Course-based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs) provide students with valuable opportunities to engage in research in a classroom setting, expanding access to research opportunities for undergraduates, fostering inclusive research and learning environments, and bridging the gap between the research and education communities. While…

Bias assessment (systematic errors) is fundamental in industry and service laboratories, where reliable results must be obtained to give correct answers to specific problems. Therefore, knowledge and practice in quality methodologies is of fundamental importance for students. Unfortunately, laboratory lessons often focus on connecting theory and…

This experiment introduces undergraduate organic chemistry students to analysis and interpretation of Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra through characterization of postconsumer plastics. Students use FTIR spectra to identify and differentiate the common recyclable polymer resins #1-6: polyethylene terephthalate (PETE), polyethylene (HDPE…

Science data literacy (SDL) is an important literacy for college students in STEM majors to possess. However, the current understanding of SDL is incomplete and lacks effective cultivation strategies. This study integrates the core ideas of science literacy (SL) and data literacy (DL), while considering the characteristics of science data, and…

[This paper is part of the Focused Collection on Instructional labs: Improving traditions and new directions.] We present the pedagogical design and implementation of "ESSENCe": Experimental problem solving using Staging, Scaffolding, Embedded information sources, iNstruments, and Collaboration. Research in experimental physics requires…

In this laboratory experiment, first-semester organic chemistry students use mechanistic reasoning to propose possible outcomes for the reaction of vanillin isobutyrate with a hydride source. The students subsequently run the reaction, isolate the product, and acquire its infrared spectrum. The experiment provides students with the opportunity to…

Within the eukaryotic cell, the actin cytoskeleton is a crucial structural framework that maintains cellular form, regulates cell movement and division, and facilitates the internal transportation of proteins and organelles. External cues induce alterations in the actin cytoskeleton primarily through the activation of Rho GTPases, which then bind…

University courses are often interconnected; however, the connections between these courses remain unclear to many students. This is particularly important in the field of forensic science since each stage of the investigation, from the crime scene to the courtroom, has significant implications on the outcome of a case and the individuals…

This article details the outcome of a joint reflective approach undertaken by the authors to identify common difficulties experienced by 2nd-year undergraduate Biochemistry students in laboratory classes. Difficulties experienced in laboratories can affect the development of hand skills, an understanding of how to correctly operate laboratory…

Development of key practical skills is fundamental to bioscience courses in higher education. With limitations on access to laboratory time due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a "Bioskills at home" kit was developed to create opportunities for first year undergraduate students to develop these skills using online support resources to guide…

Scientific reasoning, argumentation, and problem-solving are essential skills in 21st century. They help people solve problems in daily life. This study aimed to investigate the effect of local-based teaching materials on student's argumentation, scientific reasoning, and problemsolving skills using Science Project-based Learning (SPjBL).…

Field studies are defined here as any study of the natural world that occurs beyond classrooms. There is rising concern for the future of field studies in Earth and Environmental Sciences in Higher Education, despite being core to environmental inquiry, as cost-cutting across the sector was intensified by the COVID-19 pandemic. This paper reviews…

Modeling, which is the process of constructing, testing, and refining models, is an important skill in experimental physics, and thus a learning goal of many physics laboratory classes. One promising approach to help students develop modeling skills is to incorporate multiweek student-designed projects into lab courses. In order to assess the…

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought many challenges to human beings, related to not only health and way of life but also teaching because of the interruption of the standard training at universities imposed by lockdowns. Concerning the latter, the academic community had to reinvent itself, in many ways, to carry on with prepandemic education. This…

"Kampus Mengajar" is a program intended for university students in Indonesia to establish partnerships with schools and prepare themselves as future professional educators. Student participation in the "Kampus Mengajar" program requires mastery of pedagogical competencies, one of which is the development of teaching modules as…