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*Science literacy readings designed for
non-science majors (identified here by content rather than
by publication title); readings would ideally entail at
least 2 out of the 3 approaches outlined below; follow
links to more details
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*Issues-oriented
physical science textbook with
chemistry emphasis (American Chemical Society's innovative
project)
*Anthology of
essays on the history and philosophy of
science by prominent scientists
and other scholars (topically arranged)
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*Introductory
physics textbook that explains
the physics of everyday contemporary life (text is designed
for non-science majors, with emphasis on household gadgets
and beyond; has some issues-approach)
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*Astronomy
history to 1615
*Popular
sky watching (Discover Magazine
style)--shares Dr. Chen's approach
*Cosmology
today & its history
(anthology of essays); includes issues-approach
*Packet: sky phenomena, history/current science
*Internet study helps
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*Strategy to achieve literacy in the
sciences that targets liberal arts students by at
least 2 out of 3 approaches:
- History and
philosophy of science;
build upon entire US program; extend the idea of science
as high culture; learn nature of science
- Ordinary phenomena in popular culture
context; build upon everyday hands-on experience
with nature & technology; socially-inclusive
education
- Current
issues & future concerns that affect the life of
the mind and the quality of life on Earth
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*Motivates students to learn physical
science (especially chemistry) by focusing on critical
issues in today's society (environment & energy
problems)
*Further develops the idea that "science is a way of
thinking" by history and
philosophy of science essays
(high culture, but in a topical, rather than chronological framework-- which
distinguishes it from regular US 311 science); further
development of this component is pending additional faculty
resources)
*Hands-on chemistry labs, especially involving substances
of ordinary-life relevance
*To extend this popular lab style, Dr. Keas recently spoke
to Dr. Carter about collaborating on an indoor
air quality lab for Carter's US
311 & Keas' US 312 (pending additional faculty resources
and hiring a Wood Sci. lab tech)
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*Motivates students to learn science by
showing the power of physics to explain ordinary phenomena
experienced within popular contemporary
culture
*Everyday phenomena studied include the tides, lightning,
playground equipment, sports, toasters, electricity,
eyeglasses, television, and computers.
*Beyond everyday physics, relativity & quantum theory
are covered
*Hands-on physics labs.
*Potential additions to the physics approach to US 311
(pending additional faculty resources) include a stronger
current issues component and a team-taught history and philosophy of science component
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*Motivates students to learn astronomy,
cosmology, and physics by presenting science in
chronologically organized cultural-historical
situations that build upon the entire US program; science is
presented as one of the greatest achievements of the human
mind (high culture)
*Hands-on labs, planetarium simulations (reliable
continuation of this lab dimension is pending hiring of
planetarium tech), and outdoor observations using homemade
(popular) instruments
*The regular US
312 course primarily takes a
critical issues approach (like Dr. Carter's US 311), but focuses
on life-science issues (genetics, origins, &
environment). Dr. Carter's US 311 carries the additional
unifying factor of addressing chemical issues impinging upon
biology (nutrition, drugs, & environment)
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