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
Equivalent Courses
Not open to students with credit in ESCI 4440 or ESCI 6440
Non-Traditional Format
This course will be taught 95% or more online.
Prerequisite
Students must be enrolled in a professional program to register for this course
Semester Course Offered
Offered spring
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student learning Outcomes
- By the end of this course, students will be able to determine ways of promoting “science for all” in your classroom.
- By the end of this course, students will be able to recognize characteristics of teaching science as inquiry.
- By the end of this course, students will be able to conduct a scientific investigation.
- By the end of this course, students will be able to ask questions to elicit students’ ideas about science concepts.
- By the end of this course, students will be able to use teaching strategies that encourage students’ interest and learning in science.
- By the end of this course, students will be able to plan a unit of science instruction based on a model conceptual change teaching.
- By the end of this course, students will be able to plan a unit of science instruction that integrates at least one other subject area.
- By the end of this course, students will be able to critically reflect on your own and others’ teaching, noting areas of strength as well as needed improvement.
Topical Outline
- • 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
