| Abstract Detail
Engaging Undergraduates in Research Osborn, Jeffrey M. [1], Miller, Jason E. [2], Nagan, Maria [3], Thompson, Jennifer [4]. Integrating Science and Mathematics Learning Communities: Developing Interdisciplinary Research and Curricular Programs. HISTORICALLY, undergraduate research at Truman has occurred within individual departments, with no unifying activities in which groups participated. In Summer 2005 we introduced a new coordinated summer research program that brings all seven science and mathematics disciplines together into a single on-campus community. In addition to frequent student-mentor and research team meetings, the summer program builds community among all participating students and faculty mentors through weekly meetings, topic-oriented discussion sessions, hands-on workshops, and community lunches. The program also involves students and faculty from three community colleges partners. The interdisciplinary community is continued throughout the academic year using workshops, speakers, fieldtrips, and ongoing mentored research. We have concurrently established an Interdisciplinary Curriculum Committee, convened an annual interdisciplinary retreat, and developed several new courses. All of these curricular initiatives focus broadly on three topical areas: integrating research and teaching, teaching science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) in context, and developing interdisciplinary modules, courses and curricula. A key goal of our research and curricular programs is to provide students with a more cohesive and logical perspective on the interrelatedness of the natural, physical, and mathematical sciences. These programs are supported in part by the National Science Foundation’s Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Talent Expansion Program (STEP) (http://step.truman.edu) and Interdisciplinary Training for Undergraduates in Biological and Mathematical Science Program (UBM) (http://mathbio.truman.edu). This session will provide the opportunity for all participants to discuss programs that occur at their institutions.
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Related Links:
The Next STEP Program at Truman State University
Mathematical Biology Initiative at Truman State University
National Science Foundation
1 - Truman State University, Biology Department, Division Of Science, 100 E Normal Street, Kirksville, Missouri, 63501-4221, USA
2 - Truman State University, Mathematics Department, Division of Mathematics and Computer Science100 E. Normal Street, 100 E. Normal Street, Kirksville, Missouri, 63501-4221, USA
3 - Truman State University, Chemistry Department, Division of Science100 E. Normal Street, 100 E. Normal Street, Kirksville, Missouri, 63501-4221, USA
4 - Truman State University, The Next STEP Program, Magruder Hall, 100 E. Normal Street, Kirksville, Missouri, 63501-4221, USA
Keywords:
Interdisciplinarity
undergraduate research
STEM
Curriculum Development
Science and Math Curricula.
Presentation Type: Education Forum Session:Informational Session
Session: F3a-1
Location: 304/Bell Memorial Union
Date: Saturday, July 29th, 2006
Time: 11:00 AM
Abstract ID:829 |
