Integrated Knowledge-Based Experiences for First-Year Biology and Chemistry Laboratories

该项目设计了一个综合课程，将普通化学和生物实验室结合起来，通过写作为一年级学生创造一个共同的STEM探究主题。它调查了一个有凝聚力的一年级科学和写作课程如何帮助学生提高跨学科综合知识的能力，为吸收新知识建立上下文框架，培养实验和写作技能的熟练程度，并改善对科学和交流的态度。项目目标通过开发和评估综合生物和化学实验室、与技能开发相关的写作模块（例如，显微镜和其他实验室技术、数据管理和分析、来源分析和整合、科学写作、同行评审、口头交流）以及对生物化学原理和过程的研究(例如，生物分子的化学性质、氧化还原和酶反应、色素的光吸收、对细胞结构的化学作用)。这种低级别跨学科研究的模式正在发展，以广泛地转移到各种大专院校，并有助于在当前和未来的教师和相关教学助理之间协调科学教学的新范式。实验室模块和综合教学法经过同行评审，公开提供，并传播给STEM和写作教育者网络。

This project is designing an integrated curriculum between general chemistry and biology laboratories unified by writing to create a common theme of STEM inquiry for first-year students. It investigates how a cohesive first-year science and writing curriculum can help students improve their capacities to synthesize knowledge across disciplines, build contextual frameworks for assimilating new knowledge, develop proficiency in laboratory and writing skills, and improve attitudes toward science and communication. Project goals are met through the development and assessment of integrated biology and chemistry laboratories, writing modules relating to skills development (e.g., microscopy and other lab techniques, data management and analysis, source analysis and integration, scientific writing, peer review, oral communication), and investigation of biochemical principles and processes (e.g., chemical nature of biomolecules, oxidation-reduction and enzymatic reactions, light absorption by pigments, chemical effects on cellular structures). This model for lower-division interdisciplinary study is being developed to be broadly transferable to a wide variety of post-secondary institutions, and contributes to an emerging paradigm of coordinated scientific teaching among current and future faculty and associated teaching assistants. The laboratory modules and integration pedagogy are peer-reviewed, made publicly available, and disseminated to networks of STEM and writing educators.