Learning Scientific Reasoning Skills in Computer-Augmented General Biology Laboratories

由于经济、技术、伦理或时间的限制，在普通生物实验室中探索复杂的主题通常是不可能的。学生从僵化的手册中通过算法工作，在不理解的情况下模仿科学实践。他们很少认识到，科学是一种动态的、解决问题的活动，而不是一系列定律和事实的集合。这一奖项的资金将用于开发一种新的基于计算机的普通生物学实验室课程，旨在强调更接近科学家实际工作的开放式问题解决活动。学生将参与提出、测试和评估假设，并与同龄人交流他们的想法。以图形为导向的计算机工作站，配备了生产软件(例如电子表格和生物系统的定制模拟)，将被学生用作实践科学的工具。活动将包括：(1)使用电子表格和统计包来帮助组织数据、发现模式和检验假设；(2)使用灵活的模拟环境(“实验室建设工具包”)，提供电子工具箱的组件，学生可以从中设计他们自己的实验；(3)建立学生和教职员工共同担任编辑和审稿人的电子期刊。接受资助的机构正在将这一NSF奖项与非联邦来源的资金相匹配。

Exploring complex topics in general biology laboratories is often impossible due to economic, technical, ethical, or time constraints Students work algorithmically from rigid manuals, mimicking scientific practice without understanding it. Rarely do they learn that science is a dynamic, problem-solving activity as opposed to a collection of laws and facts. Funds from this award will be used to develop a new computer- based laboratory curriculum for general biology, designed to emphasize open-ended problem-solving activities that more closely resemble what scientists actually do. Students will be involved in posing, testing and evaluating hypotheses, and in communicating their ideas to their peers. Graphics-oriented computer workstations, equipped with production software (e.g. spreadsheets and custom simulations of biological systems, will be used by students as tools to practice science. Activities will include: (1) use of spreadsheets and statistical packages to help organize data, discover patterns, and test hypotheses; (2) use of flexible simulation environments ("lab construction kits ") that provide an electronic toolbox of components from which students can design their own experiments; and (3) establishment of an electronic journal with students and faculty working together as editor and reviewers. The grantee institution is matching this NSF award with funds from non- Federal sources.