Professor:  Dr. Linda Sigismondi
Phone:      740 245-7484
Email:       lindas@rio.edu
Office:      Kidd Hall 100B
Office Hours: MWF 12:30-1:20, T 12:30-2:30

COURSE DESCRIPTION: This is a capstone course for science majors. Topics include: contemporary events and current research results from Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. Each topic will be approached in an interdisciplinary manner that includes historical background, contributions from various cultures, major findings, technology used, and societal implications. Each student will be involved in an inquiry-based research project that involves lab or field data collection, statistical analysis, and interpretation of results.

PREREQUISITES: Junior/Senior standing with a major/minor in Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, or Physics; or teacher licensure in adolescent to young adult or middle childhood concentration in science.

CREDIT HOURS:  3

TEXTBOOK AND OTHER REQUIRED MATERIALS:

Sigismondi, L.A.  Integrated Science Class Web Site: http://faculty.rio.edu/lindas/intscisyl.html

PROGRAM OUTCOMES--The following outcomes have been adopted for the education degree programs for which this course is required:

• A knowledge base in the area of licensure
• A knowledge base of teaching principles and practices
• A depth of field experiences involving diverse public school populations
• Knowledge of incorporating reading into instructional practice

COURSE OUTCOMES:  The following outcomes have been adopted for this course.  All outcomes listed below have direct relevance to course material.  Upon completion of this course students are expected to:

• To understand the nature of science.
• To understand the scientific method including overall process, experimental design and data analysis.
• To understand current issues in science including historical context, societal implications and relationships to technology.
• To carry out an independent research project.
• To present information to others both orally and in writing.

GRADING POLICIES/TESTING/ASSIGNMENTS/ATTENDANCE/EXPECTATIONS

Grade Calculation:

A = 93-100%, A- = 90-92, B+ = 88-89, B = 83-87%, B- = 80-82, C+ = 78-79, C = 73-77%,, C- = 70-72, D+ = 68-69, D = 63-67%, D- = 60-62, F = below 60%                                                       

In-Class Activities

You will be doing 12 hands-on activities in class.   These will be graded at 5 points per class.  You must be present to receive the points. 

Quiz

There will be a 50 point quiz based on information from the nature of science activities.

Issues Assignment 1

­­ You will be required to find and summarize 2 news articles on current issues in science for class discussion on the due date.

Issues

The class will chose 4 scientific issues to study in more detail. From the research, each student will produce a written paper that states the issue; defines/explains the major terms involved, and describes the major arguments for and against.  The paper should also have a reference section stating the sources of the material.  Students will be asked to discuss this in the assigned class period. 

Grading Rubric – Issues

Research Project

Each student will design and carry out an original experiment.   The research must be done in class.  Students will be graded on the quality of the design, how well s/he performs the experiment, the interpretation of the results and the presentation of the results to others.  Below is a breakdown of the parts that need to be submitted and the points for each.

Research Proposal

Each student will prepare a typed proposal that states the overall purpose of the experiment, the hypotheses and a description of how s/he plans to carry out the experiment.  This will be presented orally in class and in writing (typed) to the instructor prior to beginning the project.  (15 points)

Research Design and Performance

Each student will design and carry out a research project.  The project will be graded on the quality and complexity of the design and how well the work is performed.  A grading rubric is below.  (70 Points)

Written Abstract

Each student will prepare a typed, one-page abstract of his/her research and findings to be given to the class members on the day of the oral report.  (15 points)

Grading Rubric – Research Project

Oral Presentation

Each student will orally present his or her research project to the class with a PowerPoint presentation. The sections will include introduction, methods, results and discussion.  The presentation should include graphics illustrating key equipment, data, statistics and graphs. (60 points) 

Grading Rubric – Oral Presentation

Student being evaluated: _______________________

Person doing Evaluation: _______________________

CALENDAR

UNIVERSITY POLICIES

ADA POLICY: If a student wishes to be identified as having a physical, mental, or learning disability, that may or may not require reasonable accommodation(s), he/she must register with the Office of Accessibility.  These registered students should identify themselves to their instructors and provide a written statement from the Accessibility Office that indicates the appropriate accommodations.  The process of a student self-proclaiming the need for accommodation should occur as early in the semester as possible.  The Office of Accessibility is located in Rhodes Hall, Room 116, University of Rio Grande and the phone number is 245-7339.

FERPA:  The University of Rio Grande and Rio Grande Community College are committed to fully respecting and protecting the rights of students under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).  These rights generally include the right to inspect, review and seek amendment to the student's education records and the right to provide written consent before personally identifiable information from education records is disclosed.  Under FERPA, students have the right to file a complaint with the US Department of Education concerning alleged failures to comply with FERPA.  Please see the Student Records Confidentiality/Rights Under FERPA section of the Student Handbook for details and more information.

ACADEMIC DISHONESTY:  Standard university policies, as described in the Student Handbook, apply.

WITHDRAWAL: Refer to Student Handbook