ECH ED 3109 - Science for the Early Years

Institution:

Temple University

Subject:

Description:

This three-credit course will draw on inquiry, instructional technology (e.g., video vignettes of classroom activities and science websites), and collaborative lab-based activities to explore current issues of teaching and learning science in the pre-K and early elementary school classroom. It is very important that young children develop scientific habits of mind from the outset. As a result, this course will be based on developing these habits of mind while giving students an understanding of the “Big Ideas” in the field. Therefore, the first part of this course will be devoted to developing an understanding for those habits of minds and how to engage young children. The second part of the course will examine the Big Ideas in science as a whole, focusing heavily on scientific inquiry as a pedagogical approach and a learning goal. Throughout the course, investigating the preconceptions that young children bring to the science classroom will be emphasized, as well as discovering the pedagogical approaches to uncovering and addressing them. Students will apply, evaluate, and reflect upon early childhood science teaching methods through class activities and field experience assignments that address the interdisciplinary nature of science. The assignments for the course will use the foundation fostered in the course to (a) examine science content, (b) student conceptions, (c) the meeting of theory and practice, (d) instructional resources (e.g., museums, websites, children’s literature), and (e) lesson planning. Students will have opportunities to develop their own philosophy of science education and explore each of the major content domains in science. NOTE: Must be admitted to candidacy.

Credits:

3.00

Credit Hours:

Prerequisites:

Special authorization required for all students

Corequisites:

Exclusions:

Level:

Instructional Type:

Lecture

Notes:

Additional Information:

Historical Version(s):

Institution Website:

WWW.TEMPLE.EDU

Phone Number:

(215) 204-7000

Regional Accreditation:

Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools

Calendar System:

Semester

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