| COURSE NUMBER: |
EDUC 321 |
| COURSE TITLE: |
Elementary Science Methods |
| NAME OF
INSTRUCTOR: |
Mark Yurick |
| CREDIT WEIGHT
AND WEEKLY TIME DISTRIBUTION: |
credits 1.5 (hrs lect 1.5 - hrs sem 0 - hrs lab 0) |
| COURSE
DESCRIPTION: |
This course explores foundational and methodological
issues in elementary science education as well as basic principles for
teaching elementary physical, biological, and earth science. Students
will examine science curriculum organization, key science concepts, and
instructional strategies. The goal is for students to develop a vision
for their science teaching, identify practices they wish to develop in
their science classroom, and provide an informed rationale for their
approach.
|
| REQUIRED TEXTS: |
- Gustafson, Pegg, and Shanahan. 2013. Science for Elementary School
Teachers: Concepts, Explanations, and Activities. 2013.
Edmonton. AB: Ripon.
- Moodle site:
https://moodle.kingsu.ca/login/index.php
|
| MARK
DISTRIBUTION IN PERCENT: |
|
| Reflection Paper - What is Science |
30% |
| Mapping the Program of Studies (Group Activity) |
30% |
| Inquiry Lesson (Plan and Reflection) |
40% |
|
100% |
|
| COURSE
OBJECTIVES: |
Class activities, discussions and assignments are
designed to prepare pre-service teachers to:
- Further their understanding of the nature of science
as a discipline and the world views represented in the Program of
Studies.
- Know what students are expected to know and be able
to do relative to the current K-6 Alberta Science Program of Study and
the draft K-4 document.
- Demonstrate effective teaching and assessment
practices as they relate to science instruction.
|
| COURSE OUTLINE: |
- What is science? What are some of the ways we come to
know and explain our world?
- What are students in Alberta expected to learn in
science? What are the big ideas and significant concepts found in the
Elementary Science Program of Studies?
- What is elementary science
pedagogy?
- What does it look like when students “do science”?
- Assessment for and of student learning in science.
- What resources are available in the community to help
me teach science?
|
THE KING'S UNIVERSITY