Science content selection and organization, lesson and unit
planning, science teaching and assessment materials, and the
sociocultural construction of science knowledge by learners in
grades preK-8.
Athena Title
Science for PreK-8th Grade
Equivalent Courses
Not open to students with credit in ESCI 6420E
Semester Course Offered
Offered summer semester every year. Offered spring
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, the learner should be able to present and defend her/his beliefs about science teaching and learning in grades PreK-8.
By the end of this course, the learner should be able to identify elements of equitable instruction in the classroom.
By the end of this course, the learner should be able to recognize characteristics of teaching science as inquiry.
By the end of this course, the learner should be able to conduct a scientific investigation.
By the end of this course, the learner should be able to demonstrate proficiency in the process skills common to PreK-8 science.
By the end of this course, the learner should be able to evaluate alternative strategies for managing instructional space, time, and materials.
By the end of this course, the learner should be able to ask questions to elicit students' ideas about science concepts.
By the end of this course, the learner should be able to use teaching strategies that encourage students' interest and learning in science.
By the end of this course, the learner should be able to critically reflect on his/her own and others' science teaching.
By the end of this course, the learner should be able to apply the necessary safety precautions when teaching science.
By the end of this course, the learner should be able to identify professional publications that provide information about instruction in PreK-8 science.
By the end of this course, the learner should be able to evaluate science curriculum materials.
Topical Outline
Nature and history of science and science knowledge
The history and future of PreK-8 science education
Diversity in the classroom
Pedagogical content knowledge
Criteria for science as inquiry
Teacher and student questions about science
Science process skills
Children's ideas and explanations in science/alternative conceptions
