This classroom activity is based on a constructivist learning design and engages students in physically constructing a karyotype of three mock patients. Students then diagnose the chromosomal aneuploidy based on the karyotype, list the symptoms associated with the disorder, and discuss the implications of the diagnosis. This activity is targeted…

Quantitative literacy is essential to biological literacy (and is one of the core concepts in "Vision and Change in Undergraduate Biology Education: A Call to Action"; AAAS 2009). Building quantitative literacy is a challenging endeavor for biology instructors. Integrating mathematical skills into biological investigations can help build…

The body of literature on a Writing-to-Learn (WTL) approach in math courses offers up a variety of assignment types from which to choose. However, few of these articles provide empirical evidence on the ways these writing assignments contribute to students' learning. This mixed-methods study, conducted at the University of New Mexico, a…

In our science for non-science majors course "21st Century Physics," we investigate modern "Hubble plots" (plots of velocity versus distance for deep space objects) in order to discuss the Big Bang, dark matter, and dark energy. There are two potential challenges that our students face when encountering these topics for the…

Discusses botanical literature used in a biology course for nonmajors. (JRH)

Describes a laboratory course that introduces students to chemistry using examples commonly encountered in the supermarket and on the dinner table. Acquaints students with simple chemical tasks that can be practiced at home, including the making of wine, ale, soap, cheese, and yogurt, and introduces them to the small-scale production of…

Describes a seminar course using Galileo's book "Two New Sciences" as an instructional tool to give students insight into the Greek's achievement in science. Includes references. (Author/YDS)

Explains mathematics appreciation and how to teach a basic course in it. Shares experiences teaching mathematics appreciation. (Contains 43 resource materials.) (ASK)

Discusses two models of teaching science, content-centered and process-centered, and suggests a combination of the two to teach nonscience majors. (MKR)

Assess students' understanding of density with short-answer pop quizzes. The result was that the more opportunities students had to test, explore, and discuss the concept of density, the greater understanding they demonstrated of the subject. (SAH)

Provides a method to help students understand problem-solving techniques used in introductory physics courses. (MVL)

Describes the development and implementation of an investigative laboratory for nonmajor undergraduate science students. (ZWH)

Incorporates a library component into an experimental section of the Environmental Science/Resource Planning course for nonscience majors in which students experience the scientific methods of researchers and learn some basic library skills. (ASK)

Classroom simulation can prove effective in improving the overall quality of a public relations course for nonjournalism majors by helping to blend theory with practice and by creating student interest. (HOD)

Describes a recent experimental class format entitled Chemistry and the Human Environment, which was designed as an interesting yet comprehensive chemistry course for nonscience students. Topics illustrate chemical underpinnings of social problems of interest to students. Concludes that course content must change with time to remain effective and…