Inquiry Labs for a Sustainable Low-Cost Biology Program

 

Amanda Masino & Kathy Schwab

Tested Studies in Laboratory Teaching, 2017, Volume 38

Abstract

Hands-on laboratory experience is critical for lasting student gains in scientific knowledge and skills. At Huston-Tillotson University, we sought to refresh our biology lab curriculum in order to increase student scientific reasoning ability, concept comprehension, persistence in science career path, and self- identification as scientists. We also wanted to integrate the curriculum so that we could embed more forms of collaborative learning throughout the degree plan and progressively prepare students for independent research projects. In order to do this effectively, we had to introduce labs that could be maintained at a low cost for program sustainability. We implemented a series of inquiry-based lab exercises in our core Natural Science courses to meet these aims. This short article reviews two of the labs we implemented: a two-session photosynthesis lab, and a one-session Daphnia physiology lab that were used for our General Biology courses.

Keywords:  physiology, photosynthesis, Daphnia, Inquiry-based learning, general biology, Vernier

University of Houston (2016)