King Hall, Room 212 Dr. Richard A. Huber
Tuesday 5:00-7:45p Room 106-C King Hall
huberr@uncw.edu 962-3561 (O)
http://people.uncw.edu/huberr/ 791-8083 (H)
I. This course will focus on: current issues and trends in science; the development, implementation, and assessment of curricular materials; and effective instructional strategies to teach science in the elementary and middle school.
II. The purpose of this course is to provide you with:
1. a theoretical and conceptual framework that
. addresses the current goals of K-8 science,
. identifies characteristics of exemplary programs, and
. examines curricular/instructional alternatives.
2. ideas for teaching elementary and middle school science to enhance your expertise in the following domains
. the selection, development and/or implementation of curricular materials and resources,
. the selection of instructional strategies, and
. the evaluation and assessment of students, teachers, and the curriculum.
III. After completing this course, you should be able to:
1. Present and defend a philosophy for teaching science in the elementary and middle school.
2. Use instructional strategies that focus upon the acquisition of process skills and conceptual change/development.
3. Compare and evaluate the major curricular alternatives for teaching elementary school science.
4. Apply your knowledge of instructional strategies to your teaching of science.
5. Assess your effectiveness as a science teacher.
6. Use the Internet to enhance your teaching
IV. Course Readings:
1. Selected journal articles, laboratory guides, and curriculum/reference materials.
2. Selected Chapters from The Case for Constructivist Classrooms by Brooks and Brooks.
V. Professional Development (beyond the scope of EDN 544)
1. It is recommended that you join the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) at the special student membership rate ($30/yr.). A membership form is provided in your selected readings. Be sure to mark the Journal for the level you teach.
2. You may also wish to purchase selected special publications available through NSTA, such as:
Classroom Assessment and the National Standards
Celebrating Cultural Diversity
Women of Science Series
I can provide you with a discount catalog and an order form.
3. An outstanding resource for teacher demonstrations is:
Liem, T.L. (1987). Invitations to Science Inquiry (2nd Ed.). ($60) see amazon.com
VI. Attendance:
Your promptness and active participation is expected at every class. Each anticipated absence must be discussed with the instructor in advance. Each unanticipated absence must be discussed with the instructor immediately upon return to class. A sheet in your class folder serves as your attendance record. Please check its accuracy at the start of each class.
VII. Instructor Availability: