In this Microbrew I will present a discussion activity for student learning and assessment of the Core Concepts of Biology (Vision and Change in Undergraduate Biology, 2009). The activity facilitates both learning and assessment through a dynamic discussion based on articles of individual student choice that engages students with the core principles of biology: evolution, structure and function, information flow, energy and matter transformations, and systems, with addition of ethical considerations and provides opportunities for further discussion and extensions based on student understanding. The discussion activity can be adapted for instructor-led summative assessments and formative classroom interactions. The activity has consistently received positive feedback from students and has been an effective way to connect with students around their interests in biology and stimulate motivation for learning.
