Undergraduate Course Descriptions

EXPS 220 - Science in the Elementary School

     An introductory science course for all elementary education students exploring Science and Society issues, science as inquiry, the nature of science as a discipline and experimental design. The course utilizes a laboratory approach to the study of the concepts, processes, and value of elementary and middle school science. The portfolio requirement for this course is based on experimental design.

NSCI 231 - Learning by Inquiry: Physical Science

     This course develops a strong conceptual understanding of physical science. Prospective K-8 teachers will participate in the same kind of inquiry-based experiences that they will use in their own teaching. Topics will include light and color, matter, and motion. Portfolio requirements for this class will include a physical science activity aligned with state curriculum benchmarks, analysis of a technology as it relates to physical science, and student demonstration of personal growth in one of the areas of class exploration.

NSCI 232 - Learning by Inquiry: Earth and Space Science

     This course develops a strong conceptual understanding of earth and planetary science. Prospective K-8 teachers will participate in the same kind of inquiry-based experiences that they will use in their own teaching. Topics will include geology, weather, and astronomy. Portfolio requirements for this course will include an earth/space science activity aligned with state curriculum benchmarks, reflection on a current science event as depicted in the popular press, and student demonstration of personal growth in one of the areas of class exploration.

NSCI 233 - Learning by Inquiry: Life Science

     This course develops a strong conceptual understanding of Life Science. Prospective K-8 teachers will participate in the same kind of inquiry-based experiences that they will use in their own teaching. Topics will include characteristics of life, plants and animals, and ecology. Portfolio requirements for this course will include a life science activity aligned with state curriculum benchmarks, student defense of a position regarding a current science controversy, and and student demonstration of personal growth in one of the areas of class exploration.

EDD 485 - Teaching Science in the Elementary Grades

     Explores the objectives, methods, and instructional emphasis of elementary school science. Stresses concept development in several areas of elementary science. Provides opportunity for preparation of materials for classroom use. Portfolio requirements for this course will include creation of an annotated bibliography of science resources, and construction of a guided inquiry lesson.

EXPS 420 - Science Capstone

     A capstone course for pre-service elementary teachers with a laboratory component designed to assist students in achieving deep understanding of a broad scientific concept and a discussion component designed to introduce and provide practice in classroom research. Students will use the classroom research to identify and address misconceptions about the scientific concept explored in the laboratory. Portfolio components for this course will include a discussion of a common misconception related to the course topic, student demonstration of how a basic concept in science is linked across science disciplines, a plan to address student misconceptions with action research and a report outlining the process and results of the action research.

Graduate Courses

     Beginning in January 2003, applications will be accepted for the Master of Science in Science Education program. Advanced levels of all the above courses in addition to courses in research, assessment, and technology will be offered. To learn more, click here.

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