期的项目成果包括：毕业生能够从事科学意识的行为和知情的公民，提高科学知识，并欣赏科学与“现实世界”问题之间的联系。该项目正在产生适合大量学生的创新动手、思考的实验室活动，这些活动可通过出版的实验室手册供其他机构采用。传播工作正在通过项目网站、在国家会议上发言、教员发展讲习班、出版实验室材料和专业文章来完成。这种模式很容易被其他机构采用，因此对其他拥有大量学生的大学来说具有很大的潜力。

Biological Sciences (61)A growing body of literature amply documents the low levels of scientific literacyamong the American public. To address this issue we are providing a framework in whichlarge numbers of undergraduates can achieve basic scientific literacy. We areaccomplishing this goal through development of a general biology laboratory course forapproximately 2325 students per year including non-science majors, underrepresentedminorities and future K-16 teachers. This course is adapting materials from Oklahoma State University, New York University, Sweetbriar College, Wellesley College, and Project Kaleidoscope The new biology course utilizes project-based learning and critical thinking skill development to introduce and allow discussion of relevant scientific concepts. Expected project outcomes include: graduates able to engage in scientifically aware behavior and informed citizenship, improved scientific knowledge, and an appreciation of the connections between science and "real-world" problems. The project is yielding innovative hands-on, minds-on laboratory activities suitable for large numbers of students that are available for adaptation by other institutions through a published laboratory manual. Dissemination is being accomplished through a project web site, presentations at national meetings, faculty development workshops, publication of laboratory materials and professional articles. This model is one that can be easily adapted by other institutions and, therefore has excellent potential for other universities who teach large numbers of students.