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 (museums, school gardens, citizen science organizations)

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:

• DeeDee Wright published her first paper in Advances in the Development of Human Resources in Feb 2019!
• Dani Lin Hunter received a GDPE Small Grant for Graduate Research award in spring 2019!
  
• Hayley Bubb joined the lab in Fall 2018 and is co-advised by Dr. Paul Ode (BSPM). She also received a Colorado State Graduate Fellowship (GFELL)!
  
• Lisa Pitot (lab alumna) will start a new position as Assistant Professor of Science Education at University of Wisconsin Lacrosse in Fall 2018!

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

updated March 2019