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An Interdisciplinary Module to Reinforce the Integration of Concepts from the Three Main Disciplines: Biology, Physics and Chemistry |
All three modules (physics, chemistry and biology) are seamlessly integrated in a stand-alone computer module that studies the energy concept from the point of view of each of the three disciplines. The interdisciplinary module includes an introductory dialog that explains interdisciplinary connections and leads to a simulation where the user can select different energy sources. The energy delivered by a combustion reaction (chemistry), or the energy from a solar source (photosynthesis) can be used to move a car (kinematics and dynamic). The equivalency between these energy forms are explored in a simulation of a hybrid racing car during a speed test. The simulation includes visual and sound stimulation to increase user’s motivation. At the end of the simulation the students receive a report that includes the maximum speed, the traveled distance, the time, and the fuel cost for the test. With this information the student can make interdisciplinary connections, understanding how concepts learned in a discipline relate to concepts learned in another. Modules have been developed for three introductory science courses: General Biology, College Physics and General Chemistry. The educational objective of each module is to develop or enhance conceptual understanding and critical thinking skills using a fictional yet plausible environment through which concepts from Biology, Chemistry and Physics can be explored. Each module contains three basic elements: an introduction, interactive activities, and assessment activities (exercises/conceptual test), so students have the opportunity to apply the concepts they have learned and measure their progress before taking the tests. The exercise section involves cognitive skills such as knowledge, application, analysis or synthesis. Many of the exercises provide some sort of feedback that varies with the users’ responses according to pre-identified misconceptions. In cases where users show poor skills or lack of fundamental knowledge, the module guides them through a problem solving analysis, and sends them back to an applicable exercise. Students should go through these modules in synchronization with the class discussion and laboratories. All three modules communicate with each other to reinforce the integration of concepts from the three main disciplines, so students have the opportunity to test their mastering of specific interdisciplinary concepts. UPR-Rio Piedras was the lead institution in this initiative.
