Teaching Science in the Middle School – EDUC 635

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

Course Description

Contemporary methods and research for teaching science to middle school students.

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

Rationale

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

Course Assignment

Textbook readings and lecture presentations/notes

Course Requirements Checklist

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

Discussions (4)

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the candidate will complete four Discussions in this course. The response to the discussion question posed must contain at least 400 words and have at least one scholarly source and Scripture as references. Candidates must reply with at least 200 words each to three classmates’ threads. (CLO: A, B D, E)

Science Article Review Assignment

The candidate will complete a science article review to become acquainted with teacher-oriented literature related to assessment in science education. The candidate will prepare a 2-3-page typed report for the article review including a summary of the main points and a reflection of how one might use this information as a science educator. The review must include a title page and references page and must be in current APA format. (CLO: A, D, E)

Science Experiment Project Assignments (2)

The candidate will conduct a science experiment in two steps throughout this course:

Science Experiment Project: Proposal Assignment

The candidate will complete the first few steps of the Science Experiment including the problem/question, science concept content review, variables, prediction/hypothesis, materials and plan/procedure. Although there is not a minimum length requirement for this assignment, all areas must be thoroughly addressed. (CLO: A, C)

Science Experiment Project: Final Assignment

The candidate will complete the experiment by submitting data collection, data analysis, and inference/conclusion in addition to the Science Experiment: Proposal. This assignment will total 5-7 pages.  (CLO: A, C)

Vocabulary Notebook Assignment

The candidate will use a provided template to compile a notebook of at least 10 unfamiliar science vocabulary words identified in the course. The template will include the definition of the word in a sentence, an illustration and example of the word, along with a description of how a teacher would use this concept in science class. At least five different sources must be used as support. (CLO: A, D)

Integrated Lesson Plan Assignments (2)

The candidate will prepare an extensive, two-part integrated lesson plan for a science unit. The lesson plan will be based on the 5 E’s Learning Cycle and composed using the Integrated Lesson Plan Template. (CLO: A, B, C, D)

Integrated Lesson Plan: Vital Information and Implementation Assignment

Using a provided template, the candidate will prepare the fundamental information of the Integrated Lesson Plan as well as analyze and organize its concepts and instructional methods.

Integrated Lesson Plan: Student Supports, Materials, and Resources Assignment

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 support method(s) and references.