Transforming a Research Project into Teaching RS Intensive Undergraduate Course

Abstract

The session will focus on describing the process of creating and running a research and scholarship intensive, undergraduate course in Environmental Science and Biology. Ecological Sustainability course (EVPP 378/BIOL 379) was taught first time as a RS course in Spring 2013. The course teaches students a process of doing a natural, experimental, hypotheses-driven science. The activities include conducting an experiment, collecting and analyzing data, critical reading and discussion of peer-reviewed journal articles, and communicating the results of the research project with the public (e.g., K-12 students). The session will present the whole experience with this new course and what may be improved. Also there will be discussion on how the course improves students' analytical thinking, writing skills, and ability to communicate science more effectively. There will also be discussion on how a research project in the area of the instructor's expertise can be incorporated into designing and teaching a RS course.