Herein, we present the design and delivery of a year-long, course-based undergraduate research experience (CURE) called “Solving the Big Problem”. This CURE is the centerpiece of the St. John’s University NSF S-STEM Program. It brings together a multidisciplinary cohort of second-year students to work in teams to design, develop, and carry out their own research projects focused on a central theme, a “big problem” of societal importance. While there are different CURE models, we believe ours is distinct in that the research topics and experimental design are entirely student-driven. This CURE emphasizes both the “process” and “products” of scientific research to provide an authentic research experience with scaffolded learning of the scientific process.<br/>The two-semester CURE curriculum guides the students through the research process, and meets the five dimensions of a CURE. We also used Fink’s taxonomy to create a significant learning experience, which involves six types of learning: foundational knowledge, application, integration, human dimension, caring, and learning how to learn. In the first semester, the students identify research topics on a given theme, e.g., water, climate change, or local problems, articulate research questions, and develop research proposals. In the second semester, they design experiments and safety plans, carry out the research, and present their results. The instructor guides the students through the process, helps them develop the necessary skill-sets, and connects them with a network of experts and resources needed for their research.<br/>Our research questions for this project include: does the CURE provide students with a significant learning experience; do the students perceive the CURE as an authentic research experience; and is CURE participation correlated with student self-concept and career intentions in STEM.

Solving the big problem: Student-driven CURE

Macromolecular Chemistry: The Second Century

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ACS Spring 2020 National Meeting & Expo

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.