Improving Quantitative Literacy Across the Natural Science Curriculum Through Digital Imaging Technology

生命科学-生物学（61）本项目建立了一个集中的数字成像、分析和定量实验室，用于整个自然科学课程。该设施是模仿富兰克林和马歇尔学院（DUE #9750430）和惠顿学院（DUE #0126637）非常成功的成像和分析实验室，但修改后更加强调定量。智力价值：项目的智力价值体现在以下方面：1)通过有效使用技术，从根本上改善教与学；2)为学生提供大量接触当前现实世界技术的机会；3)大大提高定量素养。该项目基于对现有文献的广泛分析，并通过创新地使用数字成像和定量，为本科自然科学教育的文献和有效实践做出贡献。更广泛的影响：该项目更广泛的影响包括改变生物系、化学系和物理系25门课程的教学方法和学生体验。这些课程面向所有生物、生物化学、化学、物理、工程预科和数学教育专业的学生，以及所有在职K-12教师，以及超过25%的非科学专业的学生。学生与项目相关的学习成果是跨学科评估的，使用形成性和总结性评估以及直接和间接的方法。成像设施用于招募和夏季拓展经验，主要是非裔美国人初高中学生在匹兹堡，宾夕法尼亚州地区。

Abstract Life Science - Biological (61)This project establishes a centralized digital imaging, analysis, and quantitation laboratory to be utilized throughout the natural science curriculum. The facility is modeled after highly successful imaging and analysis laboratories at both Franklin and Marshall College (DUE #9750430) and Wheaton College (DUE #0126637), but modified to place a greater emphasis on quantitation.Intellectual Merit: The intellectual merit of the project is reflected in its potential to: 1) generate fundamental improvements in teaching and learning by effectively using technology; 2) provide students with significant exposure to current, real-world technologies; and 3) greatly increase quantitative literacy. This project is based on an extensive analysis of existing literature, and in turn contributes to the literature and effective practice in undergraduate natural science education through innovative uses of digital imaging and quantitation. Broader Impacts: The broader impacts of the project include transforming the pedagogy and student experiences in twenty-five courses taught in the biology, chemistry, and physics departments. These courses target all biology, biochemistry, chemistry, physics, pre-engineering, and math education majors, as well as all pre-service K-12 teachers, and more than 25% of non-science majors. Student learning gains related to the project are assessed across disciplines using both formative and summative evaluation and direct and indirect measures. The imaging facility is used for recruitment of and summer outreach experiences for primarily African-American middle and high school students in the Pittsburgh, PA area.