Handwriting is a multisensory process known to enhance memory, focus, engagement, and cognition in the learner, thereby making it a valuable study skill. In an attempt to embed handwriting as a study skill in a gateway science course, I used a combination of scaffolding and individual student consultations. Scaffolding emphasized the use of…

This laboratory experiment utilizes an exploration of the storage stability of beer to introduce basic aspects of electron-paramagnetic-resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. Radicals formed upon aerobic forced-aging of beer samples are established by using a spin-trap. The students are introduced to basic principles of EPR spectroscopy and food and…

This two-part laboratory experiment is concerned with investigating key aspects of the Suzuki-- Miyaura cross-coupling reaction. The first part of this experiment utilizes high-throughput experimentation techniques to reinforce, explore, and extend fundamental concepts that are presented in the classroom. In contrast, the second part employs…

This study examined students' voluntary use of digital self-assessment quizzes as a resource for learning in a large anatomy and physiology lecture course. Students (n = 238) could use 16 chapter quizzes and four analogous unit quizzes to rehearse and self-assess knowledge. Most students (75%) engaged in occasional use of self-assessment quiz…

Formative assessment--assessment intended to enhance teaching and learning--is an indispensable part of a teacher's tools. As opposed to summative assessment, formative assessment is carried out periodically through the course to get an insight into the students' understanding of the content. Formative assessment is tacit, but planned formative…

Undergraduate scientific research experiences provide students unscripted, active learning opportunities where the students take the lead in inquiry, problem solving, and analysis. Biology and chemistry majors at St. John Fisher College participate in a competitive 10-week summer research experience mentored by a faculty member. Evaluation of the…

Histotechnology is commonly used in medical research, pathological testing, and pharmaceutical development. We designed a three-week, inquiry-based laboratory module that helps prepare students for biomedical careers by teaching them tissue sampling, processing, and imaging. Rats were treated with streptozotocin (a known diabetogen) while control…

For many college students, joining a research group is a critical step toward developing strong mentor-mentee relationships that help shape their science identities and research self-efficacy. ReBUILDetroit, a program that seeks to diversify the biomedical research workforce, uses a scaffolded process to help its scholars transition into research.…

This article is a small empirical study based on two assignments, both involving reading and writing, in two physics courses at a Christian college. Students read theological, philosophical, and scientific arguments and produced research papers. By performing interdisciplinary intellectual work, students considered the compatibility of science and…

Zero-order systems provide an interesting opportunity for students to think about the underlying mechanism behind the physical phenomena being modeled. The work reported here is part of a larger study that seeks to characterize how students integrate chemistry and mathematics in the context of chemical kinetics. Thirty-six general chemistry…

A classical nonlinear system, the "Brusselator", was used to illustrate the modeling and simulation of oscillating chemical systems using stability analysis techniques with modern software tools such as Comsol Multiphysics, Matlab, and Excel. A systematic approach is proposed in order to establish a regime of parametric conditions that…

Learning and retaining science content may be increased by applying the basic science material to real-world situations. Discussing cases with students during lectures and having them participate in laboratory exercises where they apply the science content to practical situations increases students' interest and enthusiasm. A summer course in…

This study aims to conduct a detailed investigation on the effect the use of concept mapping, as an individual learning tool, has on students' success in learning the concept of gravimetric analysis. This study applies a case study research design to quantitatively examine the effect of the use of concept mapping and to conduct a detailed…

Recent studies indicate poor understanding of the causes and consequences of climate change among college students. In an effort to improve climate change literacy, we have developed an authentic research experience for upper level undergraduate students focused on resolving spatial and temporal patterns of coral reef bleaching, an ecologically…

The MicRoboCop project introduces chemistry students to the concepts and protocols of synthetic biology. MicRoboCop is a biosensor that has been designed for unique applications in forensic chemistry. The lab is carried out in collaboration with an instructor teaching a genetics course. Students in the biology course synthesize biosensors using…