Knowledge production stems from an interplay of observation, data, hypotheses, and theory concerning the natural universe, social systems, and theoretical models. Through scientific inquiry in the form of problem-solving and questioning, a greater understanding of observable phenomena develops and facilitates well-reasoned conclusions and predictions. Essential to this inquiry is a comprehension of major principles guiding modern scientific thought and awareness of the roles and limitations of interpreting and predicting observable phenomena.
Courses within this Topic of Inquiry category must meet two or more of the following TOI6 Learning Objectives:
TOI6 Learning Objective 1: Students will be able to explain and appropriately utilize basic scientific language and concepts.
TOI6 Learning Objective 2: Students will be able to design or conduct an experiment or analysis suitable to test a scientific hypothesis and be able to interpret the results.
TOI6 Learning Objective 3: Students will be able to solve problems described verbally, graphically, symbolically, or numerically.
TOI6 Laboratory Courses
Experiential learning reinforces concepts and theories through practical examples and applications. These experiences develop essential scientific skills in observation, data collection, data analysis, and data interpretation. In application-based learning, teamwork, collaboration, and communication skills are also developed through individual and collective identification of problems, conducting investigations, development of models, analysis and interpretation of data, construction of explanations, and engagement in discussions. Such application-based learning occurs through direct physical manipulation of substances or systems or through indirect modes of delivery of not readily observable phenomena.
Regardless of discipline, laboratory courses create an environment where students are engaged with concepts in the field through active experimentation and/or observation and data analysis.
In addition to meeting the TOI6 criteria above, courses within the TOI-6 Laboratory category must also meet the following TOI-6 Laboratory Learning Objective:
TOI6 Laboratory Learning Objective: Through application-based experiences utilizing the scientific method, students will be able to identify problems, make observations, analyze data, interpret data, and develop models or explanations.
Sample Alignment Table
Provided below are some tips for creating your alignment table, as well as an exemplary example of a table.
Tips for ensuring measurable course alignment
- Be sure the Course Learning Objectives (CLOs) use measurable verbs. CLOs should gauge what students will be able to DO by the end of the course. We recommend reviewing the CLO guidance on CETL's website.
- Be sure the assignments used are assessable. For instance, "Weekly Readings" are not assessable. A quiz or short summary paper that measures or evaluates student interaction with those readings is, however.
- Not all assignments need to measure each CLO. Be sure each assessment actually measures the selected CLO(s). For example, a multiple choice quiz allows students to "identify" information or ideas, but it probably doesn't allow students to "analyze" or "describe" anything, so it would not be an appropriate measure for such CLOs.
- The CLOs listed in the alignment table should be the same as the overall CLOs for the course. Do not create a second set of CLOs for Common Curriculum alignment. The purpose of the alignment table is to show how the CLOs specific to the course align with the TOI learning objectives, and what measures will be used to assess student learning across those objectives.
Course Learning Objectives for a TOI6L Course
CLO1: Identify fundamental concepts and principles in chemistry essential for building a foundational understanding of chemistry
CLO2: Employ critical thinking and scientific methods to design, carry out, record and analyze the results of chemical experiments
CLO3: Effectively communicate scientific methodologies, inquiry results, and conclusions derived from application of the scientific method
CLO4: Apply observational and experimental techniques prevalent in chemistry placing significant emphasis on adhering safety protocols to ensure the secure handling of chemicals
CLO5: Develop foundational competencies within the scientific method, encompassing data collection, rigorous analysis, and data interpretation
CLO6: Conduct an experiment collaboratively and ethically
| Topic of Inquiry | Common Curriculum Objective | Course Learning Objective(s) (CLO) | Corresponding Assessment(s) |
| TOI6: Scientific and Empirical Inquiry | TOI6 LO 1: Students will be able to explain and appropriately utilize basic scientific language and concepts. | CLO 1
CLO1: Identify fundamental concepts and principles in chemistry essential for building a foundational understanding of chemistry |
Homework assignments
Exams Labs |
| TOI6: Scientific and Empirical Inquiry | TOI6 LO 2: Students will be able to design or conduct an experiment or analysis suitable to test a scientific hypothesis and be able to interpret the results | CLO 2, 4, 5, 6
CLO2: Employ critical thinking and scientific methods to design, carry out, record and analyze the results of chemical experiments CLO4: Apply observational and experimental techniques prevalent in chemistry placing significant emphasis on adhering safety protocols to ensure the secure handling of chemicals CLO5: Develop foundational competencies within the scientific method, encompassing data collection, rigorous analysis, and data interpretation CLO6: Conduct an experiment collaboratively and ethically |
Labs |
| TOI6: Scientific and Empirical Inquiry | TOI6 LO 3: Students will be able to solve problems described verbally, graphically, symbolically, or numerically. | CLO 1, 2, 3
CLO1: Identify fundamental concepts and principles in chemistry essential for building a foundational understanding of chemistry CLO2: Employ critical thinking and scientific methods to design, carry out, record and analyze the results of chemical experiments CLO3: Effectively communicating scientific 1 methodologies, inquiry results, and conclusions derived from application of the scientific method. |
Homework assignments
Exams Labs |
| TOI6: Scientific and Empirical Inquiry (Lab) | TOI6 Lab LO: Through application-based experiences utilizing the scientific method, students will be able to identify problems, make observations, analyze data, interpret data, and develop models or explanations. | CLO 2, 5, 6
CLO2: Employ critical thinking and scientific methods to design, carry out, record and analyze the results of chemical experiments CLO5: Develop foundational competencies within the scientific method, encompassing data collection, rigorous analysis, and data interpretation CLO6: Conduct an experiment collaboratively and ethically |
Data analysis and conclusion reports submitted after every laboratory experiment |