STEM Educator | Chemistry & Scientific Literacy Advocate | Graduate Student Mentor
Contemporary Issues in Science
a new approach to science curriculum for non-majors
About CISC
Contemporary Issues in Science Courses (CISC)
The CISC series consists of two interdisciplinary, team-taught courses designed for non-science majors to explore fundamental scientific concepts and their societal impacts. These courses aim to enhance scientific literacy, critical thinking, and evidence-based reasoning among students.
Team-Taught Format: Faculty from different disciplines collaborate to present a broad, interdisciplinary perspective on scientific topics. Each lecture is led by an expert in a relevant field, ensuring content is both accurate and engaging.
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Lecture & Discussion Format: Classes incorporate a mix of lecture-based content, active learning exercises, and student discussions to encourage critical thinking. Guest lecturers provide real-world context for the topics covered in the courses.
Course Offerings & Resources
Check out the CISC websites and NSF Funded Resource Projects
Contemporary Issues in Science: Cosmos, Earth, & Humanity
Case Study Assignment
In small groups, students create case studies that are published as OER content.
Contemporary Issues in Science: The Environment
At the end of each course, students participate in an in-class debate, where they are assigned a specific perspective and must argue their position on a socioscientific issue.
NSF-funded stories illustrating scientific work, bias mitigation, knowledge development, and detection of misinformation.
Course Statistics
Course Coordinator
My name is Dr. Tamara Powers
I am an Instructional Associate Professor at Texas A&M University, dedicated to transforming science education for non-majors. My vision is to cultivate scientifically literate Aggies, regardless of their field of study.
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I lead efforts to innovate the science curriculum by collaborating with faculty to develop interdisciplinary courses that bridge science and the liberal arts. These courses emphasize critical thinking, evidence-based reasoning, and the ability to analyze complex socio-scientific issues. My goal is to empower students to become informed, engaged citizens who can confidently navigate scientific topics that impact their health, society, and the world around them.