ED 5410 - Science Methods

3 Credit(s)

As a result of this course, candidates will demonstrate their understanding of learning as a process that integrates all areas of development. Teachers encounter a wide range of students-those beginning school with previous exposure to high quality science experiences, those with learning challenges, and those whose innate curiosity about the world around them has yet to be tapped by effective science instruction. As a result, candidates learn to utilize a variety of instructional strategies. Candidates learn how to think like scientists and to help their students develop the same set of age-appropriate knowledge and skills. To this end, the course uses an inquiry-based perspective for teaching science. Science process skills are practiced and studied as a means of introducing students to science investigation. Teacher candidates explore the application of alternative learning theories to develop early childhood and elementary level hands-on, minds-on science unit plans. As part of this course, students participate in field experiences to apply these units. All students must have required clearances on file in the Office of Field Experiences and Certification. (Adapted from the Pennsylvania Dept. of Education’s Pre-K–4 Program Specific Guidelines, 2008.)