Integrated Science Curriculum Poster Series

Integrating Science and Science Education in the Early College Curriculum

     Why? Students often fail to make connections between science and mathematics because these are taught as discrete courses. To resolve this, we are developing a required freshman and sophomore integrated science curriculum (ISC) for all science (mathematics, chemistry, physics, computer science, biology-research track only), secondary science education and secondary mathematics education majors.

      What? The curriculum includes 6 science courses (biology, chemistry, and physics), up to 6 mathematics courses (precalculus, calculus, statistics and differential equations), and a 5-course “backbone” science laboratory series (biology, chemistry and physics).
How is the ISC different? It operates in a cooperative, technology supported environment where content is integrated among courses that emphasize:
• teaming and communication skills;
• laboratory skills;
• mathematical thinking and problem-solving skills;
along with
• awareness of innovative teaching techniques in education majors;
• development of learning communities of students and faculty that increase retention rates and speedy progress towards graduation.

What are the Curricular Objectives of the ISC?
To revise existing courses to:
• demonstrate relationships between concepts from multiple disciplines;
• relate learning to real world examples;
• integrate teaming, critical thinking, problem solving, and communication skills;
• integrate effective use of technology.

To develop a science laboratory backbone series that engages students in solving  more complex scientific problems requiring:
• application of concepts/ techniques from multiple disciplines;
• effective student communication and teaming skills;
• use of mathematics in context; and
• effective student-centered, standards-based instructional and assessment strategies.