Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Developing Scientific Literacy In Introductory Laboratory Courses: A Model For Course Design And Assessment, Benjamin Surpless, Bushey Michelle, Mark Halx

Benjamin E Surpless

Although science educators at all levels have focused on teaching students scientific literacy for nearly five decades, studies indicate that the average student remains far from scientifically literate. To address this issue at the local level, faculty at Trinity University, in San Antonio, Texas, significantly revised the curriculum of an existing introductory physical geology laboratory course. The course, which satisfies general education requirements at Trinity, was revised to provide students learning opportunities in a scientific process context as part of a new science literacy initiative. This effort was spurred by general dissatisfaction with the existing curricular structure of the course …