Research: Vital to Undergraduate Science Education
Calvin's experience, like that of others, has shown that "…students learn science best by participating in laboratory research" (HHMI, 1999). Rather than learning about science, which occurs when students study scientific concepts, memorize facts or diagram mechanisms, learning science requires that students actually do science. They need to ask “why,” “how,” or “what’s going on here?” learning to discover answers, apply information, and pose new questions – in short, practice inquiry-based learning, the essential process that makes laboratory research such a powerful tool.
To remain on the cutting edge of science education, Calvin built a new Life Sciences Center and Engineering Projects Building in 1999, doubling the laboratory space on campus. Students
now work alongside faculty on “real-world” research projects for companies such as Pfizer, Bissell, Amway, Alcon, and Ford Motor Company, encouraging their interest in scientific careers. Currently, the number of students majoring in the sciences exceeds 25% of the student body(approximately 1,000 students each year), a 48% increase since 1975.
The Importance of Scientific Research
The benefits for students involved in summer research are significant, giving them hands-on experience in performing original research, with its accomplishments and its trials. Not
only do they see a project through from beginning to end, but their efforts are concentrated
on a significant problem which requires observational, creative, analytical, and synthetic
thinking. They work alongside a scientist who takes personal interest in them and their work.
At the completion of a 10-week summer research project, they receive opportunities to present
in poster sessions/professional meetings or to co-author a scientific paper in a professional
journal. Since 2000, students have been listed as co-authors 116 times on 59 faculty
publications.
Over 85% of student researchers in biology, chemistry, and physics enter graduate school,
a career goal for which undergraduate research experience is vital. Students identify the
major benefit as increased under-standing of (1) how knowledge is constructed, (2) how scientists
work on real problems, and (3) discipline-specific research process. Research experiences
consistently affirm students’ career choices.
Opportunities
Calvin science students eagerly seek work in faculty research laboratories during the summer, and the application process is very competitive. Faculty grants and contracts support many
of them, with funding from Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the National Science Foundation,
Merck, Dow Chemical, General Motors, and NASA. The problem is that twice as many qualified
students apply for summer research positions as Calvin can support.
Our long-range goal is to build a $1.5 million supporting endow-ment. Friends and alumni who understand the value of student research can make a major impact. A gift of $100,000 will underwrite a Student Research Fellowship in the Sciences, each year in perpetuity, giving students excellent preparation for advanced careers in the sciences. |
