Course Description
Science teaching methods using classroom, laboratory, and field experiences. Development of a range of strategies appropriate for use with middle grades students. Special attention to examples and problems drawn from the physical sciences.
Additional Requirements for Graduate Students:
Graduate students are required to complete an additional applied
project, culminating in a presentation to the class, choosing
from a selection of trade books, intended for an adult audience
and about current topics in Physical Science, and developing a
middle grades lesson around the subject matter keyed to
appropriate grade-level objectives.
Athena Title
Science Teaching Middle Grades
Prerequisite
Permission of department
Semester Course Offered
Offered spring
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
By the end of this course, you should be able to: • present and defend your beliefs about middle school science teaching and learning; • determine ways of promoting “science for all” in your classroom; • recognize characteristics of teaching science as inquiry; • conduct a scientific investigation; • ask questions to elicit students’ ideas about science concepts; • use teaching strategies that encourage students’ interest and learning in science; • plan a unit of science instruction based on a model conceptual change teaching; • plan a unit of science instruction that integrates at least one other subject area; • critically reflect on your own and others’ teaching, noting areas of strength as well as needed improvement.
Topical Outline
Course Topics • Nature of science and science knowledge • Diversity in the science classroom • Criteria for science as inquiry • Teacher and student questions about science • Integrated 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