Course Syllabus ED3510/ED3511 -­‐ Communicating Science College of Science and Arts Spring 2013 Instructor Information Instructor: Office Location: Telephone: E-­‐mail: Office Hours: Joan Schumaker Chadde, M.S., Education Program Coordinator 115 Great Lakes Research Center (GLRC) Office – (906)487-­‐3341; (906)369-­‐1121 -­‐ cell jchadde@mtu.edu T 10:00 am – Noon, or by appointment Course Identification Course Number: Course Name: Course Location: Class Times: Prerequisites: ED3510/ED3511 Communicating Science 104 GLRC (at schools in Houghton, Baraga, and Gogebic Counties) T 7:00-­‐9:00pm (many classes will be held at schools in Houghton, Baraga, Ontonagon, and Gogebic Counties requiring us to depart Michigan Tech between 4-­‐5 pm) NA Course Description/Overview This course will prepare students for making both classroom and community presentations as professionals in the work place. Students will make presentations in K-­‐8 classrooms at evening Family Science Nights conducted at area schools for elementary students and their families. Classroom lectures will highlight the rationale for interacting with schools and communities as a professional, development of age-­‐appropriate lessons, presentation skills, effective teaching techniques, learning styles, classroom management, and demonstrate hands-­‐on learning techniques. Students will have access to the Center’s educational resources and activity guides. Presentation supplies will be provided. Course Learning Objectives At the end of this course, students will be able to: 1) Design grade-­‐appropriate hands-­‐on lessons for K-­‐8 students and parents that incorporates clear learning objectives, a variety of learning styles, science content standards, inquiry, and learning assessment. 2) Utilize effective presentation skills in presenting the lesson that incorporates hands-­‐on learning techniques, proper questioning skills and wait time, good classroom management, efficient materials distribution, and safety. 3) Find good quality educational resources for a variety of purposes online, activity guides, experts. 4) Confidently present in a variety of venues, including family science & engineering events. 1 Course Resources Course Website(s) • Canvas http://www.courses.mtu.edu •
Personal Website: http://www.mtu.edu/cls/department/faculty-­‐staff/faculty/teacher-­‐
education/chadde/ Western UP Center for Science, Math & Environmental Education http://www.wupcenter.mtu.edu/ Required Course Text •
Students will have access to the Center’s educational resources and activity guides for perusal and checkout in 104 Great Lakes Research. This room is open M-­‐F, 8 am to 6 pm. Course Fees None. Course Supplies Students will be reimbursed for expenses for pre-­‐approved purchases of presentation supplies. Grading Scheme Grading System Note: This is an example and not a Michigan Tech standard. Letter Grade A AB B BC C CD D F I X Percentage 93% & above 87% – 92% 82% – 86% 76% – 81% 70% – 75% 65% – 69% 60% -­‐ 64% 59% and below Grade points/credit 4.00 3.50 3.00 2.50 2.00 1.50 1.00 0.00 Rating Excellent Very good Good Above average Average Below average Inferior Failure Incomplete; given only when a student is unable to complete a segment of the course because of circumstances beyond the student’s control. Conditional, with no grade points per credit; given only when the student is at fault in failing to complete a minor segment of a course, but in the judgment of the instructor does not need to repeat the course. It must be made up by the close of the next semester or the grade becomes a failure (F). A (X) grade is computed into the grade point average as a (F) grade. Grading Policy All assignments will have a due date. Students may make continuous improvement to their lesson plans throughout the semester, and turn in their final revised version of the lesson plan. Presentation critiques should be turned in within one week of the presentation, while your experiences are still fresh in your mind. Late Assignments Not applicable. 2 Course Policies Attendance is required at every class, unless the instructor is notified ahead. It is exceedingly difficult if you should cancel a family night presentation…. Only do this if you are extremely ill. If you have a conflict, please try to switch with another student, and inform the instructor. Collaboration/Plagiarism Rules You are encouraged to consult a variety of sources when designing your own original lesson plan. Past lesson plans are allowed for your first presentation and are available in 114 GLRC. University Policies Student work products (exams, essays, projects, etc.) may be used for purposes of university, program, or course assessment. All work used for assessment purposes will not include any individual student identification. Michigan Tech has standard policies on academic misconduct and complies with all federal and state laws and regulations regarding discrimination, including the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. For more information about reasonable accommodation for or equal access to education or services at Michigan Tech, please call the Dean of Students Office, at (906) 487-­‐ 2212 or go to http://www.mtu.edu/provost/faculty-­‐resources/syllabus-­‐policies/ Course Assignments & Rubrics ED 3510 Course Requirements (300 points)
Class Attendance (20 points)
Assignment #1: Read three NSTA position statements on elementary science education, parental
involvement, and informal science. Write a one-page reflection (single space) describing whether
your K-8 science education incorporated many of the recommendations made in these 3 position
statements. How did your experiences during elementary school, contribute to your attitude,
interest, and understanding of science today? (10 points)
Assignment #2: Students identify activities to present to two of the following age groups: K-2, 3-4,
or 5-6 during a 40-minute family science night. At least two different sources (activity guides,
internet, Science & Children journal, faculty, etc.) should be consulted. The activity selected for
each grade grouping should be attached (unless taken from a book in the Center office) and the
complete reference for the source of each activity listed on the form provided. (10 points)
Assignment #3: Select an existing 40-minute family science lesson plan (see notebooks of past
lessons) to present at 3 science nights. (20 points)
Assignment #4: Present at 6 Family Science Nights (20 points/presentation x 6 = 120 points)
Assignment #5: Prepare a one-page self-critique of your presentation following each Science
Night. (10 points/presentation x 6 = 60 points)
Assignment #6: Prepare a NEW 40-minute lesson plan to present. (40 points)
Assignment #7: Prepare one-page reflection that discusses "how this presentation/teaching
experience will contribute to my academic and professional career." (20 points)
3 Rubrics
Assignment #1 (10 points)
1. Did student show familiarity with the three NSTA position statements on elementary science education,
parental involvement, and informal science? (2 points)
2. Did student provide examples of their personal experience with elementary science, parental
involvement, and informal science? (3 points)
3. Was their depth to the writing? (2 points)
4. Did student draw a conclusion about what experiences during their elementary years contributed to
his/her attitude, interest, and understanding of science today? (3 points)
Assignment #2 (10 points)
1. Identify an age-appropriate activity for EACH of the following age groups: K-2, 3-4, and 5-6. (4 points)
2. Consult a minimum of 2 different sources. Possible sources of activities include: web, activity guides,
faculty, journals, teachers. Provide complete reference for each source. (2 points)
___
0 – No sources listed.
___
1 – Only one type of source correctly listed.
___
2 - Two sources listed with complete bibliographic reference provided.
3. Content standards are listed correctly for each activity. (4 points)
___
0 – No content standards listed.
___
2 – Content standard listed correctly for only one activity.
___
4 - Content standards listed correctly for both activities.
Assignment #3 – Find a Lesson Plan to present (20 points)
Assignment #4 - Lesson Plan Presentation – see attached form (20 points/presentation)
a) Delivery – displays enthusiasm for subject; actively engages participants; stimulates
interest in topic amongst participants; contains clear assessment of what was learned.
b) Presentation skills - maintains eye contact and voice control, animated delivery,
moves around room, interacts with students/parents.
c) Time management – manages time well to achieve lesson objectives.
d) Audience/classroom management – is clearly in control of students; responds to
questions easily; manages disruptions and distractions; engages both students and
parents.
a) Materials management – activity supplies and equipment are used safely; distributed
efficiently; properly cared for, and returned to the Center in a clean, organized condition.
Assignment #5 — Presentation Self-critiques – see attached rubric (10 points each)
Students honestly evaluate their presentation delivery after each Family Science Night and provide
examples to support their evaluation
Provides specific examples of presentation’s strengths.
0
1
2
Provides specific examples of presentation’s weaknesses.
Writing shows sign of personal reflection and suggests
ways to improve presentation/lesson.
0
1
2
0
1
2
Reflection addresses several of these topics: introduction,
4 objectives, parental involvement, classroom management,
and students’ & parents’ response to lesson presentation.
Overall organization, grammar, spelling, readability.
0
1
2
0
1
2
Points_______/10 points
Assignment #6 — Develop an original lesson plan – see grading rubric (40 pts)
Assignment #7 — Final Reflection (one-page) – students assess the value of the course
experience to their future professional and academic careers and provide specific examples of what
they have learned.
Writing shows personal reflection
Provides specific examples
Overall organization
0
0
0
2
2
2
4
4
4
6
6
6
8
Points_______/20 points
5 ED3510 & ED3511 – Communicating Science
Lesson Plan Assessment - Rubric
Grading Scale (40 points possible )
A = 36-40 points
AB = 32-35 points
B = 29-31 points
BC = 26-28 points
C = 23-25 points
CD = 20-22 points
D = 18-19 points
F = less than 18 points
ASSIGNMENT: Prepare a 40-minute lesson plan to present at family science night that is appropriate for
your assigned age group and includes all components listed in the table below. You will receive a draft grade
for your first submittal of a draft lesson plan. You will then receive a final grade for your final lesson plan. You
are encouraged to make the suggested changes/additions and resubmit your lesson plan for additional points.
Please submit an electronic copy of your lesson plan.
Standard
No points
None of the requirements met; it is incomplete and incorrect.
Some points
Satisfactory- some of the requirements met; it is incomplete or incorrect.
Most points
Good- the student has met most of the requirements; it contains minor mistakes.
All points
Excellent - the student has met all of the requirements; it is complete and correct.
Criterion
Lesson Title listed. (2 points)
0 – No title listed.
1 – Title listed but not creative.
2 – Title listed and creative
Target Grade listed (1 points)
0 – No target grade listed.
1 – Target grade(s) listed
Lists Michigan Curriculum
Benchmarks Addressed in Lesson
(3pts)
0 – Not listed.
1 – Does not use proper citation
2 – Benchmark listing not complete.
3 – Lists all benchmarks properly; from 2
subject areas, if appropriate.
Lesson Overview – briefly describe
major topics addressed.(2 pts)
0 –Not listed.
1 - Too brief, incomplete, or unclear.
2 – Clearly states topics to be addressed.
Sources Consulted (complete citation).
(3 points)
0 – No references or lack proper citation.
1 – One reference with proper citation
2 – Two references with proper citation.
3 – Three references with proper citation.
Room Arrangement – describe room set
up any special needs (water, no carpet,
open space, ladder). (2 points)
0 – Not listed.
1 – Information incomplete.
2 - Information complete.
Attention-Getter – Identify a creative
way to get the group to focus attention on
the topic to be presented. (2 points)
0 – Not listed.
1 – Listed but not effective.
12
10
8
6
5
4
3
2
1
0 pts
6 2 - Creative and effective attention-getter
Objectives - List measurable outcomes.
“At the end of this lesson, students will be
able to:…. “ (4 points)
0 – None listed or not measurable.
1 – One objective listed; measurable.
2 - Two objectives listed; measurable.
3 - Three objectives listed; measurable.
4 – 4+ objectives listed and measurable.
Materials – List all materials needed and
amounts needed per group of students
and per teacher. (3 points)
0 – No materials listed.
1 – Materials list incomplete.
2 - Materials list complete but no
quantities.
3 - Complete materials list with
quantities.
Activities – Provides instructions,
including verbal explanation to students,
for each activity in lesson: (10 points)
(i) clear enough that another person could
present the lesson and times noted; (ii)
hands-on and inquiry-oriented; (iii) ageappropriate, (iv) fills 25 minutes of 40minute period; (v) provides real world
connection; (vi) uses visual aids that are
neat, easy to read, and aid instruction.
0 – Incomplete; doesn’t meet any criteria.
2 – Incomplete; meets 1-2 of the six
requirements.
4 – Meets 3-4 of six requirements.
6 – Meets 5 of six requirements.
9 – Complete; meets all requirements.
10 – Outstanding creative lesson plan
meets all requirements.
Student Learning Assessment –
describes how you will assess whether
students met objectives. (4 points)
0 – No assessment listed.
2 – Assessment not complete.
4 – Assessment is interactive, effective,
and relates to lesson objectives.
Safety – Describe safety concerns
related to activities or materials used. (2
points)
0 – Not listed or incomplete.
1 - Information complete.
Cleanup – describe how students will
assist with clean up (picking up scraps,
putting away, wiping tables, etc.). (2 pts)
0 – Not listed or incomplete.
1 – Information complete.
Filler – List at least one 5-10 minute
activity to do, if finish early. (2 points)
0 – Not listed or not effective.
1 – Filler listed, related to lesson, and
effective.
Neatness – Lesson plan is typewritten,
neat, clear, and well organized. (2 points)
Presenter’s Name:
Activity Title:
Target Grade:
Grade:
7 School/Date:
Observer:
8 ED 3510 & ED 3511: Communicating Science ~
Presenter Evaluation (20 points)
You will conduct 1-2 presentations of your lesson at family science night. Your presentation should
meet these criteria.
0 points
The student has not met any of the requirements; it is incomplete and incorrect.
1 point
Fair - the student has met some of the requirements; needs significant improvement.
2 points
Good - the student has met most of the requirements; needs to improve in a few areas.
3 points
Excellent - the student has met all of the requirements; it is complete and correct.
Criteria
Fully Meets
Requirements
Needs Some
Improvement
Needs
Significant
Improvement
1. Presenter introduces self and describes their
major/career goals.
2. The introduction to the lesson captured students’
interest; parents’ participation was encouraged.
3. The room arrangement was conducive to learning;
there were adequate activity supplies, material
distribution went smoothly?
4. The learning objectives (i.e. the knowledge and skills
the students will gain) are clearly communicated and
connection made to students’ prior knowledge.
5. The presenter engages the students in learning the
objectives, presenting new material in small steps,
making real world connections, and uses visual aids
effectively to aid instruction. .
6. The presenter summarizes their presentation by
assessing what students have learned. The
presentation effectively met the lesson objectives.
7. The presentation holds the attention of the audience
and is well received.
1. Introduction of presenter (name, major, career goals) and program?
2. Did the introduction to the lesson capture students’ interest and encourage parent participation?
3. Was the room arrangement conducive to learning? Were there adequate activity supplies?
Did material distribution go smoothly?
4. What did the presenter do especially well?
5. How might the presenter improve their presentation?
6. Did the presenter end the lesson by assessing what students had learned?
9 Presenter’s Name:
Location/Date of Family Science Night:
Activity Name/Target Age Group:
ED 3510/ED 3511 Presentation Self-Critique
Write a one-page assessment that describes the strengths and weaknesses of your
presentation. Be sure to include specific examples from your presentation that
support the comments in your self-critique. Discuss the following aspects of your
presentation in your self-critique:
♦ Describe how your introduction “hooked” participants and encouraged their attention?
♦ Describe how you engaged parents to participate and whether you were successful?
♦ How did you inform parents and students of the learning objectives for the lesson?
♦ How did you assess what students learned?
♦ What did you do especially well?
♦ What improvements do you plan to make to your presentation?
♦ How did students and parents respond to the presentation overall?
10