Teaching Science in the Elementary School

Course Objectives

• Learners are able to describe learning and thinking in elementary and middle school science.
• Learners will be able to develop curriculum and use effective instructional planning skills.
• Learners will be able to develop appropriate assessment tools to assess students learning.
• Learners will be able to use assessment data to design appropriate learning activities.
• Learners will be able to develop lesson plans that involve students in an active learning environment.
• Learners will be able to develop and implement effective teaching strategies.
• Learners will be able to develop lesson plans/units that incorporate national standards in science and technology applications.
• Learners will be able to develop lesson plans/units that incorporate state standards in science and technology applications.
• Learners will be able to develop and implement learning environments that utilize various teaching/learning strategies.
• Learners will be able to develop learning activities that involve the infusion of technology.

Expectations

As part of your preparation for becoming a teacher, you will be expected to act in a professional manner.  This includes:

Internship Experience: Throughout your internship experience ask your mentor teacher to give you some constructive feedback to lessons taught and/or planned. Use this information to make changes in the remaining lessons. Always conduct yourself in a professional manner. Any missed field experience days will be made up on a different day of the week and will be coordinated with the mentor teacher.

Participation: It's not just enough to show up! Be prepared. Participate in class discussions and activities by making meaningful, thoughtful contributions. Be sure you don't monopolize discussions; actively include other class members. You must read all readings when assigned.

Attitude: Demonstrate the following dispositions essential for learning: 

• curiosity (ask questions, look for additional information, probe, reflect); 
• flexibility (take alternate points of view, venture new ideas; be open-minded and playful);
• organization (plan ahead); 
• patience (take time to reason, be persistent in efforts); 
• risk-taking (try things beyond current repertoire);
• care/passion (invest in ideas/process/product).

Be aware of how your attitude is conveyed to others (body language, conversation, neatness and completeness of work, willingness to assist and contribute, etc.). A sense of humor and ability to be flexible are crucial!

Preparation: Complete all assigned readings before class and be ready to fully participate in class activities. Complete written assignments on time.

Respect: Be considerate of others. Do not talk while others are talking; do not use foul language; behave in an ethical manner. Remember we are guests in the Wichita Falls and Burkburnett Independent School Districts.

Professional Development: Remember that teaching requires a commitment to continual learning.  Demonstrate your eagerness to learn outside of the classroom by reading professional journals and attending professional meetings when possible.

Grades will be determined by:

Surveys – 50 points

       2 Surveys (pre- and post- 25 points each)

Lesson Plans from Field Experience – 200 points

       2 Science Lesson Plans (100 points each)

Feedback/Reflection to 2 Colleagues on Lesson Plans – 100 Points

2 Feedback/Reflection Pieces (50 points each)

 Reflections on 2 professional articles – 100 Points

       2 Reflections (150 word minimum – 50 points each)

 In-class Science Lesson Presentation – 100 points

       Group 5E lesson (100 points)

 Class Participation, Disposition and Attendance – 100 points

      (Present & actively participating displaying a professional disposition)

 Technology Integration – 100 points

• Instructional power point
• Internet Streaming Video
• Other – Must be approved by professor

 Quizzes over assigned readings (9 Chapters) – 100 points

 Final – 150 points

 Total – 1000 points

Final Grade Possibilities

• 900-1000 Points       A
• 800-899 Points         B
• 700-799 Points         C
• 600-699 Points         D
• 599 or less Points    F

Attendance: 

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. We 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 or email the appropriate professor/mentor teacher if you are going to be late or absent for lecture or internship.

Absences will cost you 20 points per class. Any absences beyond 3 will demonstrate the candidate’s lack of professional responsibility and may result in the candidate being dropped from the course or issued a fitness alert. It is the candidate’s responsibility to make up any missed work.