All Journal of College Science Teaching resources

Journal Article

College and university science programs generate hazardous waste that must be dealt with and disposed of in accordance with state and federal regulations. During a recent renovation and addition project for the State University of New York at Plattsb...

Journal Article

Resisting Rote: The Importance of Active Learning for All Course Learning Objectives

Many college science educators have moved away from the traditional lecture format and toward learner-centered classroom environments. Yet many of us struggle to cover large content loads, reverting at times to rote memorization. This paper suggests ...

Journal Article

Case Study: The Wealth of Water—The Value of an Essential Resource

Many students take water availability for granted and yet, by 2025, two-thirds of the world will not have access to clean drinking water. This case study is designed to encourage students to think about water as a limited natural resource and is used...

Journal Article

Lessons Learned About Implementing an Inquiry-Based Curriculum in a College Biology Laboratory Classroom

Inquiry-based instruction is widely promoted to increase both students’ conceptual understanding and their engagement in course content. What this means for day-to-day practices in the classroom is more elusive. Instructors adopting inquiry-based c...

Journal Article

Point of View: Where Are Skills Learned in a Science Program?

Communication, critical thinking, and collaboration are outcomes we hope students will learn from experts in “other” courses. But if science teachers value certain skills, then they should accept the challenge to help students learn those skills ...

Journal Article

Critical-Thinking Grudge Match: Biology vs. Chemistry—Examining Factors That Affect Thinking Skill in Nonmajors Science

Chemistry students appear to bring significantly higher critical-thinking skill to their nonmajors course than do biology students. Knowing student preconceptions and thinking ability is essential to learning growth and effective teaching. Of the fac...

Journal Article

Research and Teaching: A Performance Enhanced Interactive Learning Workshop Model as a Supplement for Organic Chemistry Instruction

In this study, the authors describe a Performance Enhanced Interactive Learning (PEIL) workshop model as a supplement for organic chemistry instruction. This workshop model differs from many others in that it includes public presentations by students...

Journal Article

Connecting Students to Science Through Structured Reading of Historical Nonfiction

Success for many of our students is contingent on the degree to which they identify with and make personal connections to science. Although this may be most true of our nonmajors, it is important for us as science educators to help all our students c...

Journal Article

Favorite Demonstration: Cheap Mirrors—Image Construction With Mylar Mirrors and Whiteboards

The cylindrical mirrors lab described in this demonstration has been done in many forms. However, because of its ease in construction and variation, this version allows students to do the exercise themselves, thereby capturing that sense of confidenc...