Converting Cookbook Laboratories into Inquiry

University Of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia MO

Investigators

Abstract

There exists a need for educational materials that introduce the research paradigm into science courses for nonmajors. The PIs of this project are developing curriculum materials for a course that allows students to model the activities of professional scientists as a means of learning scientific method and content. These new course materials present student laboratories in the format of the scientific professional literature, albeit within a carefully defined context. The information in these papers provides the background required to allow the students to design and implement their own experiments. Twelve experiments are being transformed into the scientific literature-presentation format. These are being field tested in general science classes and refined based on student response. A guidebook to provide faculty with the tools to carry out similar restructuring of traditional laboratory exercises into directed inquiry based laboratories is also being prepared. This guidebook is being evaluated and modified as necessary. The Internet is being used to make the laboratories and guidebook available to others.