From Science Student to Scientist

Science students are taught that science is a collection of facts and equations when in fact, science is a journey full of false starts, dead ends, and creative detours undertaken by scientists to uncover the truth of reality. A science student seeking to become a scientist must often regress back to a state of childlike wonder and curiosity to prepare for such a journey. We seek to spark this change with hundreds of Quick Takes and Inquiries into specifically chemistry and physics at the introductory level. Each question demands the student to strike out into the wilderness of knowledge---to think deeply, read and ask widely, and model extensively. Upon completion of this curriculum, students should be equipped with the knowledge and mindset to conceive of and execute independent scientific investigations of their own. We also hope that science teachers are inspired to incorporate our open-ended investigations into their own curricula.