How Do You Like Your Science, Wet or Dry? How Two Lab Experiences Influence Student Understanding of Science Concepts
Maureen Munn1, Randy Knuth2, Katie Van Horne3
1Genome Sciences Education Outreach, Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195 mmunn@uw.edu.
CBE Life Sciences Education
|June 3, 2017
Summary
Students gained scientific understanding and developed sophisticated views on science practices after completing both wet lab (DNA genotyping) and dry lab (database analysis) research experiences. The order did not impact learning outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Behavioral Science
- Educational Research
Background:
- Authentic research experiences are crucial for science education.
- Understanding how different types of research activities impact student learning is essential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the influence of wet lab (DNA genotyping) and dry lab (database analysis) research experiences on students' perceptions of science.
- To assess the impact of these experiences on students' understanding of scientific concepts and attitudes toward science.
- To investigate if the sequence of research experiences affects learning outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Utilized pre and post surveys and focus groups to gather data.
- Compared two sequences of authentic research experiences: genotyping before database, and database before genotyping.
- Assessed student perceptions of "real science" and scientific tasks.
Main Results:
- Students perceived DNA genotyping as more "real science" despite associating more scientific tasks with the database experience.
- Students demonstrated gains in understanding science concepts after both experiences, regardless of order.
- Attitudes toward science showed minimal change, but focus groups revealed more sophisticated views on science practices and nature.
Conclusions:
- Both wet lab and dry lab authentic research experiences enhance students' conceptual understanding and views on the nature of science.
- The sequence of these research experiences does not significantly alter learning gains or perceptions of science.
- Integrating diverse research methodologies in science education is beneficial for developing scientific literacy.
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