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

生命科学-生物学(61)这个项目建立了一个集中的数字成像、分析和量化实验室，可在整个自然科学课程中使用。该设施仿照了富兰克林和马歇尔学院(截止日期9750430)和惠顿学院(截止日期0126637)非常成功的成像和分析实验室，但进行了修改，更加强调定量。智力价值：该项目的智力价值反映在其潜力中：1)通过有效使用技术从根本上改进教学；2)为学生提供大量接触当前现实世界技术的机会；以及3)大大提高量化素养。该项目基于对现有文献的广泛分析，进而通过数字成像和量化的创新应用，为本科自然科学教育中的文献和有效实践做出贡献。更广泛的影响：该项目的更广泛的影响包括改变生物、化学和物理系教授的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，以及所有任职前的K-12教师，以及超过25%的非理科专业学生。使用形成性和终结性评估以及直接和间接措施，跨学科评估与项目相关的学生学习成果。该成像设施主要用于招收宾夕法尼亚州匹兹堡地区的非裔美国初中生和高中生，并为他们提供暑期外展体验。

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.