Project SYNAPSE unites a two-semester introductory chemistry and biology laboratory sequence with courses in writing and communication to improve students' capacities to synthesize knowledge across disciplines, build contextual frameworks for assimilating new knowledge, develop laboratory and communications proficiencies, and improve student attitudes toward science. Integrated experiments draw on the natural ties between chemistry and biology as well as purposeful communication among courses. The unique research-focused framework immerses students in the integrated approach towards learning and doing science. We will describe the structure of the learning environment, modifications to standard curricula, opportunities for broad adoption, attitudinal measurements, and the initial student response to the project. We will illustrate examples indicating how the integrated learning environment fosters reform in active-learning pedagogy.The authors gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the NSF (DUE 1140655) for this project.

Integrated knowledge-based experiences for first-year biology and chemistry laboratories

248th National Meeting (2014)

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