Course Description
Science curriculum, instructional practices, and assessment techniques for elementary learners. Content selection and organization, lesson and unit planning, teaching and assessment materials.
Athena Title
Science for Elementary Ed
Prerequisite
Permission of department
Semester Course Offered
Offered fall and spring
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
By the end of this course, the student should be able to: 1. Present and defend her/his beliefs about elementary science teaching and learning 2. Determine ways of equitable instruction in the classroom 3. Recognize characteristics of teaching science as inquiry 4. Conduct a scientific investigation 5. Ask questions to elicit students ideas about science concepts 6. Use teaching strategies that encourage students' interest and learning in science 7. Plan a unit of science instruction that integrates science with at least one other subject area 8. Critically reflect on his/her own and others science teaching 9. Evaluate elementary science curriculum materials
Topical Outline
Nature of science and science knowledge Diversity in the classroom Criteria for science as inquiry Teacher and student questions about science Science process skills Children's ideas and explanations in science/alternative conceptions Assessing children's learning in science Approaches to teaching science Integrating science with other school subjects
Syllabus