STEM EDUCATION
Our recently-funded NSF funded proposal, S3, focuses on
three major efforts to attract and retain STEM majors at SSU. One
significant component is to develop and pilot a new integrated freshman
year experience Science 120: A Watershed Year to transition students into
SSU STEM programs. Faculty from all departments in the School of Science
and Technology, SSU Field Stations and Nature Preserves, the Department of
Philosophy, and community partners are working closely together to offer
this course. Science 120 focuses on solving real-world issues of
environmental sustainability with unique hands-on work and outdoor field
experiences in the Russian River Watershed and the creek that runs through
campus.
This course was designed for any first-year non-biology
science major or students interested in developing scientific skills or
exploring STEM degree options. The 12-unit, two semester course satisfies
general education requirements in critical thinking, biological sciences,
mathematics, and laboratory science required of all SSU students. During
the first semester, each week consisted of a 50-minute plenary lecture, two
110-minute small group discussion and skill building sessions, and a 3-hour
laboratory experience. During the second semester, each week consists of a
50-minute plenary lecture and 5 hours of project-based learning through
self-designed projects to solve real problems and answer questions that
address community needs. The course is proving to be successful on all levels
and our goals are being met. Through the pilot course we have gained deeper
insight into the issues and mechanisms for generating a productive STEM
program. This first year of the course has been challenging but the
evidence of the effectiveness of our approach is encouraging.
-NSF STEP REPORT
http://www.sonoma.edu/s3/
