Teaching Science in the Elementary School

Course Details

Course Number: EDUC 4102  Section Number: 101

Fall 2011

Location: Ferguson Hall

Classroom Number: Cunningham Elementary

Days & Times:

Classroom:  Cunningham Elementary

Day/Time: M – W 8:00 a.m. – 2:20  p.m.

Course Attachments

Syllabus  EDUC410242024302SyllabusFall2011.doc

Textbooks
MSU Faculty Member
Dr. Margaret Hammer   
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Course Objectives

Science

Students in this course will meet the following objectives, which are supported by NCATE guidelines and the National Science Teachers Associations competencies. The preservice teacher will:

1.      Become familiar with local, state, and nationally developed standards and tools that describe and enhance the teaching of science.

2.      Establish practical methods of managing science instruction.

3.      Experience and develop hands-on/minds-on science lessons.

4.      Become familiar with basic laboratory and instructional materials, equipment, and technology used in life, earth, and physical sciences and know how to use these resources effectively and appropriately.

5.      Understand safety issues and procedures related to classroom science materials, equipment, and activities.

6.      Understand process skills used to gather and organize data in science and apply this knowledge to explore and describe objects, organisms, and events in the environment.

7.      Use technology to locate science-teaching resources, communicate ideas, and enhance student learning.


Grading Standards

Science Assignments

Points

Scope & Sequence Document

150

Science Unit

150

Quiz 1 (from assigned readings)

50

Quiz 2              ”

50

Final

50

Science Lesson Plan for field experience

50

Field Day Reflections

100

In class labs (Present & Actively participated displaying a good disposition)

400

Total

1000

           

 

Grades

900-1000         A                     600 -699          D

800 -899          B                     599or less        F

700 -799          C


Submission Format PolicyNote: You may not submit a paper for a grade in this class that already has been (or will be) submitted for a grade in another course, unless you obtain the explicit written permission of me and the other instructor involved in advance.

Late Paper Policy

Assignments need to be turned in on the due date. If for some reason you are unable to bring in an assignment on the scheduled due date, please email it or have a friend bring it in. Ten percent will be deducted each class period it is late.


Plagiarism Policy Plagiarism is the use of someone else's thoughts, words, ideas, or lines of argument in your own work without appropriate documentation (a parenthetical citation at the end and a listing in "Works Cited")-whether you use that material in a quote, paraphrase, or summary. It is a theft of intellectual property and will not be tolerated, whether intentional or not.

Student Honor Creed

As an MSU Student, I pledge not to lie, cheat, steal, or help anyone else do so."

As students at MSU, we recognize that any great society must be composed of empowered, responsible citizens. We also recognize universities play an important role in helping mold these responsible citizens. We believe students themselves play an important part in developing responsible citizenship by maintaining a community where integrity and honorable character are the norm, not the exception. Thus, We, the Students of Midwestern State University, resolve to uphold the honor of the University by affirming our commitment to complete academic honesty. We resolve not only to be honest but also to hold our peers accountable for complete honesty in all university matters. We consider it dishonest to ask for, give, or receive help in examinations or quizzes, to use any unauthorized material in examinations, or to present, as one's own, work or ideas which are not entirely one's own. We recognize that any instructor has the right to expect that all student work is honest, original work. We accept and acknowledge that responsibility for lying, cheating, stealing, plagiarism, and other forms of academic dishonesty fundamentally rests within each individual student. We expect of ourselves academic integrity, personal professionalism, and ethical character. We appreciate steps taken by University officials to protect the honor of the University against any who would disgrace the MSU student body by violating the spirit of this creed. Written and adopted by the 2002-2003 MSU Student Senate.

Students with Disabilities The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Disability Support Services in Room 168 of the Clark Student Center, 397-4140.

Safe Zones Statement The professor considers this classroom to be a place where you will be treated with respect as a human being - regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, political beliefs, age, or ability. Additionally, diversity of thought is appreciated and encouraged, provided you can agree to disagree. It is the professor's expectation that ALL students consider the classroom a safe environment.

Contacting your Instructor All instructors in the Department have voicemail in their offices and MWSU e-mail addresses. Make sure you add your instructor's phone number and e-mail address to both email and cell phone lists of contacts.

Attendance Requirements

Professional teachers are dependable, reliable, and responsible. Therefore, candidates are expected to be on time and in attendance at every class, and to stay for the entire class. Tardiness, leaving early, and absences are considered evidence of lack of dependability, and are taken seriously.

 

Course grades will be affected by each absence Daily grades are given for class participation and in-class assignments. Daily work cannot be made up. I will only take responsibility for having handouts and materials at class on the day initially provided. If you have to be absent, be sure you have arranged for a peer to obtain materials for you. Call me or email me if you are going to be late or absent. Three tardies or early departures (or any combination of the two) will be counted as an absence

 

Absences will cost you 20 points per class (lab or lecture).

 

Attendance will be documented each class. This information will be used to decide borderline grades and to write letters of recommendation. Students should discuss each absence with me. Candidates may be dropped on their third absence.

 

 

Other Policies

Disability Support

As the faculty of the West College of Education, we are dedicated to helping meet the needs of our students with disabilities and are eager to provide the accommodations to which such students are entitled.  If you have a documented disability and are registered with the Office of Disability, please let your instructor know to expect a letter from that office describing the accommodations to which you are entitled.  If you have a documented disability but are not registered with the Office of Disability, please contact that office immediately to register.

Academic Honesty

            MSU students demand of themselves the highest level of academic honesty as delineated in their honor creed. Academic honesty involves the submission of work that is wholly the student's own work, except in the case of assigned group work. Additionally, academic honesty involves the proper citation of other authors' works.

. Plagiarism Statement

"By enrolling in this course, the student expressly grants MSU a 'limited right' in all intellectual property created by the student for the purpose of this course. The 'limited right' shall include but shall not be limited to the right to reproduce the student's work product in order to verify originality, authenticity, and educational purposes." from Student Handbook


Writing Proficiency Requirement All students seeking a Bachelor's degree from Midwestern State University must satisfy a writing proficiency requirement once they've 1) passed English 1113 and English 1123 and 2) earned 60 hours. You may meet this requirement by passing either the Writing Proficiency Exam or English 2113. Please keep in mind that, once you've earned over 90 hours, you lose the opportunity to take the $25 exam and have no option but to enroll in the three-credit hour course. If you have any questions about the exam, visit the Writing Proficiency Office website at http://academics.mwsu.edu/wpr, or call 397-4131.