Utilizing Florida Harmful Algal Blooms and Experiential Learning Theory to reimagine a Photosynthesis and Respiration Module

Principles of Biology I lecture and lab are the first courses in a series designed to provide the foundation for the field of biology. The lecture course includes an indepth overview of the primary principles of cellular, molecular, and organismal biology and is taken by several STEM majors at Bethune-Cookman University. The laboratory course complements the lecture by providing "hands-on" laboratory experiments and activities that correlate with what is covered in the lecture. Some of the key issues faced, in regards to students' success within these courses, deal with a lack of engagement, retention, and application. To increase student success, the real-world metabolic problem of Florida Harmful Algal Blooms was utilized to develop students' transferable critical thinking skills of argumentation and reasoning. Experiential learning theory and two critical thinking frameworks provided the pedagogical approach to lessons beginning with a concrete experiences of guest lectures from HAB researchers and examining algal cells with digital microscopes, metacognitive reflections, abstract conceptualization from group discussions and current topic readings, and active experimentation developing a Biological Oxygen Demand experiment to test the causes of HABs. Results from these approaches demonstrate increases in student learning, critical thinking, and satisfaction.