Example Course Maps

Course 1

An example course map that provides detailed structure about the activities students will engage in during one week of the class. It includes aligned learning objectives, assessments, and learner-centered activities.

Objective Assessments Activities
Pre-Class In-Class Post-Class
Students will be able to describe the key features of the scientific method.
  • Summarize the steps of the scientific method.
  • Read a popular science article on the scientific method.
  • Poll students on what a hypothesis is.
  • Brainstorm key features of the scientific method in small groups.
  • Diagram the scientific method and label each step with key features.
Students will be able to communicate scientific findings and conclusions effectively in written and/or oral form, using appropriate language and scientific conventions.
  • Given various data about vaccine trials, write a short “press briefing” that describes the findings.
  • Watch a YouTube video on science communication and answer debrief questions about how poor communication can lead to the spreading of misinformation.
  • Discuss strategies for effective science communication in pairs.
  • Exit ticket: Provide one strategy for effective written or oral science communication.
  • Read a scientific paper. Then summarize the results of the data for a science audience and write a Tweet for a lay audience.

Course 2

An example course map that provides less structure and details about the activities students will engage in during one week of the class.

Objective Assessments Activities
Pre-Class In-Class Post-Class
Students will be able to describe the key features of the scientific method.
  • Using the scientific methods, design an experiment based on a given hypothesis.
  • Read select passages on the scientific method from the course's textbook.
  • Clicker Question: What's the difference between correlation and causation?
  • Work in pairs to define experimental controls (e.g., positive, negative).
  • Compare and contrast a hypothesis and a prediction.
Students will be able to communicate scientific findings and conclusions effectively in written and/or oral form, using appropriate language and scientific conventions.
  • Read a press release from a pharmaceutical company about a new drug. Evaluate if the data support their claims. Identify potential biases and conflicts of interest.
  • Search for popular science news websites and bring your favorite article to class.
  • Complete a worksheet on how to read primary literature in small groups.
  • List examples of science jargon.
  • Answer reflection questions regarding their experience with science communication during the COVID-19 pandemic.