Conceptual Integrated Science

Alabama Prison Arts + Education Project (APAEP)

Term Spring 2024, Instructor: Aubrey Beal

This general science course consists of 14, 2.5 hour lectures in the following textbook with the following topics.

Required Textbook: This textbook is/was provided by APAEP for students enrolled in our course.

Hewitt, P. G., Lyons, S. A., Suchocki, J. A., & Yeh, J. (2013). Conceptual Integrated Science: Pearson New International Edition. Pearson Higher Ed.

Suggested Reading/Listening: This is a collection of resources that were used to prepare for in-class discussions and activities. When possible, trascripts and/or selected media has been made available to lead in-class exercises.

Mathematical Supplement: Strogatz:

Popular Science Podcast: Radiolab:

History & Science Podcast: In Our Time:

Each lecture may take a different form, but will generally be divided into blocks that shift focus between student-led discussions, group problem solving, mathematical recitation, and university-style lectures. I think that it is important to remain flexible with our time. We may need/wish to focus our efforts on specific topics. There will be no order that is ‘set in stone,’ but generally, a class meeting may look like:

  1. 30 min - Introductory Reading and Discussion: This portion of the class meeting is designed to allow students time to join the classroom and prepare to engage the material. Often, an assigned reading, problem set, or activity will be given. Afterwards, there will be a general discussion reflecting on this introductory material.
  2. 15 min - Assignment Questions & Solutions: There will be a dedicated portion of the in-class meeting devoted to working previously assigned problems, reviewing solution methods, and illustrating alternative problem-solving strategies.
  3. 45 min - Lecture: Each class meeting will have a traditional, university-style lecture on a topic from our textbook. Students are encouraged to take notes, ask questions, and engage the lecture as long as we stay on topic. Participation is highly encouraged. If participation lengthens this lecture period, a cusion of 30 minutes is provided at the end of each class meeting.
  4. 15 min - Problem Solving Approaches & Example Problems: Often in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) courses, the concepts are reinforced by examples, hypothetical scenerios, and analogy. Examples pertaining to the primary lecture of each class meeting will be worked and discussed during this dedicated time period.
  5. 15 min - Math Foundations/Mathematical Supplement: Everyone is always growing in their mathematical journey. Many example problems and general concepts will rely on various mathematical foundations. This portion of the class meeting is reserved to reinforce, and appreciate the underlying mathematics as well as deeper implications therein. This time may take the form of 1) mathematical review at any level, 2) a historical perspective of mathematics, 3) broad considerations of the mathematics introduced/reviewed, or 4) any student directed/oriented focus as needed.
  6. 30 min - Discussion/Recitation: The final portion of each class meeting is loosely designed to buffer for delays due to class participation or other events. This class time may be used as a student-led, overarching discussion of the lecture, our course, some of our personal experiences with STEM in our everyday lives, deeper questions, and student-instructor feedback. In some cases, students may wish to forgo this discussion to allow for an instructor-led recitation of the topic’s assignments.

Lecture Topics (in tentative ordering):

Lecture 01 - Course Introduction / Introduction to Science:

  • ~1 hour - Course introduction by APAEP
  • 10 min - Meet your instructor
  • 15 min - Course syllabus & expectations
  • 45 min - Lecture 01 - Introduction to Science
  • 15 min - How does math fit into all of this?
  • 5 min - Assignment 01 - Introduction to Science

Lecture 02 - The Scientific Method and Measurement

Lecture 03 - Physics: Forces, Motion, Inertia, and Problem Solving

Lecture 04 - Physics: Newtons Laws

Lecture 05 - Physics: Momentum, Heat & Energy

Lecture 06 - Physics: Electricity, Magnetism & Waves

Lecture 07 - Chemistry: The Atom

Lecture 08 - Chemistry: Investigating & Organizing Matter

Lecture 09 - Chemistry: Chemical Bonds

Lecture 10 - Chemistry: Chemical Reactions & Organic Chemistry

Lecture 11 - Biology: The Cell, Genetics, Evolution & Diversity

Lecture 12 - Biology: Human Biology, Ecosystems & Environment

Lecture 13 - Earth Science: Plate Tectonics, Rocks & Minerals, Earth’s Surface, Weather

Lecture 14 - Astronomy: The Solar System & The Universe

Lecture 15 - Computer Science & Engineering Overview