Teaching Science in the Elementary School – EDUC 634

CG • Section 8WK • 11/08/2019 to 04/16/2020 • Modified 09/05/2023

Course Description

Contemporary methods and research for teaching science to elementary-aged students.

For information regarding prerequisites for this course, please refer to the Academic Course Catalog.

Rationale

This course is designed to help elementary grade teachers improve the skills necessary to effectively teach science in a God-centered manner.

Course Assignment

Textbook readings, journal articles, and presentations

Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Syllabus and Student Expectations, the candidate will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.

Discussions (4)

The candidate will complete 4 Discussions throughout the course. The candidate will create a thread of at least 400 words in response to the provided prompt. In addition, the candidate will provide 3 replies of at least 200 words each. (CLO: A, D, E)

Science Article Reviews (2)

The candidate will complete two Science Article Review papers throughout this course. The candidate must choose two different journals relating to education and prepare a review in current APA format. (CLO: D).

Science Experiment

The candidate will conduct a science experiment in 2 steps throughout this course: (CLO: C)

Science Experiment Project: Proposal

The candidate will complete the first few steps of the Science Experiment including the problem/question, prior knowledge/research, prediction/hypothesis, variables, and plan/procedure. (CLO: C)

Science Experiment Project: Final

The candidate will complete the experiment by submitting data collection, data analysis, and inference/conclusion in addition to the completed Science Experiment Proposal. The complete Science Experiment will be a total of 5–7 pages and must include a title page and a reference page. (CLO: C).

Vocabulary Notebook

The candidate will complete a vocabulary notebook. The candidate will use the Word template provided to compile a notebook of vocabulary words related to science instruction. (CLO: F)

Integrated Lesson Plan

Based on the 5 E's Learning Cycle, the candidate will create an extensive and complete integrated lesson plan that can be part of a science unit. (CLO: B)

Integrated Lesson Plan: Vital Information and Implementation

Using a provided template, the student will prepare the fundamental information of the Integrated Lesson Plan as well as analyze and organize its concepts and formative assessment methods. (CLO: B)

Integrated Lesson Plan: Materials, Resources, and Summative Assessment

Building on the Integrated Lesson Plan: Vital Information and Implementation assignment, the candidate will outline what materials and resources will be used in the Integrated Lesson Plan as well as the method(s) of summative assessment. An actual copy of the summative assessment and the applicable grading rubric must be designed and provided. (CLO: B)