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Syllabus

Teacher Education
07E:162 003  Methods Elementary School Science
Fall, 2009
Instructors: Brian Hand
Emails: brian-hand@uiowa.edu
Course Web Site:
Course Description

The purpose of this course is to provide meaningful and practical learning experiences that will prepare methods students to create effective science learning environments for elementary school students. The course will create an environment where the students are active participants in both discussions and hands-on science activities rather than passive receivers of information. Assignments will be substantially “authentic” which means that students will do things that exemplary practicing teachers regularly do as part of their professional development experiences.

Required Readings
 Required readings for this course will be handed out periodically in class.

Focus Standards and Student Assignments

StandardsStudent Assignments
A: Student Learning Learning theory assignment: Students are required to write an essay describing a particular learning theory and how this ltheory can be applied to a broad range  of elementary science clasrooms
B: Diverse Learners

Learning theory assignment: Students are required to write an essay describing a particular learning theory and how this ltheory can be applied to a broad range  of elementary science clasrooms.

Making an Inquiry activity: Students are required to choose a published science activity from the variety of available sources and revamp the activity to align with the learning theory outlined in the learning theory assignment.
C: Planning Instruction

Making an Inquiry activity: Students are required to choose a published science activity from the variety of available sources and revamp the activity to align with the learning theory outlined in the learning theory assignment.

Science Practicum Reflection: Students are required to plan and implement a lession as part of the practicum. They are then required to develop a rubric/matrix that will highlight a particular pedagogical skill that they wish to examine as part of this experience. They are then required to write a reflective essay incorporating results of this investigation and to reflect on the practicum experience.
D: Instructional Strategies

Learning theory assignment: Students are required to write an essay describing a particular learning theory and how this ltheory can be applied to a broad range  of elementary science clasrooms.

Making an Inquiry activity: Students are required to choose a published science activity from the variety of available sources and revamp the activity to align with the learning theory outlined in the learning theory assignment.
E: Learning Environment

Learning theory assignment: Students are required to write an essay describing a particular learning theory and how this ltheory can be applied to a broad range  of elementary science clasrooms.

Science Practicum Reflection: Students are required to plan and implement a lession as part of the practicum. They are then required to develop a rubric/matrix that will highlight a particular pedagogical skill that they wish to examine as part of this experience. They are then required to write a reflective essay incorporating results of this investigation and to reflect on the practicum experience.
G: Assessment Making an Inquiry activity: Students are required to choose a published science activity from the variety of available sources and revamp the activity to align with the learning theory outlined in the learning theory assignment.

Science Practicum Reflection: Students are required to plan and implement a lession as part of the practicum. They are then required to develop a rubric/matrix that will highlight a particular pedagogical skill that they wish to examine as part of this experience. They are then required to write a reflective essay incorporating results of this investigation and to reflect on the practicum experience.