Kennesaw State science professors awarded National Science Foundation grant
When four Kennesaw State University science professors realized that non−science majors in…
Georgia (Feb 19, 2001) — Kennesaw State science professors awarded National Science Foundation grant
Staff
Abstract
When four Kennesaw State University science professors realized that non−science majors
in environmental science classes could not grasp the connection between their lab
work and their lives outside the classroom‚ the professors proposed a solution which
has resulted in a $75‚000 grant from the National Science Foundation.
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.
The National Science Foundation has funded the project‚ "General Education Environmental
Science: An Interdisciplinary Laboratory Program for the 21st Century." 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. In addition‚ in−depth examination of topics
in environmental science will be possible through the use of campus labs‚ field studies
and Internet−based databases.
"Traditional lab experiences involve learning the necessary skills for a career in
the sciences‚" says Pratte. "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.
A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers more than 150 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees to its more than 41,000 students. With 11 colleges on two metro Atlanta campuses, Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia and the second-largest university in the state. The university’s vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the region and from 126 countries across the globe. Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 6 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.
