Our research group is interested in how people make meaning of natural and physical science concepts. We explore meaning making (interpretation) and learning (saving and recalling information) by studying how people speak, read, and write about science. Subsequently, we study how people demonstrate understanding (transferring knowledge to solve problems) or perform (grades, retention in major).

We conduct our work in diverse field sites:
1. undergraduate science and engineering classrooms
2. K-12 classrooms
3. informal science education experiences (field trips, museums, school gardens)

Ultimately, our research informs the science education community.

• The findings will inform students so they can become:
  • more aware of their own conceptual difficulties and be independent learners
  • more inclusive and productive teammates during group work
  • better communicators of science
• The findings will inform instructors of science so they can support:
  •  student learning through writing activities
  •  science communication skills
  • critical thinking during problem-based learning activities

Lab News/ Celebrations:

• Lisa Pitot (lab alumna) will start a new position as Assistant Professor of Science Education at University of Wisconsin Lacrosse in Fall 2018!
  
• Meena and Ann Sebald (Center for Educator Preparation), along with Poudre School District, received a Colorado Department of Education grant for 2017-2018.
  
• Dani Lin joined the lab in 2017 to study how to increase science literacy and community building through citizen science programs.

If you are interested in joining our research group, please contact me: Meena.Balgopal@colostate.edu

updated Sept 2017