Student Inquiry-Based Learning of Cellular Metabolism Using Computer-Generated Real-Time Data Acquisition

这项建议描述了一种在实验室环境下向生物学入门学生教授细胞新陈代谢原理的新方法。它包括使用游标探头系统和笔记本电脑，以实现实时数据采集和分析。这个项目的目标是摆脱“食谱”的实验练习，直接让学生参与实验设计和数据收集。我们认为，这种方法将增加学生对实验室课程的参与和享受，我们预计，通过部门考试，学生对新陈代谢的理解将有所改善。我们也希望增加学生在入门课程中的留存率，并提高学生在本系提供的更高级课程中的成功机会。在拟议的实验室课程中，学生将设计并进行实验，以回答与酶功能、细胞呼吸、发酵和光合作用有关的问题。他们将被要求使用科学的方法，并通过课堂陈述向他人解释他们的实验设计和结果，从而使学生在学习这些困难的概念时发挥积极的作用。

This proposal describes a new approach to teaching the principles of cellular metabolism to introductory biology students in the laboratory setting. It involves the use of Vernier probe systems and notebook computers to allow real-time data acquisition and analysis. The objective of this project is to move away from "cookbook" lab exercises and directly involve students in both experimental design and data collection. We feel that this approach will increase student participation in and enjoyment of lab sessions and we predict improvement in the students' understanding of metabolism as measured by departmental examinations. We also hope to increase student retention in introductory courses and to improve the students' chances of success in the more advanced courses offered by the department. In the proposed laboratory sessions students will design and carry out experiments to answer questions related to enzyme function, cellular respiration, fermentation and photosynthesis. They will be required to make use of the scientific method and to explain their experimental design and results to others through in-class presentations, thus giving the students an active role in learning these difficult concepts.