Rather than excuse the inability to relate science to life as the unimportant grumbling of non-science majors, Associate Professor of Physics John M. Pratte, Assistant Professor of Interdisciplinary Science Matthew M. Laposata, Assistant Professor of Chemistry Marina C. Koether and Professor of Biology Gail B. Schiffer developed a series of lab modules designed to highlight the relevance of environmental science. With the funding, the four will develop a series of lab experiments clustered around a common environmental theme. The experiments will allow students to examine local environmental issues and to analyze personal environmental impact. Often they are only about learning to use a piece of equipment that the non-science major will never use again.
Students begin to view the science lab as a waste of time.
We think these new lab modules, based on real-life experiences, will make environmental science lab work very exciting. The lab modules will be textbook-independent to allow their use in conjunction with any environmental science text at any educational institution.