Enhanced Scientific Literacy Using Project-Based Biology Laboratory Exercises

生物科学（61）越来越多的文献充分证明了美国公众科学素养的低下。为了解决这个问题，我们提供了一个框架，在这个框架中，大量的大学生可以获得基本的科学素养.我们正在通过为每年约2325名学生，包括非科学专业，underrepresentedminorities和未来的K-16教师开发普通生物学实验室课程来实现这一目标。本课程改编自俄克拉荷马州州立大学、纽约大学、斯威特布里亚学院、韦尔斯利学院和万花筒项目的材料。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讨论相关的科学概念。项目预期成果包括：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，并在科学和“现实世界”的问题之间的连接升值。该项目正在产生适合大量学生的创新的动手、动脑实验室活动，其他机构可通过出版的实验室手册加以调整。正在通过一个项目网站、在国家会议上的介绍、教师发展讲习班、出版实验室材料和专业文章来进行传播。这种模式可以很容易地被其他机构所适应，因此对其他教授大量学生的大学具有很好的潜力。

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.