Linking Science and Social Issues

What are the Capacious Civic Questions or Problems Addressed in the Course?

Drake has designed a series of two integrated science and math courses that aim to create exciting and relevant relationships between science and mathematics and the Drake Curriculum. We selected nutrition and the Iowa environment as our first two topic areas. The first course (nutrition) is local in nature. That is to say its focus is fairly molecular and organismal; some might call it micro level science. The second (The Iowa Environment) is global in nature. That is to say its focus is fairly systems and ecologic based; some might call it macro level science. Both courses integrate mathematics. In these courses, students apply the science to issues with which they are already familiar and that affect their everyday lives.

In constructing the courses, we reviewed national standards and current literature then set a list of learning objectives: increase science and mathematics knowledge base; apply the scientific method; develop data acquisition, presentation and interpretive skills; think critically; explore how science and society are interwoven; and improve communication skills.

Students completing the two courses will explore each of the above focus areas in depth. They will learn content in the context of each issue and will use scientific and mathematical methods to explore questions and do projects. By taking two courses, they gain experience on micro and macro level science issues and will get some sense of the breadth of science. The approach is constructivist and active. Students learn more about them by doing science. By learning science and mathematics in this setting, we hope to reduce the science/math 'phobias' and help them become better-engaged citizens. Below are tables illustrating the courses content and applications to civic and policy issues.

Topics Guide

Topics Guide for Nutrition and Wellness in the Iowa Environment (Acrobat (PDF) 99kB Jul8 08)