All Journal of College Science Teaching resources

Journal Article

Mom Always Liked You Best: Examining the Hypothesis of Parental Favoritism

In this interrupted case study, based on a journal article on the parenting behavior of American coots, students are given information and data from which they must develop hypotheses and design experiments, mimicking the way that scientists conduct ...

Journal Article

A Can of Bull? Do Energy Drinks Really Provide a Source of Energy?

This case study involves the biochemical analysis of the components of commonly available energy drinks, which many students purchase at fairly high prices. Students research the ingredients in each product and their physiological role in the human b...

Journal Article

A Strange Fish Indeed: The "Discovery" of a Living Fossil

Through a series of fictionalized diary entries, this case recounts the “discovery” in South Africa in 1938 of a fish believed to be extinct for over 70 million years. Developed for use in a freshman biology course as an introduction to the natur...

Journal Article

Editorial: The Interrupted Case Method

There are many ways to tell a tale. This issue of the journal demonstrates that point as it devotes itself once again entirely to case studies. One particularly useful type of case study is the Interrupted Case Method. In this form, information is...

Journal Article

Cancel the Cardinals Home Opener?! Lessons in Melting and Evaporation

The St. Louis Cardinals are scheduled to play their home opener the next day and Megan Riley, a young meteorologist who works for a private weather consulting firm, is responsible for developing the weather forecast. It’s looking like she may need ...

Journal Article

The Case Study: Too Much, Too Little, or Just Right? How Much Information Should We Put into a Case Study?

"Say when." That expression, usually reserved as an inquiry by a solicitous dispenser of party libations, is apt for the serious case writer. In both cases it is meant to find out how much is enough. How much liquid or information should we dole ou...

Journal Article

Research and Teaching: Engaging Students -- An Examination of the Effects of Teaching Strategies on Self-Efficacy and Course in a Nonmajors Physics Course

Self-efficacy is a key predictor of achievement and retention in most academic areas, including the sciences. In this study, the effects of teaching strategies on self-efficacy and course climate were examined. Question and answer, collaborative lear...