PHSC 510
SCIENCE FOR THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TEACHER
Catalog Entry
PHSC 510. Science for the Elementary School Teacher
Two hours lecture; three hours laboratory (3:3).
Nature of science, curricula and structure of elementary science programs. Activities include utilization of curriculum materials, observation and teaching.
Detailed Description of Content of Course
1. Elementary School Science - An Historic Overview
a. Historical Development of Elementary Science Teaching
b. Federally Funded Elementary School Science Programs of the Sixties and Seventies
1) Science - A Process Approach (SAPA)
2) The Science Curriculum Improvement Study (SCIS)
3) The Elementary Science Study (ESS)
4) Conceptually Oriented Program in Elementary Science (COPES)
c. Science Education in the Twenty-first Century
1) Elementary Science Curricula for the Twenty-first Century
2) Science and Technology for Children (STC)
3) Activities that Integrate Mathematics and Science (AIMS)
4) Project 2061
5) Thematic Patterns of Elementary School Science Instruction
6) Insights
7) Unified Science and Mathematics in the Elementary School
8) Some Activities for Visually Impaired/Science Enrichment for Learners with Physical Handicaps (SAVI/SELPH)
9) Full Option Science Systems (FOSS)
2. Learning Theories
a. Jean Piaget
b. Jerome Bruner
c. Lev Vygotsky
d. Lawrence Kohlberg
e. Seymour Papert
f. Recent Research
3. Basic Science Processes (with activities)
a. Observing
b. Communicating
c. Classifying
d. Measuring
e. Relating Objects in Space and Time
4. Advanced Science Processes (with activities)
a. Predicting
b. Inferring
c. Controlling Variables
d. Defining Operationally
e. Experimenting
5. Levels of Cognitive Instruction
a. Confirmation/verification
b. Structured
c. Guided Inquiry
d. Open Inquiry
6. Individual and Class Projects
a. Individual Projects
b. Class Projects
c. Teaching at Autonomy Level III
7. Integrating Science with Other Subjects
a. Rationale for Integration
b. Science and Social Studies
c. Science and Reading
d. Science and Writing
e. Science and Mathematics
f. Integrating Science with the Expressive Arts
8. Questioning and Listening
a. Purposes of Q/L Strategies
b. Higher Level Thinking and Q/L Strategies
c. Developing Problem-Solving Skills with Q/L Strategies
d. Using Q/L Strategies for Better Student-Centered Discussions
e. Improving Guided Discovery Discussions
9. Assessment
a. Assessment - A Continuous Process
b. Assessment in the Cognitive Domain
c. Assessment in the Affective Domain
d. Assessment in the Psychomotor Domain
e. Assessment in the Imagining/Creating and Using/Applying Domains
10. Integrating Science Across the Curriculum
a. Integration of Science and Other Subjects Around STS Themes
b. How Are Minds-on/Hands-on Science and Reading Similar?
c. A Natural Combination - Science and Reading
d. Using Textbooks in Minds-on/Hands-on Science
e. Using Non-textbook Science Reading Materials
f. Science and Social Studies
g. Science and Art Experiences
h. Science and Physical Activities
i. Science and Music
j. Science, Health, Physiology, and Nutrition
k. Science and Mathematics
Detailed Description of Conduct of Course
Students will work individually, in pairs, small groups, and large groups as appropriate. Laboratory activities will be selected from curriculum materials cited in B.1.b. and B.1.c. to illustrate topics cited in B.2-10.
Goals and Objectives of Course
1. Students will have the ability to relate science instruction to the cognitive and affective development of children.
2. Students will have the ability to understand and implement inquiry techniques.
3. Students will have the ability to implement didactic teaching techniques in his/her teaching.
4. Students will have the ability to plan instruction to include both the process and the content of science.
5. Students will have the ability to adapt his/her science program to individualize instruction for both normal and exceptional children in the classroom and to integrate science with reading, language arts, mathematics, and social studies.
6. Students will have the ability to know and understand some of the major concepts of science.
7. Students will have a knowledge of sources of elementary science programs, manipulatives, print, film, and graphic media, including computer applications for science education in the elementary school.
8. Students will have the ability to understand the problems confronting our society that result from applications of science to technology.
9. Students will have the ability to integrate the elementary curriculum.
Assessment Measures
Paper and pencil tests are used to ascertain concepts and selected processes. Direct observation and interaction with the students will be used when appropriate.
Other Course Information
In consultation with the instructor, those seeking graduate credit will research a topic and present the results to the class.
APPROVAL AND SUBSEQUENT REVIEWS
DATE ACTION REVIEWED BY
March 1999
