Integrating at-home research experiences with traditional laboratories

AUTHORS

• Jamie Brusa, College of the Environment, SEFS, UW Seattle
• Randi Lupardus, College of the Environment, SEFS, UW Seattle

JOIN THE DISCUSSION ON ZOOM (2:40-3:10 PM) >>

ABSTRACT

Biology concepts are often best learned in practical settings in which students practice higher-order thinking. Course-based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs) enable students to emulate the research process and gain practical skills. However, implementing a CURE framework into a lab course can result in a narrow scope of topics learned/lab skills gained and increased time investment for students and instructors. Additional challenges (e.g., pandemic, financial resources) can limit opportunities available for students to conduct experiments in the lab. We asked the research question: can students benefit from engaging in the research process at home? Our framework, applied to a one-semester introductory biology lab curriculum, integrated traditional and CURE techniques: an at-home semester-long research project and weekly themed in-class lab experiments. Students chose one of three general outlines for their semester-long research project: an experimental study using green onions, an experimental or observational study using soil seedbanks, or an observational study of a seasonal biological event. Students developed CURE and traditional lab skills in experimental design, instrument usage, and data analysis. We used surveys and correlations to evaluate student perceptions/performance (n = 71) and found that students enjoyed completing their projects, better understood the realities of scientific research, and project and overall course performance correlated. Integrating a semester-long project in any science course can capitalize on nature and household materials to reduce costs and enable students to explore topics that interest them. A semester-long project can also be used to replace labs if such a setting is unavailable in uncertain times (e.g., pandemic).

SUMMARY

RESEARCH QUESTION

Can students benefit from engaging in the research process at home?

RESEARCH METHODS / SCHOLARLY BASIS

Surveys and correlational analysis.

RESULTS

We found that students enjoyed completing their projects, better understood the realities of scientific research, and project and overall course performance correlated.

APPLICATION

Integrating a semester-long project in any science course can capitalize on nature and household materials to reduce costs and enable students to explore topics that interest them. A semester-long project can also be used to replace labs if such a setting is unavailable in uncertain times (e.g., pandemic).