Exploring Ovulation & Pregnancy Using Over-the-Counter Products: A Novel Guided Inquiry

Abstract

In this guided inquiry, students explore the complex hormonal regulation of the female reproductive cycle using inexpensive ovulation and pregnancy detection kits that are readily available over the counter. This hands-on activity engages students in the practice of doing science as highlighted by the National Science Education Standards. Reproductive physiology and human development are common topics in biology courses at many levels. Discussions of the hormonal regulation of the female reproductive cycle and the early stages of human development are included in the curricula and textbooks of high school biology courses, anatomy and physiology courses, and introductory biology courses for majors and nonmajors in both 2-year and 4-year colleges. In a survey of high school biology teachers, Finley et al. (1982) identified the hormonal control of reproduction as among the 10 most difficult topics to teach in biology. In a more recent survey, çimer (2012) concluded that the endocrine system and hormones were among the five topics that students find the most difficult to learn. Our own experience teaching introductory college biology courses for majors and nonmajors confirms that this complicated topic is challenging for students.

Kelayakan Teoritis Lembar Kegiatan Peserta Didik (LKPD) Berbasis Model Inkuiri Terbimbing Materi Sistem Reproduksi Manusia untuk Melatihkan Kemampuan Berpikir Kritis

“…Model pembelajaran inkuiri terbimbing memberikan fasilitas kepada peserta didik untuk melakukan aktivitas ilmiah melalui pertanyaan-pertanyaan yang mengarahkan pada kegiatan diskusi, sehingga permasalahan dan pemecahan masalah dibimbing oleh guru untuk memperoleh pemahaman konsep pelajaran (Putra, 2013). Pertanyaan terbimbing yang diberikan digunakan sebagai pendekatan untuk mengajarkan topik yang sulit sehingga peserta didik dapat terlibat dalam pembelajaran praktik sains yang bermakna (Jennifer, 2014). Guru memberikan permasalahan yang kontekstual kepada peserta didik berupa bacaan artikel berita, pertanyaan, dan data hasil penelitian yang mendukung.…”