I teach a non-majors plant science course at the community college level. One
problem I see is that there is no unifying theme to hold the course material
together.
One approach suggested in The American Biology Teacher is to use a case studies
approach. For example, in a general biology course centered on humans, come in
the first day and do an exercise on the transmission of the HIV virus and then
center the course around HIV...
Does anybody have a suggestion for a case study in plants that students would
find compelling? I certainly see that if we looked at wheat and corn, we could
probably cover most major areas that the course is designed to cover. However,
what compelling topic can I use to interest them?
One idea I have is world hunger although this certainly does not seem all that
relevant in the U.S... Other suggestions?
Thanks!
Peter
PS I would also be interested if any of you are already using a case studies
approach...
