Biology: The Living Earth with Problem Solving 1,2 (2666, 2667)    - PILOT COURSE -

Each unit follows a consistent five-part structure: students begin by defining a real-world problem grounded in an anchoring phenomenon, then exploring the phenomenon through laboratory investigations, data analysis, and scientific discussion. Students construct evidenced based explanatory models to explain the anchoring phenomenon, which serves as the basis for a classroom-based engineering design challenge that uses problem solving strategies.

Each unit also introduces a new industry proven problem-solving strategy from UCSD’s PSLAE problem solving curriculum that students leverage to better understand problems, plan and carry out investigations, collect and analyze data, and iteratively design, test, and refine solutions. Units conclude with analysis and reflection on the real world problem, where students construct arguments from evidence and communicate their findings through written reports, presentations, posters, or media.