Teaching Secondary Science

Catalog description

Study of the objectives, content, methods, and evaluation procedures of science. This course is designed to prepare students with the knowledge and methods necessary to teach secondary science in authentic integrative contexts. Teaching science with integrative concepts requires educators to be proficient in integrating various technologies and highlighting interdisciplinary connections to other disciplines such as engineering (the national and state standards for science call for science educators to teach both science and engineering concepts). Science pedagogies, strategies, approaches, content knowledge, and practices needed to teach with a focus on building students' problem-solving skills and understanding will be highlighted. Research-based learning theories and their role in science classrooms/labs are discussed and sample teaching strategies are safely modeled. Discussions are also based on prior and/or current field experiences and case study analyses. State and national science, technology, and engineering standards emphasized and demonstrated throughout the course. Long- and short- range planning of teaching units and lesson plans address disciplinary core content, practices, assessment, technological integration, historical connections and current trends in science and engineering education disciplines, equity for all students, English learners, and adaptations or modifications for students with special needs. A problem-solving/constructivist approach to learning and assessment is emphasized. Students are engaged in cooperative learning experiences, using lab equipment/materials and technology such as spreadsheets, statistical simulation and analysis software, and probeware. They are assessed through both formative and summative evaluations, including the creation of an interdisciplinary secondary science unit plan. The content and processes of scientific inquire and engineering design emphasized throughout this course are presented with three principal goals in mind: (1) to inform students about current research related to teaching science and engineering, (2) to enhance students' pedagogical scientific and engineering knowledge and skills, and (3) to help students develop as competent secondary science teaching professionals.