Is Science or Geoscience Best for the Average Student?

Abstract

To meet core curriculum requirements, educators encourage college students to take survey courses in several sciences, expecting the process to instill comprehension of the basic concepts, principles, and methods of science needed to make informed decisions about complex technological issues facing society. However, I find that few students enter my introductory geology courses with even a minimum awareness of what science contributes to their lives and, at course completion, I note only limited gains in appreciating its role. I conclude that teaching science through individual sciences, while necessary, remains insufficient. More effective schemes are needed. I suggest we consider this three-course alternative: The first course, required of all students as a foundation and overview of the natural sciences, would be “The Nature of Science” - a review of the great ideas of the natural sciences. Treated are the key concepts and revolutions in scientific knowledge within all relevant disciplines, organized a...