INTRODUCTION
I specialize in biology education and Big History research, alternating my time between the classroom and various natural history museums and science centers as a Professor of Biological Sciences and Science Education at California State University, Los Angeles. I work at the intersection of science and science communication to make science more meaningful and exciting for my students and the public. I develop pedagogical strategies and curricula for educators and for scientists, largely inspired by the work of Thomas Berry, Brian Swimme, Mary Evelyn Tucker, John Grimm, David Christian, and Fred Spier.
Using examples from Big History and the Journey of the Universe projects, popular films, science fiction, documentaries, the nature and history of science, and data from scientific research, our lab develops curricula for non-science and science majors. Our research lab also explores the role of informal science education centers along with natural history collections in the telling of the universe story and our place within it.
TEACHING INTERESTS
My teaching interests include BIOL 1200: Principles of Biology II; BIOL 1010: General Biology; BIOL 4200: Global Change; BIOL 4540: Biology Pedagogy: Teaching Science Effectively; BIOL 4540: Entomology; and BIOL 1030: Life Science.
RESEARCH
Key research questions our lab explores include: what is this work we call biology? What are the major milestones in biological discovery that expanded our knowledge of life on Earth? What role, if any, should the grand narrative of the formation of the universe and complexity play in biology education? What does it mean to be human?
My research focuses on:
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Key elements of scientific literacy (in particular, biology education).
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Evidence-based instructional practices in postsecondary STEM education.
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Professional development of faculty, graduate students and museum professionals.
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Key elements in the history and nature of science.
PUBLICATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS
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Richardson, D.* and Narguizian, P. 2012. Incorporating captive animal behavior into the conservation of threatened species, Hippocampus ingens. International Journal of Applied Science and Technology, Aug, 2(7):17-23 |
2012 |
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Narguizian, P. 2012. Evolution education and the nature of science: Strategies for the classroom. International Journal of Humanities and Social Science, Jun, 2(12): 1-4 |
2012 |
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Narguizian, P. and Desharnais, R. 2012. Virtual courseware: Web-based simulations for promoting inquiry-based teaching and learning. California Classroom Science, Jan, 24(5): http://www.classroomscience.org/virtual-courseware-web-based-simulations-for-promoting-inquiry-based-teaching-and-learning |
2012 |
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Narguizian, P. 2008. Biology, chemistry, medicine, and nature study. In D. Crook and G. McCulloch (Editors), The Routledge International Encyclopedia of Education, Routledge Taylor & Francis Group Publishers, London, England. |
2008 |
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND
Ed.D. Science Education 2002
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University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA
M.S. Entomology 2016
- University of Nebraska, Lincoln,
Lincoln, NE
M.S. Biology 1998
- California State University, Northridge
Northridge, CA
B.A. Biology 1994
- California State University, Northridge
Northridge, CA
Faculty Website: /faculty/dr-paul-narguizian