Teaching Secondary Science II

Catalog description

SCIED 412 is the second of two sequenced methods courses for preservice science teachers who are pursuing certification to teach in grades 7-12. In SCIED 412 , prospective science teachers learn to effectively plan, deliver, and assess science instruction. The course emphasizes contemporary theory and practice associated with science education in public school classroom settings. As in SCIED 411W , emphasis is placed on developing professional science teachers; this includes promoting development of the knowledge, skills, and dispositions that lead to reflective practice, collaborative action, and lifelong inquiry into teaching and learning. Students will develop an understanding of science learning theories and the approaches that diverse learners take to construct knowledge; develop competence in the use of science content and inquiry processes and materials for planning instruction relevant to learners' needs; develop skills in instructional, communicative, managerial, and evaluative strategies; and will demonstrate facility in selecting and integrating appropriate technological tools into instruction. Throughout the course, special attention is given to identifying and addressing the needs of diverse learners, including English Language Learners and students with special needs. Students also develop familiarity with state and national curriculum standards that guide science, technology, and engineering education; they also demonstrate the ability to plan and deliver lessons that address those standards. SCIED 412 is scheduled concurrently with a supervised field experience in a middle or secondary school, where students have the opportunity to apply and evaluate their developing instructional skills.