1. What’s an I3U?
The what, why, and how of inquiry-based, integrated instructional units
Susan Singer and Cathy Manduca

2. Unpacking I3Us
Inquiry-based – actively engages students in asking and answering questions
Integrated - flow of lab experience, lecture, discussion, and reading are designed to optimize learning
Instructional units – comprehensive package that can range from a short activity to course or larger-scale curricular effort.

3. Why I3Us ? Evidence-based curriculum development
I3Us follow the instructional design principles recommended in the NRC's "America's Lab Report" (National Academies Press, 2006)

4. Framework Definition of Laboratory Experience
Laboratory experiences provide opportunities for students to interact directly with the material world (or with data drawn from the material world), using the tools, data collection techniques, models, and theories of science.
Courtesy Greg May, NCGR

5. Goals of Laboratory Experiences*
Mastery of subject matter.
Developing scientific reasoning.
Understanding the complexity and ambiguity of empirical work.
Developing practical skills.
Understanding of the nature of science.
Interest in science and science learning.
Developing teamwork abilities.
*Broader context for more specific genomics learning goals

6. Integrated instructional units are more effective than traditional labs in achieving these learning goals*:
Mastery of subject matter
Scientific reasoning
Understanding of nature of science
Interest in science
*Lack of evidence for other goals does
not indicate evidence of lack of effectiveness

7. Design Principles: The How of I3Us
Clear learning outcomes in mind.
Thoughtfully sequenced into the flow of classroom science instruction.
Integrate learning of science content with learning about the processes of science.
Incorporate ongoing student reflection and discussion.
The committee found the emerging evidence from research on integrated instructional units sufficient to identify these four design principles for laboratory instruction.

8. Courtesy of Jodi Schwarz
And Erica Crespi

9. Developing an I3U Begin with the end in mind
Start with a clear goal
Link goals and assessment
Follow the evidence-based design principles
Use the SERC template to guide your development work