HC 208 The Science Behind Learning Math and Science
Instructor: Barbara Oakley
Course Time: TR 1:00-2:15
General Education: Natural Science
Term: Fall 2013
DESCRIPTION:
This course will introduce the workings of the brain and then focus on new theories that help us understand how we learn math, science, and other topics. By following world-champion chess masters, students will see that the two different hemispheres of the brain offer unique insights and perspectives on the world that underpin our ability to learn and be creative. Students don’t need to know about—or even like—math, science, or chess to enjoy and benefit from the insights this course will provide.
TEXTS:
• Neuroscience: Exploring the Brain, Mark F. Bear, Barry W. Connors, Michael A. Paradiso, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; Third edition, 2006.
• The Human Brain Coloring Book, Marian C. Diamond, Arnold B. Scheibel, Collins Reference, 1985.
• Manuscript version of Creating a Mind for Math and Science, by Barbara Oakley, to be published by Penguin, 2014.