Course Description
This course facilitates a partnership between area public schools and the University of Georgia. Students enrolled in this course will spend significant time in a local elementary school assisting a classroom teacher in science instruction.
Additional Requirements for Graduate Students:
Graduate credit will require students to complete a separate,
additional project specific to the service learning context of
the class. The project will be determined by the student and
instructor consistent with needs of the service learning
community partner and the interests of the graduate student and
faculty. The project will require a higher level of mastery of
concepts in the class and will be graded at a higher standard
appropriate for graduate students. Additional readings will also
be required.
Athena Title
FOCUS Service Learning Exper
Non-Traditional Format
Course includes a service-learning project during the semester that either employs skills or knowledge learned in the course or teaches new skills or knowledge related to course objectives. The course uses service-learning as the primary pedagogical tool for teaching course objectives. Students will work on a comprehensive project(s) and may be required to spend considerable time outside the classroom. Students will be engaged in the service-learning component for approximately 75- 100% of overall instructional time.
Semester Course Offered
Offered fall, spring and summer
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
The course goals are as follows: •Improve the science experiences and science content knowledge of elementary students in the UGA area through relevant and hands-on science instruction •Increase awareness among elementary students about career opportunities related to the sciences •Provide experiences for students and teachers to bring about more positive attitudes about science •Improve the content knowledge and confidence of local elementary teachers and foster sustained, positive changes in how they approach science •Develop a sense of community involvement for UGA students that will continue after graduation •Enhance the communication and leadership skills of UGA students
Topical Outline
Orientation Classroom Management Teaching with Technology Natural History Museum Resources Misconceptions of Teaching Elementary Children Insects in the Classroom Reaching Students with Special Needs Multicultural/ELL Education Outdoor Education Multiple Intelligences Grade Level Appropriateness Best Lesson Presentations
Syllabus