Sherry Savrda

Professor

Seminole State College of Florida (retired)

Physical Sciences

Pedagogical Methods Used

Collaborative problem-solving

Life Sciences Focus

My course is not a physics for life sciences course, despite the fact that most of the students are hoping for careers in life sciences. I do not focus on life science, but try to integrate as many examples and activities that are life-science-related as I can.

Education Research and Pedagogy Expertise

My doctoral work was in problem solving. I have worked extensively with computer-based laboratories and teach most of my classes in studio format.

Describe the courses that you teach for life sciences students

My life sciences students are primarily in the General Physics (alg/trig-based) sequence. This is taught in studio format, with a large portion of class time used for group activities.

What is your approach to teaching physics for life science students?

Because the course is a General Physics course, there are students other than life science students in my course. Currently, because of a lack of resources, I'm able to only integrate short activities and examples into the course that highlight life-science applications. I am looking for authentic (or authentic-like) activities that can be done with community college resources, to more fully integrate life science applications into the course. I feel that this would make the course more relevant and interesting to all students, not just the life science students.