Science
220
Exploring Elementary Science
An Introductory Course for Prospective Teachers
Taught by Dr. Chris Craney and Mr. Kaye Lord.
Norris Hall of Chemistry, Room 205
323-259-2892
Welcome
Have you been thinking about life after college?
Have a particular career in mind? This course is open to all and
will provide you with one more option when choosing a career path.
Why? The demand for qualified teachers
has risen even though the number of education majors nationally has dropped.
Whether your career goals lean toward science, education, or elsewhere,
this course will give you a look at the rewards and challenges of teaching.
Course Description
Science for Elementary Teachers is a new course centered
on science activities based on the six themes of the Science Framework
for California Public Schools, the science content underpinning those activities
and the classroom pedagogy needed to conduct the activities.
From this starting point, the science content for
each of the six themes will be expanded, using an integrated approach which
will link earth, physical, biological and environmental science.
Each student will develop a science unit lesson plan
for each thematic topic. Additionally, connections between the themes
and their integration into the curriculum will be considered.
The science activities for each theme are those featured in Occidental's Bridges Program.
This course will help the elementary teacher develop
a basic understanding of the scientific process and the unifying concepts
of the natural sciences. The instructors will provide a supportive
classroom environment and the opportunity to explore science concepts and
processes.
Science Themes
The Science Framework for California Public Schools points out that "Science
can be organized in many ways"; a thematic arrangement "should be regarded
as only one way to integrate the overarching concepts of science into a
curriculum that spans scientific disciplines. The suggested arrangement
of themes is designed to encompass and connect a great deal of the basic
data and evidence of science."
The major themes considered by the Framework are:
ENERGY
EVOLUTION
PATTERNS OF CHANGE
SCALE & STRUCTURE
STABILITY
SYSTEMS & INTERACTIONS
Prerequisite:
An interest in teaching at the elementary or middle school level.
An interest in science.
When:
The 2 unit course is planned for 7:00-10:00 p.m. on Tuesday evening
for the Spring semester. Daytime field observations scheduled by
the student in cooperation with participating Bridges teachers will be
required.
How to reach us:
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e-mail: bridges@oxy.edu
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phone: 323-259-2892
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fax: 323-341-4912
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office: Norris Hall of Chemistry, Room 205
What is BRIDGES?
BRIDGES
is an outreach program based at Occidental College and involving teams
of teachers and students from nearby districts. These teams link
an elementary teacher, a middle school teacher, and a high school teacher
with five high school students. The teams are trained in six hands-on
activities, in the science content the activities illustrate and in the
skills needed to be effective classroom facilitators. The high school
students then visit the elementary and middle school classrooms to facilitate
the activities. The program's goals are to build bridges between teachers
and students at different levels and in different districts, to enhance
science instruction, and to promote interest in teaching careers among
high school students.
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