Science curiosity (SC) a content-specific type of curiosity characterized by the tendency to seek out and engage with science information, has demonstrated an offsetting effect in polarized reasoning and is associated with purposeful science learning in adults and children (Kahan et al., 2017; Kang & Kim, 2024). This session, drawing from an ongoing project assessing the psychometric validity of SC, will discuss how SC and related curiosity constructs foster effortful engagement and critical thinking in educational environments, as well as how to promote these traits in the classroom.

As generative AI reshapes higher education and political polarization has led to distrust in science, promoting critical thinking and deliberative judgement has become vitally important in SOTL research. SC serves as an important variable in maintaining intellectual integrity, a critical human factor in educational environments. This session will offer methods of promoting SC and similar constructs, providing specific techniques for attendees.

Presenters

• Brooke Simila bms2421@jagmail.southalabama.edu, University of South Alabama
• Laura Powell lpowell@southalabama.edu, University of South Alabama