SCED 453 - Methods of Teaching Science in Secondary Schools

3 Credits
3 hours per week.

This course is designed to help the pre-service teacher ac- quire the skills, understandings and abilities needed in teaching science (biology or chemistry or physics) at the secondary school level. The following topics are included: (1) the methods of the scientist and their application to the methods of the science teacher; (2) the role of motivation and the learning environment in the student’s acquisition of science concepts; (3) the necessity of developing course content to meet the changing demands of scientific endeavors; and (4) the role of demonstration projects and experimentation in the student’s acquisition of scientific concepts. Specifically, this course is designed to assist the pre-service teacher: (1)in the use of effective verbal, nonverbal and media communications to foster active inquiry, collaboration, and supportive interactions in the classroom; and, (2) in the application of effective planning, management and instructional techniques that are based on knowledge of the content area, and on community and curriculum needs. This course serves two integrative functions as it purposes to teach the pre-service teacher: (1) to integrate competencies and knowledge acquired in major, professional and pedagogical courses so as to create learning experiences that make the central concepts, tools of inquiry and structures of the content area meaningful for all students; and, (2) to create learning experiences that build on the experiential, cultural, racial, gender and socioeconomic diversity of students in order that they might achieve higher levels of learning. Knowledge and procedures required for the successful implementation of State and National Assessment outcomes for science are addressed. Requisite: Students enrolled in methods courses are required to participate in practicum experiences in the public schools. To introduce the yearlong internship, and to comply with the 100 consecutive days expectations, candidates will be required to attend seminars during the first and second semester. The interns will receive prerequisite activities designed for a successful completion of the internship

Prerequisite(s) Completion of all professional education requirements and senior status.