Research Problem
Christy MacKinnon, Univ. Incarnate Word
The President’s Council of Advisors on
Science and Technology (PCAST) says
authentic research is important to
STEM education, but authentic
research is challenging to implement,
and is it effective for improving student
learning?
Research Question
• Do students learn more about genetics
after completion of an authentic research
project or a traditional lab project?
• Research Context: Three sections, 24
students per section, in an integrated
lecture and lab course (16 weeks) for
junior/senior students in a required course
for Biology Major.
Research Methods
Quasi Experimental Design (modified #12)
Tx a = traditional project—Modern Biology Gel
Electrophoresis of homozygous normal hemoglobin protein,
heterozygous, and homozygous recessive sickle cell
hemoglobin protein.
Tx b = authentic project—Genomics Education Partnership
annotation of a gene from a Drosophila sp.
• Group 1(TR section): pre-tests, Tx a, [time] post-tests,
[time], Tx b [post-test]s
• Group 2 (MW section): -pre-tests, Tx b, [time], post-tests,
[time], Tx a [post-tests]
Schedule of Topics
• 1st week:
• 2nd week:
• 3rd week:
• 4th week:
• 5th week:
• 6th week:
• 7th week:
• 8th week:
• 9th week:
• 10th week:
• 11th week:
• 12th week:
• 13th week
• 14th week
• 15th week
Introduction/practice concept map/pre-tests
Mendelian Genetics
Hb/Annotation labs
Genetic/Code Mutations
Hb/Annotation labs
Chromosomes
Hb/Annotation labs
Group work/exam 1
Concept map/post-tests
Gene Expression
Hb/Annotation labs
Gene Regulation
Hb/Annotation labs
Gene Regulation
Hb/Annotation labs
Group work/exam 2
Concept map/post-tests
Genome Structure
Case Study/Literature
Epigenomics
Case Study/Literature
Cancer Genomics
Case Study/Literature
Group work/exam 3
Course Schedule: Comparable Activities
• Tx A = traditional lab
• Tx B = authentic lab
• Hemoglobin Analysis
• Wet lab (protein gel
electrophoresis)
• Database—OMIM
• Project report
• Gene Annotation
• Wet lab (enzyme
spectrophotometry)
• GEP Annotation
• Project report
Research Methods (Con’t)
Data Collection:
• Implement in Fall; repeat in Spring.
• Chi-square of pre-test to demonstrate two
groups start as the same knowledge base
before interventions.
• Analysis of embedded exam questions.
• Pre/post test:
• Genetics Concept Inventory--paired t test.
• Concept Maps—rubric analysis.
Alignment of Research Question and
Methods
This is why I think it aligns: Pre/post test/concept
maps/embedded questions will assess genetics
knowledge resulting from an authentic research
project vs. traditional lab project.
The data will help me answer my question:
Through experimentation, these data will
demonstrate that an authentic research experience
increases student knowledge of genetics
compared to traditional lab experience.