Integration, Authenticity, and Relevancy in College Science Through Engineering Design

Abstract

Engineering design is an ideal perspective for engaging students in college science classes. An engineering design problemsolving framework was used to create a general chemistry lab activity focused on an important environmental issue—dead zones. Dead zones impact over 400 locations around the world and are a result of nutrient pollution, one of the most logistically and economically challenging environmental problems facing our world today. The activities created were found to aid student learning and improve student attitudes toward science and research. Specifically, over 90% of students reported learning more from these activities than from traditional activities because of the independent thinking and freedom to design and implement their own experiments using the engineering design approach. The engineering design framework helps to engage the student and allows for content gains while promoting creativity and collaboration.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Ken L. Turner

Ken L. Turner, Jr. ([email protected]) is an assistant professor of science education, Department of Natural and Applied Sciences at the University of Dubuque, Dubuque, Iowa.

Adam R. Hoffman

Adam R. Hoffman is an associate professor of environmental chemistry, Department of Natural and Applied Sciences at the University of Dubuque, Dubuque, Iowa.