Research and Teaching: Reenvisioning the Introductory Science Course as a Cognitive Apprenticeship

Introductory science courses play a critical role in the recruitment and retention of undergraduate science majors. In particular, first-year courses are opportunities to engage students in scientific practices and motivate them to consider scientific careers. We developed an introductory course using a semester-long series of established laboratory experiments closely aligned with lecture topics that allow students to participate in a cognitive apprenticeship.