Course Description
Focuses on theoretical and practical aspects of teaching science in the elementary grades. Understandings of science teaching and learning will be applied to agricultural education in the elementary school curriculum.
Athena Title
Elem Science and Agriculture
Semester Course Offered
Offered fall
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
Students will be able to: • Examine elementary students’ conceptions of science and factors that influence science learning in the elementary grades • Analyze standards shaping recommendations for science teaching • Know how to design and implement instruction that supports science learning • Explore the intersection between science education and agriculture education, particularly ways in which agriculture serves as a context for understanding science concepts and how science serves as a foundation for understanding agricultural issues • Appreciate issues of equity and diversity in science and agriculture contexts and design ways to support all learners
Topical Outline
• Framework for science teaching and learning, and research supporting this framework • State and national standards framing science instruction • Designing and implementing reform-oriented science instruction and pedagogical strategies for supporting student learning • Intersection between science education and agricultural education • Using agriculture as a context to support science learning and using science as a context for approaching agricultural issues • Connections between environmental education and agricultural education; using environmental issues to support understanding of agricultural issues • Designing learning environments that support learners from diverse backgrounds; using agricultural education to foster diversity and equity in science • Assessing science learning