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The use of GAI to create study guides to supplement student learning in science lecture courses

Claudette Davis

Natural Sciences

Opening Sessions

September 4, 2024

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Overview

  • Class to implement AI activity

  • SCB201 – General Biology, I
    • Chemistry, cell structure and function, cellular respiration, cell cycle, genetics, evolution, speciation

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What will be done

Students will create their study guides using GAI tools

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Implementation Plan

  • CD: Use GAI to create study guides for non-biology majors and post on Blackboard
    • The idea:
      • Students read the pre-lecture notes before class
  • CD: Use GAI to create application questions to be used as in-class activity

  • Students: Use GAI to create study guides for biology majors
    • Upload to Blackboard
  • Students: Use GAI to create study guides for biology majors and include Bloom’s taxonomy

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Example of GAI Study Guide Summaries Using ChatGPT

Prompt: create a study guide on atoms for biology majors

Understanding atoms is crucial for biology majors as it forms the foundation for comprehending biochemical processes and molecular biology. This study guide will help you grasp the essential concepts of atomic structure and behavior, linking them to biological applications.

Prompt: Create a study guide on atoms for non-biology majors

Atoms are the basic units of matter and the foundation of chemistry. This study guide will introduce you to the essential concepts of atomic structure and behavior in a straightforward and approachable manner, perfect for non-biology majors.

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Example of GAI Study Guide with Bloom’s Taxonomy Using ChatGPT

https://www.valamis.com/hub/blooms-taxonomy#revised

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Example of GAI Study Guide with Bloom’s Taxonomy Using ChatGPT

Prompt: create a study guide on atoms for biology majors using Bloom’s Taxonomy

Remembering (Knowledge)

  • Definition of an Atom: Learn that an atom is the smallest unit of matter that retains the identity of the substance.
  • Components of an Atom: Memorize the three main subatomic particles (protons, neutrons, electrons) and their respective charges.
  • Atomic Structure: Recall the basic structure of an atom, including the nucleus and electron cloud.
  • Key Terms: Atom, element, proton, neutron, electron, atomic number, mass number, isotope.

Activities:

  • Flashcards with key terms and definitions.
  • Label a diagram of an atom.

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Example of GAI Study Guide with Bloom’s Taxonomy Using ChatGPT

Prompt: create a study guide on atoms for biology majors using Bloom’s Taxonomy

Understanding (Comprehension)

  • Function of Subatomic Particles: Explain the role of protons, neutrons, and electrons in an atom.
  • Atomic Number and Mass Number: Understand the difference between atomic number (number of protons) and mass number (sum of protons and neutrons).
  • Isotopes: Describe what isotopes are and how they differ from each other.

Activities:

  • Summarize the differences between atomic number and mass number.
  • Create a comparison chart for isotopes of a common element (e.g., Carbon-12, Carbon-14).

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Case Study on Cellular Respiration

Subject: A 25-year-old male athlete, Jake, who regularly engages in high-intensity interval training (HIIT). During one of his training sessions, Jake engages in a series of sprint intervals, pushing his muscles to their limit. The goal is to examine how his muscle cells produce ATP to meet the high energy demands. As Jake continues to sprint, his breathing rate increases to supply more oxygen to his muscles. The increased oxygen availability allows the citric acid cycle and oxidative phosphorylation to operate efficiently, maximizing ATP production. Jake’s regular HIIT workouts have enhanced his muscle cells’ ability to efficiently switch between anaerobic and aerobic respiration. His mitochondria have likely increased in number and efficiency, improving his overall endurance and recovery rate.

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Case Study on Cellular Respiration

Discussion Questions:

  1. How does regular training influence the efficiency of cellular respiration in muscle cells?
  2. What are the long-term effects of repeated high-intensity exercise on mitochondrial function?
  3. How might dietary interventions support cellular respiration during intense physical activity?

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Assessment

Use Blackboard’s reporting feature to determine the number of interactions with the guides I uploaded

Track the students who submitted their study guides:

Biology for majors

Biology for majors with Bloom’s Taxonomy

Design quiz and exam questions using Bloom’s Taxonomy and compare quiz performance with interactions (non-biology majors) and study guide (biology majors and biology majors with Bloom’s Taxonomy) submissions