Examining Science Practices in Introductory Biology Laboratories

A new publication in Integrative Organismal Biology offers instructors a practical way to look at laboratory curricula and ask not just what students are learning, but how often they are being asked to think and work like scientists.

The study brings together the expertise of several Western Washington University faculty, including Dr. Lina Dahlberg from Biology and SMATE professors Dr. Norda Stephenson (dually appointed with Chemistry) and Dr. Trà Huỳnh (dually appointed with Physics).

The researchers examined 25 introductory biology laboratory sessions to see how often students had opportunities to engage in science practices such as analyzing data, developing models, and constructing explanations based on evidence. They found that many of these opportunities were already present, while others could be strengthened with relatively small changes to existing activities.

The work provides a helpful connection between undergraduate biology education, the NGSS science practices, and the competencies outlined in Vision and Change. It also highlights how collaboration between disciplinary science and science education can help create richer opportunities for students to do science, not just learn about it.

Read the full publication in Integrative Organismal Biology.