TITLE: Teaching Science in the Elementary School

TEXTBOOKS:
    Rutherford, HJ.F. & Ahlgren, A. (1990). Science for all Americans. New York, NY: Oxford University Press.

BIBLIOGRAPHY:
    Anderson, R.D. & Pratt, H. (1995). Local leadership for science education reform. Dubuque, IO: Kendall/Hunt.
     Barba, R.H. (1995). Science in the multicultural classroom: A guide to teaching and learning. Needham Heights, MA: Allyn and Bacon.
    Carlin, Arthur & Sund, Robert B. (1989). Teaching science through discovery, (6th Ed.). Columbus, OH: Charles E. Merrill.
    Gabel, D.L., (Ed.) (1994). Handbook of research on science teaching and learning. New York, NY: Macmillan.
    Hazen, R. M. (1991). Science matters, achieving scientific literacy. New York, NY: Doubleday.
    Illinois Science Education Standards (1997). Springfield, IL: Illinois State Board of Education.
    National Research Council (1996). National science education standards. Washington, DC: National Academy Press.
    Rutherford, HJ.F. & Ahlgren, A. (1990). Science for all Americans. New York, NY: Oxford University Press.
    Sheingold, K., Roberts, L.G., & Malcom, S.M. (1992). Technology for teaching and learning. Washington, DC: American Association for the Advancement of Science.
    Thompson, T.E. (1994). Capturing excellence: Elementary school science instruction. DeKalb, IL: Northern Illinois University.
    Zemelman, S., Daniels, H., & Hyde, A. (1993). Best practice: New standards for teaching and learning in America's schools. Portsmouth, NH: Heinemann.

COURSE OBJECTIVES: The students will:

• Recognize both the internal and external influences on the elementary school science curriculum and associated instruction
• Formulate conceptual and operational models for science teaching
• Clarify the language of science education
• Identify recent advances in other subject fields which could have impact on the science program
• Identify, analyze, and evaluate appropriate methods and materials for use with children with special needs, i.e., multicultural, gifted, visual and hearing impaired, physical handicaps, and learning disorders.
• Examine materials and methods for infusing technology into a science program.
• Identify strategies for incorporating the science/technology/society philosophy of teaching science.
• Examine strategies for implementing problem-based learning into a science program.

Assignment 1 (50 points)You will be required to write a research paper that focuses on a problem or issue related to science education. The content of the paper should contain the following components:

• Identification of both sides of the problem or issue
• Brief historical overview that provides the context of the problem or issue
• Significant proponents and their views for both positions of the problem or issue
• State and defend your position
• Classroom implications
• Annotated bibliography (2-3 sentences per annotation)

1. National or state curriculum vs. locally developed curriculum? [David Ziliak & Xiomara Martinez]
2. Should scientific creationism be included in a science program [Daisy Dyson & Indiana McKearin]
3. What is the best content for young children?[Jacquie Erickson & Vida Birkhead]
4. Who is best prepared to teach science to children -- Science specialists or self-contained classroom teachers? [Nelly Rojas & David Gamboa]
5. Should science be taught as a stand-alone subject or integrated with other curricular subjects? [Miguel Renteria & Pedro Garcia]
6. Should hands-on science programs include technologies like interactive multimedia and telecommunications for all children? [Anna Atristain & Yaneth Diaz]
7. Can authentic assessment strategies be successfully used in hands-on science programs?[Magali Williams & Doris Reynolds]
8. Should S/T/S (Science/Technology/Society) philosophy of teaching be included in an elementary science curriculum? [Lorena Alvarado & Donna Serino]
9. Which learning theory(s) best promotes optimum learning for hands-on science? [Rene Granados & Ana Maldonado]

• Identification of both sides of problem or issue and historical perspective ----------5 pts
• Significant proponents and research --------------------------------------------- 10 pts
• Defense of your position ---------------------------------------------------------15 pts
• Annotated bibliography ----------------------------------------------------------10 pts
• Gestalt (overall quality) ----------------------------------------------------------10 pts

• Introductory remarks (10 points)
• Quality of background reading material (5 points)
• Ability to facilitate discussion
• Ability to serve as a resource person
• Ability to involve as many class members as possible
• Quality of discussion (20 points)

Part I (40 points)

1. A link to a file containing your philosophical position for teaching science to children.
2. A link to a file containing your annotated listing of favorite web sites for elementary school science teachers and children.  Annotations must include brief descriptions of the web site content and how it can be used to enhance instruction.
3. A link to your school building or district (if available)
4. A link to your personal e-mail.
5. A link to the Science Education Laboratory homepage.
6. A link to the Illinois Science Standards.

A link to a file containing the best interdisciplinary science activity that you can develop which provides maximum opportunity for hands-on learning, includes the infusion of telecommunications technology, and any other components that make it stand out over "typical" science lessons. This activity should reflect your philosophical position for teaching science to children.
Your grade will be determined by the substance of the content contained within the document. An assumption is that everyone will have a document that is technically sound. My comments and your grade will be sent to your e-mail address upon completion of the assignment.

Assignment 4 (10 points)Class participation is determined by a composite of the following: class attendance, a willingness to engage in science activities, a positive attitude toward science, and your contributions during discussion times.