teaching with writing

physical sciences syllabi

Good writing plays an essential role in physical science: in keeping a record of one's investigations for oneself and others, in communicating one's results to peers, in interpreting one's science to a broader public, and in clarifying one's own thinking. The importance of graceful and lucid writing, writing that is precise, well-constructed, and directed appropriately to the audience at hand, cannot be overemphasized.

sample syllabi

chemistry

• Chemistry 1910W, Alchemy, Magic and Chemistry: a freshman seminar course that bases 80% of the grade on weekly report writing.
  
  
• Chemistry 2311, Organic Chemistry Laboratory: a course requiring a formal lab report that is described in this syllabus.
  
  
• Chemistry 4511, Advanced Physical Chemistry Lab: a syllabus that describes group lab work and delineates lab report writing guidelines.

ecology

• General Collge 2111W, Ecological Evaluation of Environmental Problems: a course requiring students to complete two papers: one research paper and one letter to a public official.

physics

• Physics 3071W, Laboratory-Based Physics for Teachers: a syllabus that includes an overview of writing assignments including an Idea Journal, Daily Journal, and Learning Community papers.

physiology

• General College 1135, Human Anatomy and Physiology: a syllabus giving students the option of writing a book report for their final project. The assignment is included in this syllabus.

syllabi resources

• Writing to Learn and Communicate in Chemistry: a site for instructors that explains different assignment types, their purposes, and how to comment on the student work they produce. Formal reports, lab notebooks, and writing-related activities, such as using students as experts and working with computers, are topics covered.

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