SCE - Science Education

This course is designed to provide active inquiry and exploration of scientific content for teacher candidates. The main topics in this course are aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards and will increase teacher candidates? knowledge and skills to participate in inquiry across the science domains (physical, earth , chemical, and life sciences) through a variety of hands-on scientific investigations. Course content focuses on science content, inquiry-based science pedagogy, and the integration of informal education resources and technology. Relevant connections between science content and teaching practices in the classroom will be explored and discussed. A course meets general education science content requirements for students in the Elementary Education MAT program. Pre-requisite(s): Previous coursework in General Biology or Physical Science. Co-requisite(s): None. 3 semester hours

This course encourages the active exploration of the question, "What is good science teaching?" The question, "What is good science teaching?" Candidates construct ideas about effective science instruction to inform their developing science teaching styles. These activities aim to increase student comfort, confidence, and competence in using effective science teaching methods by relating the nature of science to the way children 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. Pre-requisite(s): Admission to the M.A.T. program or consent of M.A.T. program director. Co-requisite(s): None. 2 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. Prerequisite(s): SCE 500: Science, Technology and Society, and consent of program coordinator. 5-7 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. Pre-requisite(s): None. 1-3 semester hours