9455413 Mushinsky A new, integrated course in natural sciences will be developed for non-science majors. This course will be the cornerstone for a two-tier, interdisciplinary curriculum in the natural sciences. The proposed course, "Fundamentals of Natural Science" (FNS), differs from traditional science offerings in both content and delivery. FNS will be designed to build a foundation for scientific literacy, develop habits of mind consonant with critical thinking, and give students the sense of discovery and accomplishment that comes from "doing science." Because contemporary students have a keen interest in their environment, examples from the natural environment will be selected to illustrate the basic concepts of science under consideration. The examples will be explored in a set of learning exercises designed specifically to promote active inquiry and cooperative learning. These exercises will be developed by faculty and teaching assistants with guidance from the USF Center for Teaching Enhancement. A textbook and exercise manual will be developed. The faculty in the project are a biologist, chemist, geologist, physicist, and an educational psychologist.
