Case studies offer opportunities for us to show the “real world” of engineering and science in the classroom

Abstract Much of the teaching of science can seem unlinked to the application of the material to real world problems. This can make it much harder for some students to engage with the information in ways that help them to retain it and to see value in learning the material. The use of case studies is an approach I've incorporated to counteract this. The Case Studies in Science collection was originally established at SUNY-Buffalo and has since moved to the National Science Teachers Association website (nsta.org). I have used between 3 and 6 cases from this site in semester classes in biology, cancer biology, biochemistry, chemistry, human biology, and molecular genetics, from introductory to senior levels. Many in these classes have been engineering students. The cases I've used have a variety of ways to be delivered- from a clicker-like Powerpoint for a traditional lecture class, a trial using molecular data like DNA sequences, role plays about environmental options and a short play with characters like Hemo Globin and Myo Globin responding to a job to deliver oxygen to cells. When asked to respond to the case study done in class, students write short (1-2 page) reports responding to questions such as how they responded to the clicker-like case, whether or not they agreed with the judicial panel's decision (for the trial), what role they played in the environmental scenario, or by providing a resume for Hemo Globin or Myo Globin for the discussed job. A question on the final exam allowed the students to reflect on their favorite case and what they learned related to the course topic. The Case Studies in Science site is a great resource for case studies that can be easily incorporated into lecture, lab or discussion sections. There are case study examples for biology, chemistry, engineering, math and physics including significant teacher resources to support the instructor. The use of cases in a biochemistry class will be highlighted as well as the general resources available at the website for all types of engineering classes.