Using Science Case Studies to Promote Interdisciplinary Learning

1. Using Science Case Studies to Promote Interdisciplinary Learning Deborah Allen Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware deallen@udel.edu Katayoun Chamany Science Technology & Society Program, Eugene Lang College chamanyk@newschool.edu AAC&U Pedagogies of Engagement April 15, 2005

2. What is a science case study? A story or scenario that provides context Economic Ethical Social Political A controversy or problematic issue which requires a basic understanding of scientific principles Herreid, C. F. What is a Case? Journal of College Science Teaching, 27: 92-94, 1997.

3. What is Problem Based Learning? “The principal idea behind PBL is that the starting point for learning should be a problem, a query, or a puzzle that the learner wishes to solve.” Boud, D. (1985) PBL in perspective. In “PBL in Education for the Professions,” D. J. Boud (ed); p. 13.

4. What Are the Common Features of PBL? Learning is initiated by the “problem.” The cases or “problems” are based on complex, real-world situations. All information needed to solve problem is not initially given. Students identify, find, and use appropriate resources. Students work in permanent groups.

6. PBL & Case Study Methods:What’s the Difference?* PBL student-centered small group problems before concepts Distinction at the undergrad level is blurred and that we essentially combine the methodsDistinction at the undergrad level is blurred and that we essentially combine the methods

7. Where To Find Cases? use real world cases newspapers, news programs, science journals search law, cultural and ethical databases Chicano, Black Studies, Sexual Diversity Studies search in interdisciplinary databases environmental sciences, public health search case collections National Center for Case Study Teaching in Science University of Delaware, Problem Based Learning Iowa State University, Bioethics Cases University of Minnesota, Genes and Identity Cases SUNY Case Collection and other sites NSF funded program This program is supported by the National Center for Case Study        Teaching in Science, University at Buffalo, State University of        New York, through grant funding from the National Science        Foundation (NSF Award #0341279). 185 Cases From # of educators at all levels from high school to professional school ( biology is the most prevalent) Workshop and conference twice a yearSUNY Case Collection and other sites NSF funded program This program is supported by the National Center for Case Study        Teaching in Science, University at Buffalo, State University of        New York, through grant funding from the National Science        Foundation (NSF Award #0341279). 185 Cases From # of educators at all levels from high school to professional school ( biology is the most prevalent) Workshop and conference twice a year

8. How To Use Cases mini case vs. maxi case in-class vs. outside-of-class work complete vs. interrupted final exam or project lab based

9. Cell Biology for LifeComprehensive PBL/Case Modules(http://www.garlandscience.com/textbooks/cbl/) Provide a human element- memoir, video etc-Prominent people in the field or those affected- Three video clips will be shown to garner interest for the interactive small group work to answer the questions on the slide. Doug Melton- diabetic children Xenopus -? Stem Cell Research http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2004/07/08/eveningnews/main628171.shtml but also downloaded Harvard Clip for no internet access Prop 71 Christopher Reeves Advertisement- downloaded for no internet access Hollywood Countdown to Cures 2 minute video clip, on prop 71, and diabetes, with college age student and latin american advocates. Dynamic Science- using multimedia the science is changing all the time- current news and papers that biology is dynamic- movies and images – Learning Outcomes are clearly outlined… science and social Assignments involve policy and decision making on a social scale… Provide a human element- memoir, video etc-Prominent people in the field or those affected- Three video clips will be shown to garner interest for the interactive small group work to answer the questions on the slide. Doug Melton- diabetic children Xenopus -? Stem Cell Research http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2004/07/08/eveningnews/main628171.shtml but also downloaded Harvard Clip for no internet access Prop 71 Christopher Reeves Advertisement- downloaded for no internet access Hollywood Countdown to Cures 2 minute video clip, on prop 71, and diabetes, with college age student and latin american advocates. Dynamic Science- using multimedia the science is changing all the time- current news and papers that biology is dynamic- movies and images – Learning Outcomes are clearly outlined… science and social Assignments involve policy and decision making on a social scale…

10. Stages of Learning Many ways to assess student learning Throughout, as evaluation at the end etc. These can be mixed or used singly and be customized for course needs These examples are very similar for the most part to traditional assignments but might involve role- play ( peer review of papers or proposals),etc.Many ways to assess student learning Throughout, as evaluation at the end etc. These can be mixed or used singly and be customized for course needs These examples are very similar for the most part to traditional assignments but might involve role- play ( peer review of papers or proposals),etc.

11. How to Start a Case Use a short video clip Botox for wrinkles (WB11 news , MTV, etc) Botulinum Toxin for Biowarfare and Medicine (Discovery School) Use a short question to assess misconceptions Which of these are applications of botulinum toxin? a. Removal of wrinkles b. Biowarfare c. Prevention of Sweating d. Treating Cerebral Palsy e. a, b, and d but not c f. all of the above 3. Use a series of short papers and structured discussion What did you learn, what is still unclear, and what was most interesting? 10 news stories/reviews lead into one another Provide a human element- memoir, video etc-Prominent people in the field or those affected- Three video clips will be shown to garner interest for the interactive small group work to answer the questions on the slide. Doug Melton- diabetic children Xenopus -? Stem Cell Research http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2004/07/08/eveningnews/main628171.shtml but also downloaded Harvard Clip for no internet access Prop 71 Christopher Reeves Advertisement- downloaded for no internet access Hollywood Countdown to Cures 2 minute video clip, on prop 71, and diabetes, with college age student and latin american advocates. Dynamic Science- using multimedia the science is changing all the time- current news and papers that biology is dynamic- movies and images – Learning Outcomes are clearly outlined… science and social Assignments involve policy and decision making on a social scale… Provide a human element- memoir, video etc-Prominent people in the field or those affected- Three video clips will be shown to garner interest for the interactive small group work to answer the questions on the slide. Doug Melton- diabetic children Xenopus -? Stem Cell Research http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2004/07/08/eveningnews/main628171.shtml but also downloaded Harvard Clip for no internet access Prop 71 Christopher Reeves Advertisement- downloaded for no internet access Hollywood Countdown to Cures 2 minute video clip, on prop 71, and diabetes, with college age student and latin american advocates. Dynamic Science- using multimedia the science is changing all the time- current news and papers that biology is dynamic- movies and images – Learning Outcomes are clearly outlined… science and social Assignments involve policy and decision making on a social scale…

12. Questions to Consider Provide a human element- memoir, video etc-Prominent people in the field or those affected- Three video clips will be shown to garner interest for the interactive small group work to answer the questions on the slide. Doug Melton- diabetic children Xenopus -? Stem Cell Research http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2004/07/08/eveningnews/main628171.shtml but also downloaded Harvard Clip for no internet access Prop 71 Christopher Reeves Advertisement- downloaded for no internet access Hollywood Countdown to Cures 2 minute video clip, on prop 71, and diabetes, with college age student and latin american advocates. Dynamic Science- using multimedia the science is changing all the time- current news and papers that biology is dynamic- movies and images – Learning Outcomes are clearly outlined… science and social Assignments involve policy and decision making on a social scale… Provide a human element- memoir, video etc-Prominent people in the field or those affected- Three video clips will be shown to garner interest for the interactive small group work to answer the questions on the slide. Doug Melton- diabetic children Xenopus -? Stem Cell Research http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2004/07/08/eveningnews/main628171.shtml but also downloaded Harvard Clip for no internet access Prop 71 Christopher Reeves Advertisement- downloaded for no internet access Hollywood Countdown to Cures 2 minute video clip, on prop 71, and diabetes, with college age student and latin american advocates. Dynamic Science- using multimedia the science is changing all the time- current news and papers that biology is dynamic- movies and images – Learning Outcomes are clearly outlined… science and social Assignments involve policy and decision making on a social scale…

13. How to situate the case? coordinate with textbooks and literature pilot portions-vary duration use both primary and secondary literature consider on-line discussions offer a spin on the traditional assignment term paper evolves into a proposal or debate with peer review

14. Pilot Studies Advanced biology majors Stem Cell Module, SFSU Dr. Domingo n=83 Scientific content: 51% gained new knowledge about adult stem cell plasticity Social Issues: 63% learned about access/ethics issues Attitude: > 50% enjoyed working in groups > 30% learned that communication skills are important

15. Pilot Studies Non-majors Stem Cell Module ELC, n=39

17. Compelling Features of Case Study Approaches for New Adopters model themselves on how students learn. with information overload, prepare students to be life-long learners. more realistic curriculum prepares students for world outside the classroom. foster development of more up-to-date materials, content. generate enthusiasm among faculty.

18. Resources ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2001/03/0319_medicinalweeds.html Mayell, Hilary. (2001) “Weeds Found To Hold Cures to Maladies.” National Geographic March 19. This site has links to other articles on ethnopharmacology. GREEN CHEMISTRY http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2001/03/0319_medicinalweeds.html and http://academic.scranton.edu/faculty/CANNM1/greenchemistry.html offer readings and video. GENETIC IDENTIFICATION http://www.findarticles.com/cf_dls/m0DPE/2_31/106290269/print.jhtml Johnston, Josephine. “Resisting a genetic identity: the black Seminoles and genetic tests of ancestry.” Journal of Law, Medicine, and Ethics. Summer 2003. http://www.bioethics.umn.edu/genetics_and_identity/case.html Genetic and Identity Case Studies collection based on Native Americans, Lemba, Hemmings/ Jefferson. GENETIC ENGINEERING http://www.bioethics.iastate.edu/classroom/case_studies.html The Iowa State University Bioethics Outreach has links to cases on golden rice, edible vaccines, clones, etc. BIOETHICS AND REPRODUCTIVE TECHNOLOGIES http://www.law.washington.edu/courses/mastroianni/PHG_522_Sp04/Assignments.html List of interesting articles pertaining to bioethics and law. Alexander, B. “ Free to Clone.” New York Times Magazine: New York September 26, 2004 :26, A one page article that reviews the first amendment as an argument for conducting cloning research.

19. More Resources GENOME RELATED CONCERNS http://ehrweb.aaas.org/ehr/books/index.html Baker, Catherine.(1999) Your Genes Your Choices: Exploring the Issues Raised by Genetic Research.. An online book, sponsored by the AAAS, presents ethical and social cases studies. http://www.thehumanfuture.org/commentaries/annas_genism.htm, George J. Annas. 2001. "Genism, Racism, and the Prospect of Genetic Genocide," presented at the World Conference Against Racism, Durban, South Africa. http://www.ou.org/publications/ja/5762winter/justtwee.pdf, (2001) Esess, Rose. “ Carrying a Heavy Burden.” Jewish Action Winter 5762. Describes the Chevra Dor Yeshurim Program in the NYC Hasidic community which screens for carriers of certain Jewish genetic diseases. Program to be expanded to Israel and other centers in North America http://www.gene-watch.org/programs/privacy/phil-testimony.html, Paul Billings, "The Need for Federal Legislation Protecting Against Genetic Discrimination," written testimony submitted to the Committee on Energy and Commerce (July 11, 2001). http://www.minimed.howard.edu/presentations/minimed%20rotimi.pdf , Rotomi, C. “Should Pill be Color Blind? The Genetics of Race, Medicine, and Drugs.” College of Medicine, Howard University. Powerpoint reviews Bidil, a drug originally designed without regard to race to prevent congestive heart failure. Bidil became a racialized drug after FDA voted 9 to 3 against approval. GENE PATENTING http://muse.jhu.edu/journals/american_journal_of_bioethics/v002/2.3eisenberg.pdf , Eisenberg, R. S. How Can You Patent Genes? The American Journal of Bioethics 2 (3): 3-11, 2002.

20. Acknowledgements This presentation is supported by the National Center for Case Study Teaching in Science, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, through grant funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF Award #0341279) http://ublib.buffalo.edu/libraries/projects/cases Dr. Carmen Domingo Department of Biology, SFSU Many students at ELC, SFSU, and the University of Delaware