Date of Award
Fall 2014
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Chemistry
First Advisor
Gabriela C. Weaver
Second Advisor
George M. Bodner
Committee Member 1
Brenda Capobianco
Committee Member 2
Joseph Pekny
Abstract
The Center for Authentic Science Practices in Education (CASPiE) pioneered a course-based research experience approach to teaching chemistry laboratory courses. The method had previously been studied in a variety of institutional settings. Recently, the United States Military Academy at West Point decided to develop CASPiE-style modules for the introductory honors chemistry course. This research setting presents clean experimental-control comparisons and a group of faculty who were completely new to the method. Equipping students with authentic research experiences early in their education is important regardless of the institution. However, cadets at a military academy must make decisions relatively early (the outset of their second year) as to what their career trajectory will be as eventual officers. In the new CASPiE-based experience, cadets are given the opportunity to select from one of three different modules (analytical chemistry, toxicology, and chemical engineering) in which to participate during the course. These three modules represent subsections of an overall Army waste-to-energy research project. Cadets generate unique hypotheses, real data, and research posters towards the advancement of the project. Posters are then presented in a session that includes an audience of project stakeholders, course instructors, and other academy faculty and staff. Here, I will present my research methods, evaluative procedures, and findings in the affective domain, critical thinking, and laboratory content comprehension.
Recommended Citation
Chase, Anthony Michael, "Implementing The Caspie Coursebased Research Experience At The United States Military Academy: Affective Responses And Effects On Critical Thinking" (2014). Open Access Theses. 308.
https://docs.lib.purdue.edu/open_access_theses/308
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Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research Commons, Higher Education Commons, Military and Veterans Studies Commons, Science and Mathematics Education Commons