A Hands-On Activity to Understand the Nature of Science and Authentic Scientific Inquiry in Large Laboratory Courses: What's in the Box?
Saved in:
| Title: | A Hands-On Activity to Understand the Nature of Science and Authentic Scientific Inquiry in Large Laboratory Courses: What's in the Box? |
|---|---|
| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Xiang, Lin, Srinivasan, Madhusudan |
| Source: | Journal of College Science Teaching. May-Jun 2023 52(5):51-60. |
| Availability: | National Science Teaching Association. 1840 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22201-3000. Tel: 800-722-6782; Fax: 703-243-3924; e-mail: membership@nsta.org; Web site: https://www.nsta.org/ |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 10 |
| Publication Date: | 2023 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Evaluative |
| Education Level: | Higher Education Postsecondary Education Secondary Education |
| Descriptors: | Hands on Science, Scientific Principles, Science Laboratories, Large Group Instruction, Inquiry, Undergraduate Study, College Science, Secondary School Science, Program Effectiveness, Student Attitudes, Learning Activities, Reflection, Attitude Change, Science Instruction |
| ISSN: | 0047-231X 1943-4898 |
| Abstract: | Integrating authentic research practices into introductory laboratory courses to prepare tomorrow's scientists has become increasingly prevalent over the past decade. However, an incomplete understanding of the nature of science (NOS) and authentic scientific inquiry (SI) precludes higher-level learning in undergraduate research experiences. In this article, we discuss a concise, low-cost, low-maintenance, hands-on activity--What's in the Box (WiB)--which is suitable for large-enrollment science courses at both the secondary and postsecondary levels and can help develop students' understanding of NOS and authentic SI. Analyses of the postlab reflective writing assignment showed a substantial increase in the students' appreciation for NOS and SI tenets; the top two NOS tenets were that scientific ideas are subject to change and that science demands evidence, identified in 20% and 18% of the reflective writings, respectively. The most appreciated authentic SI tenets were that SI is complex and iterative (reported in up to 32% of the reflective writings) and SI involves observation and exploration (reported in up to 12% of the reflective writings). |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2023 |
| Access URL: | https://www.nsta.org/journal-college-science-teaching/journal-college-science-teaching-mayjune-2023 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1390944 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | Integrating authentic research practices into introductory laboratory courses to prepare tomorrow's scientists has become increasingly prevalent over the past decade. However, an incomplete understanding of the nature of science (NOS) and authentic scientific inquiry (SI) precludes higher-level learning in undergraduate research experiences. In this article, we discuss a concise, low-cost, low-maintenance, hands-on activity--What's in the Box (WiB)--which is suitable for large-enrollment science courses at both the secondary and postsecondary levels and can help develop students' understanding of NOS and authentic SI. Analyses of the postlab reflective writing assignment showed a substantial increase in the students' appreciation for NOS and SI tenets; the top two NOS tenets were that scientific ideas are subject to change and that science demands evidence, identified in 20% and 18% of the reflective writings, respectively. The most appreciated authentic SI tenets were that SI is complex and iterative (reported in up to 32% of the reflective writings) and SI involves observation and exploration (reported in up to 12% of the reflective writings). |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 0047-231X 1943-4898 |
