Science Methods and Curriculum Development
Kandi Wojtysiak, Education Department, Rio Salado College
This course is required of students who are completing the teacher certification program. Methods and rationale of teaching science are introdcuded and explained. Students must then put theory into practice by writing a mini-unit with a minimum of four lesson plans. Then they must teach two of their lessons. These lessons are uploaded into Task Stream, a education lesson plan tool.
Overview and practical application of teaching elementary science. Covers teaching strategies, learning environments, teaching resources, and use of technology. Emphasis on State Board of Education Professional Teaching Standards. Approved school-based practicum required.
Official Course Prerequisites: Students must be in the leve two course of the teacher preparation program.
Baccalaureate Degree and formal admission to a post-baccalaureate early childhood teacher preparation program.
Students are taught best practices in teaching science. Different strands in science are explained as well as the need to teach all topics in science. The value of labs, hands-on activities and integration are reinforced.
Students will gain the confidence to teach science effectively to their future classes. They will be aware of the variety of resources available and be competent integrating science in other curricular areas.
The course is assessed in four ways. Lesson assignments where students reflect on readings account for 15% of grade. The midterm and final exam, comprised of multiple choice and essay, are 55% of the grade. The lesson plans including the mini unit are 25% of the grade and the in-person teaching is worth 5% of the final grade.
References and Notes:
Science K-8: An Integrated Approach, Edward Victor, Richard D. Kellough, and Robert H. Tai