EDU 305 Teaching Elem Science

This course will focus on current best-practice, research-based methods of inquiry-based teaching and learning of science for the very young child through elementary school with an emphasis on the experimental and constructivism approach. An integrated teaching approach will be used to help pre-service educators learn to develop goals and objectives, apply the Characteristics of Effective Instruction of the Iowa Core, utilize methodologies, organize curriculum and assess learning through science content including life science, physical science, and earth-space science. Pre-service educators will develop curriculum, units and lessons based on state and national standards to use in their student teaching and teaching experiences. Science lessons will be written utilizing the 5 E’s (Engage, Explore, Explain, Extend, and Evaluate) learning cycle approach to instructional design. Integration of technology, creative arts, and classroom management as they apply to teaching and to student learning in elementary science are addressed.