Daniel Udovic DUE 9551950 U of Oregon Eugene FY1995 $39,083 Eugene, OR 97403 ILI - Instrumentation Project: Life Sciences Title: Promoting Investigative Learning in Biology Laboratories Using Computer-Based Data Acquisition Systems Teaching labs should be the intellectual catalysts of a curriculum, where students experience all aspects of the scientific endeavor, where they are challenged to confront their misconceptions about the natural world, and where they learn to construct explanations and meaning rather than find the "right" answers. In many undergraduate labs the equipment used to collect data acts as a barrier to student learning and participation. Often laboratory protocols force students to focus on the technical aspects of data collection while de-emphasizes the underlying scientific principles being presented. To be intellectually involved student must participate in investigations, that is, they must be involved in the design of experiments and the interpretation of results. The equipment requested in this proposal will make it possible to enhance student learning in biology teaching labs by replacing current analog devices, such as oscilloscopes and chart recorders with computer-based tools for data acquisition. The development of customized user interfaces and curricular materials designed to take advantage of the computer-based equipment will: emphasize the use of critical thinking skills by giving students the tools to quickly analyze their data; break down obstacles to learning by allowing students to focus important scientific concepts rather than instrumentation per se; and bridge the gap between teaching lab experiences and independent research opportunities by encouraging investigative lab activities. Materials necessary to equip two lab rooms (serving 48-60 students) with systems for electronic data acquisition and analysis will be purchased. The equipment will be general enough to be used in a wide variety of courses serving both biology majors and non-majors.
