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Transformative Life Science Course

Project NEXUS features standards-based science courses suited for upper elementary and middle level teacher education majors who need to be prepared to teach science content that requires an enhanced level of sophistication (both in knowledge and process) in a standards-based manner.

Life Science is a science area that has major representation in the upper elementary and middle school science curriculum. Therefore, Project NEXUS has developed BSCI122: Microbes and Society as an exemplary Life Science course suited for our elementary teacher education majors.

Spring 2007

BSCI122: Microbes and Society

various microbesmicrobesDr. Benson with students

Microbes are the most diverse and abundant life form on earth, without them all life would cease to exist.

BSCI122 examines the fascinating roles that microbes play in the world around us.  The course is specifically designed for ALL students interested in pre-collegiate science education as well as those who are interested in learning more about the roles of science in everyday life.  The instructor team of Dr. Spencer Benson, an award-winning teacher, microbiologist, and director of the University’s Center for Teaching Excellence and Ms. Kelly Schalk a College of Education science education graduate student teach this CORE Life Science Lab (LL) course. They use student-centered teaching strategies to examine how humans and microbes interact in everyday life, illustrate how scientists study the world, and connect science to everyday life.  Concepts investigated:  unity of life, evolution, disease, antibiotic resistance, microbes and food and recycling waste, and cultural and societal influences in the spread and control of microbial diseases. 

Lecture Component:

  • Promotes an appreciation and understanding of science, and the ability to explain science to others. 
  • Uses a 12-part video series Unseen Life on Earth as well as engaging case studies to illustrate both the benefits and diseases-causing aspects of microorganisms. 
  • Emphasizes scientists’ real work and culture.

Lab Component:

  • Hands-on and minds-on investigations.
  • Students encouraged to design experiments of their own personal interest.

Project Nexus Life Science Students- Lab setting Project Nexus Life Science Course- lecture- students at board
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This material is based on work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 0455752. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

© 2005 University of Maryland