SCE - Science Education

Encourages the active exploration of the question, "What is good science teaching?". Activities provide an open forum in which students construct their own ideas about effective science instruction so those ideas inform their developing science teaching styles. Aims to increase student comfort, confidence, and competence in using effective science teaching methods by relating the nature of science to the way kids develop an understanding of the science of nature, introducing practical, applicable models of best practice techniques and providing opportunities to experiment with those techniques in risk-free setting. Personally meaningful constructs of good science teaching will emerge. Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Elementary Education Program 3 quarter hours

Encourages the active exploration of the question, "What is good science teaching?" Activities provide an open forum in which students construct their own ideas about effective science instruction so those ideas inform their developing science teaching styles. Aims to increase student comfort, confidence, and competence in using effective science teaching methods by relating the nature of science to the way kids develop an understanding of the science of nature, introducing practical, applicable models of best practice techniques and, providing opportunities to experiment with those techniques in a risk-free setting. Personally meaningful constructs of good science teaching will emerge. Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Elementary Education MAT Program, ELE500, EPS511. 2 semester hours

"What is good science teaching?" Students in this course will explore a variety of resources from which they will construct their own answer to this question. The nature of science itself, the National Science Education Standards, and appropriate pedagogy for learners in the primary grades are the criteria students will use in evaluating resources, methodologies, and conceptual frameworks studied. In addition, this course will demonstrate and provide practice in using appropriate technology and methods of adaptation for special needs children. Prerequisite(s): Admission to National College of Education 2 quarter hours

This course will investigate exemplary science instruction for middle school. There is an in-depth focus on exemplary science instruction, fluency with middle level instructional content, and appropriate use of diverse instructional strategies. Students will increase content competence, resources and technological abilities through investigation of effective science teaching methods for middle school. They will use best practice middle level techniques for teaching science in an actual or simulated setting. They will also enrich understanding of critical science content and concepts. Personally meaningful constructs of middle level science teaching will emerge from the participant investigations. Prerequisite(s): none. 3 semester hours or 5 quarter hours

Study of science as a whole, emphasizing its history and philosophy. Includes scientific values, epistemological issues in science (e.g., sources of authority, nature of progress), historical exemplars illustrating relationships (e.g., between theory and inventions, between science and historical events), and effects of social norms on science. Also considers current local and global situations and ethical issues to develop perspective on the interaction of science, technology, and society. 3 semester hours

Study of curriculum and instruction related to the K-8 science curriculum. Includes program goals and objectives and teaching models and methods. Examines a variety of teaching materials and resources. Considers scope and sequence of content and problems involved in children's conceptual development in science. Includes needs of special children and problems of particular contexts, such as the urban school. Also involves assessing achievement and evaluating instruction. For certified teachers only. 2 semester hours

As science educators journey through their development as exemplary science education practitioners, it is important for them to investigate different models of instruction. This course is designed to develop the use of Physics First as an instructional strategy through use of the conceptual change model. The course will investigate the content of physics, and further develop the participant's instructional practice through conceptual change. Students will relate the use of Physics First, and the use of conceptual change, to their quest for best practice as an exemplary science educator. Prerequisite(s): None. 2-3 semester hours

Surveys content in earth science representative of the K-8 science curriculum using a laboratory-based approach. Although other instructional methodologies will be examined, this course will focus on using a STS (Science, Technology, and Society) format as an exemplary model for teaching and learning earth science. Topics include: physical geology and oceanography in the context of earth history, environmental issues, major organizing concepts and principles, recent discoveries and current knowledge in geology, oceanography, and all related fields of earth science. Prerequisite(s): None. 2-3 semester hours

Participants will examine content in the biological sciences representative of the K-8 science curriculum using a constructivist, laboratory-based approach, including the study of organisms and their anatomy, physiology, and genetics. Biology for Teachers will give special attention to new developments and discoveries in various fields, such as genetic engineering. Opportunities provided for in-depth investigation of a particular area. Prerequisite(s): None. 2-3 semester hours

Investigates the basic principles of chemistry considered in the context of everyday life using a laboratory-based approach. Although other instructional methodologies will be examined, this course will focus on using an inquiry approach as an exemplary model for teaching and learning chemistry. Topics include: chemistry of the air, land and water; green organic chemistry; chemistry of everyday products; environmental chemistry and possible solutions to chemical pollution. Prerequisite(s): Admission to National College of Education and admission to the program. 2-3 semester hours

Explores selected topics in astronomy and cosmology relevant to the K-8 science curriculum using a laboratory-based approach. Although other instructional methodologies will be examined, this course will focus on using a traditional lecture/lab format as an exemplary model for teaching and learning astronomy. Topics include: observation of the nighttime sky, study of constellations, applications of physics concepts, historical development of concepts and theories, recent discoveries and current notions about space-time, electromagnetic radiation, the structure of the universe, the development of stars and the solar system. Considers technology of and issues in space exploration. Prerequisite(s): SCE510 or permission of the instructor 2-3 semester hours

Professional development for teachers of science requires learning essential science content through the perspectives and methods of inquiry. This course facilitates the active investigation of critical science concepts by engaging teachers in collaborative inquiry using the resources of informal sites and museums. Through interactions with the laboratory environments established at these sites, students pose questions or personal and professional significance, interact with authentic phenomena, gather and interpret data, gain deeper understanding of scientific ideas through their own conceptual development process, reflect on the nature of scientific inquiry and its role in exemplary science teaching, and share their discoveries with colleagues. Prerequisite(s): none 2 semester hours

In this course students select one of the information sites available (Lincoln Park Zoo, Brookfield Zoo, the Field Museum, Chicago Botanic Gardens, Adler Planetarium or the Shedd Aquarium) and spend a minimum of 40 hours utilizing this site as a laboratory from which to learn science. Students will select a specific science discipline, ie: life, physical, or other, as the focus of their learning. Various hypotheses will be formulated and tested in cooperation with scientists and educators in residence at the informal site. Science as inquiry will be the thread that weaves the student's own science learning at the informal sites with the science content relevant to the elementary and middle school curriculum. 2 semester hours

1-4 semester hours

1-4 semester hours

Provides an opportunity to develop both scientific knowledge and instructional skills in novel community settings. Internships available in informal science education institutions, such as science/natural history museums, zoos, aquaria, planetaria, environmental education centers, etc., or in corporate and governmental research and development laboratories. Placement made in consultation with the faculty advisor in accordance with student's career goals and experience. Supervised experiences must be in approved programs. The internship is supervised by an approved on-site mentor and a faculty member from Science Education department. Arrangements made with faculty advisor two quarters before registering for internship credit. Prerequisites: SCE500: Science, Technology and Society, and consent of program coordinator. 5-7 semester hours

Course participants will join the Brookfield Zoo staff to explore ecosystems, analyze and discuss existing conservation programs and challenges, study cultural and historic information, and observe animal and plant life. The investigations will occur at the zoo and culminate in authentic field settings (such as Italy or Africa). Participation includes first-hand observation experiences in actual ecosystems, study of habitat, animals, climate, research projects and conservation programs, as pertinent to the selected country. Whenever possible, visits will be scheduled with on-site researchers, schools, zoos, and nature centers. The course requires participants to synthesize their learning into science curriculum. Prerequisite(s): None. Each distinct title may only be taken one time. Course may be repeated with different locations. 2-4 semester hours

Shedd Aquarium staff will instruct and lead course participants in exploration of a selected marine environment, conducting a scientific research project, participating in and practicing inquiry-based learning, and discussion of relevant conservation issues. Pre-trip coursework will lay the foundation for adequate content knowledge and scientific investigation skills utilizing Shedd's collection and other resources. Participants will observe the marine environment, investigate biological concepts/phenomena, in order to formulate instructional strategies for incorporating their research and experiences back into their K-8 classroom. Prerequisites: None. Each distinct title may only be taken one time. Course may be repeated with different locations. May not be taken for credit in addition to LAN420. 6 semester hours

Independent inquiry into a science topic can guide participants to a deeper understanding of science content and concept. This understanding can then be put to use in an educational setting, as science educators practice the instructional model of doing science as a scientist does. Through use of individualized investigative practices, science educators will more deeply examine content and instructional practices that facilitate understanding of essential science content. Through this course, the science educator is classroom implementation of science instruction. 1 to 3 semester hours Prerequisite(s): None