Chemical and Physical Sciences Department Learning Goals

Chemistry: Recognize and apply the big ideas of chemistry (atoms, bonds, structure and function, intermolecular interactions, reactions, energy and thermodynamics, kinetics, equilibrium, experiments, measurements, and data visualizations https://doi.org/10.1021/ed300049w) while learning about inorganic, organic, analytical, physical, and biochemistry. Plan, conduct, and document experiments, analyze data, and interpret results, in a safe and ethical manner using chemical methods and instruments. Write reports and present the results of their own experiments and of published work to their peers and their instructors. Evaluate and solve chemical problems using conceptual and quantitative approaches.

Earth System Science: Study astronomy, chemistry, geology, and physics and apply those disciplines to describe the Earth. Plan, conduct, and document experiments, analyze data, and interpret results, in a safe and ethical manner using the appropriate methods and instruments. Write reports and present the results of their own experiments and of published work to their peers and their instructors. Evaluate and solve problems using conceptual and quantitative approaches.

Licensure students will, in addition to the previous goals, learn to:

• Engage students effectively in studies of the history, philosophy, and practice of science, and enable students to distinguish science from nonscience, understand the evolution and practice of science as a human endeavor, and critically analyze assertions made in the name of science.
• Engage students both in studies of various methods of scientific inquiry and in active learning through scientific inquiry.
• Create a community of diverse learners who construct meaning from their science experiences.
• Plan and implement an active, coherent, and effective curriculum that is consistent with the goals and recommendations of the commonwealth of Massachusetts.
• Construct and use effective assessment strategies to determine the backgrounds and achievements of learners and facilitate their intellectual, social, and personal development.
• Organize safe and effective learning environments that promote the success of students and the welfare of all living things.