Uncooking the Lab: Laboratory Designs for Engaging Students in the Process of Science

 

Jean Heitz

Tested Studies in Laboratory Teaching, 2014, Volume 35

Abstract

We all know that the study of biology, or any other science, involves more than assimilating factual information. It also involves learning how to effectively use that information for problem solving, posing hypotheses, conducting experiments, and interpreting experimental results. Given this, if we want our students to understand what science is, we need to provide them with both conceptual knowledge and we need to give them opportunities to actively practice science. The question then becomes: How do we accomplish these goals? One solution: design our student lab activities to provide experiences similar to what goes on in actual research labs.

Keywords:  Botany & Plant Science, active learning, laboratory research modules, practicing science

University of Calgary (2013)