Department of Teaching and Leadership College of Education Pittsburg State University Preparing Competent, Committed, Caring Professionals --------------------------------------------------------------------------------SPRING 2012 EDUC 362/01 AND 01 Elementary School Science Time: Section 01 10:00 – 10:50 Section 02 11:00 – 11:50 Credit Hours: 3 hours Location: Hughes Hall 310 Instructor: Dr. Kathy Spillman PSU Phone: 620-235-4509 E-mail: kspillma@pittstate.edu (notice that there is no “n” on Spillman) Office: 112 I Office Hours: M 1-3 T 11-12 1-3 W 1-3 TH 11-12 1-3 Prerequisites Must have completed 8 hours of science and have 60 total credits. May be taken for Departmental Honors. Course Description Elementary School Science is a study of the content and organization of science in the elementary school and the methods of teaching science. The course is designed to prepare the teacher candidate to effectively communicate, demonstrate, and teach science concepts in the K-6 classroom. Teacher candidates will explore the teaching of science through investigating how children learn science through inquiry 1 processes in the areas of life, physical, earth and space sciences, as well as the areas of science and technology, science in personal and social perspectives, the history and nature of science. Assignments in this course are aligned with Standard 3 with many of the concepts embedded within the coursework. Course Objectives The student should use course content and experiences to develop the following understandings and abilities: 1. An understanding of recent trends in science education. 2. An understanding of the interconnectedness between science and other subjects. 3. An understanding of the developmental constructivist theories about how children learn and practices that promote science literacy. 4. An awareness of the diversity of curricular approaches available to elementary science educators. 5. An ability to design science lessons and units that are developmentally appropriate to the needs, values, and interests of a diverse group of students. 6. An understanding of pedagogy – how to teach as well as about content – or what to teach. Purpose of the Course The purpose of this course is to help you learn to think about the science you teach from the point of view of the child who is learning. You will have the opportunity to explore the teaching of science through investigating how children learn science in the areas of Life Science, Physical Science, and Earth and Space Science. We will explore what it means to do science and what it means to understand science through inquiry in individual, small group, and large group activities. This course will also provide preservice teachers with a knowledge base of the National Science Foundation, National Science Teachers Association, the Kansas State Standards for Science, and the Pittsburg State University College of Education Professional Knowledge Base Skills in Elementary School Science. 2 Instructional Resources 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. National Science Education Standards Kansas Science Standards Videotapes and DVDs Internet Journals and magazines Books and files in the classroom Smartboard Teaching Strategies 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Discussion Lectures and demonstrations Facilitative approach Cooperative learning Small group activities Hands-on activities Peer teaching Course Requirements 1. Required Text: Teaching Children Science: A Discovery Approach 7th edition. Abruscato and DeRosa. Pearson. 2. A three-ring binder at least 2 to 21/2 inches to hold resources, handouts, journal entries etc. This binder will be used for an assignment. Attendance, participation, and science disposition Attendance is an important part of your grade. This course is not a readand-lecture class. Your active participation in each class session is vital to your learning as well as to the learning of the other students in this course. You are expected to be on time for class. Tardiness is considered as a lack of attendance. (3 tardies equals 1 absence). You are expected to exhibit a positive, open-minded attitude during class discussions and activities. You are expected to attend all class meetings prepared and to be engaged as an active collaborative participant during each class session. Being prepared means doing the readings for each session before coming to class. If you are unable to attend class, please let your instructor know beforehand by email. You are responsible for contacting someone in the class to get handouts and to find out what 3 transpired during class. Please be aware that on your sixth absence in this class, you will be dropped from the course or take a lower grade. There are no excused absences. Professionalism Students are expected to maintain a professional attitude at all times. Professionalism includes participating in class activities, being punctual, putting time and effort into class presentations, and maintaining an openminded positive attitude. Please be considerate of others and turn off cell phones during class. Please be respectful and do not talk while your instructor is talking. You may not have your cell phone on your table. Please turn it off or on vibrate and place it in your bag or purse. The only exception to this rule: you have a family member with a medical crisis. Please let your instructor know if this is the case. Academic Honesty Teacher candidates are expected to follow the PSU Academic Honesty Policy which speaks to unethical acts associated with coursework or grades. This policy can be found in the PSU catalog. Plagiarism is a very serious offense. Grading Students may check ANGEL for scores. Late assignments will not be accepted. You will be given a 0. Assignments should be typed and double-spaced. Incorrect grammar, spelling, etc. will result in a loss of 1 point/ 5 errors. Please use the following format for the heading of assignments (single spaced), placing it in the upper left corner of the paper: Name Date Assignment 362/35 Dr. Spillman Grading 90-100 80-89 70-79 60-69 Below 60 A B C D F 2. 4 Assignments All assignments are due by the beginning of class on the due date. NO LATE ASSIGNMENTS ARE ACCEPTED. A grade of 0 will be given for late assignments. There are no exceptions to this policy. I give ample time for assignments to be completed so that sickness, family problems, etc. should not interfere with your work. Assignments in Angel will go off on the due date and will not be available to you after the date and time indicated. 1. Chapter Discussions: (10 points each). Information for these assignments is listed under Assignments and Rubrics. Due dates for the discussions are posted on the Calendar in Angel. Upload to Angel 2. NSTA Website Review (20 points) Go to the National Science Teachers Association website (in External Links. Write a reflection about this website. Look under Assignments and Rubrics in Angel for information about this assignment. Upload to Angel 3. ScienceNet Links (20 points) This website is the science resource for the Thinkfinity search engine. You will prepare an evaluative discussion of a science lesson at this website. The link to this site is on External Links. Look under Assignments and Rubrics in Angel for information about this assignment. Turn in paper copy 4. Journal Review Reflection (20 points) Each student will read an issue of Mathematics and Children and complete a reflection about this journal. Upload to Angel 5. Science Lesson Plans (three plans worth 35 points each) There will be more details on this assignment in class. 1. Physical Science 2. Earth and Space Science 3. Life Science (5E Lesson Plan) Hard Copy 6. Moon Journal (20 points) (20 points) Information on this assignment is in Assignments and Rubrics. Hard Copy 5 7. Children’s Literature and Science: (20 points) Each student will select a piece of children’s literature that integrates a science concept and prepare a report. The report will be presented to the class and present it to the class. Look under Assignments and Rubrics in Angel for information about this assignment. Turn in paper copy. Prepare enough copies for each member of the class. 8. Current event (10 points) Each student will be responsible for providing a current event that discusses a recent scientific finding. The student will present the current event orally within a 1-2 minute timeframe. 9. Demonstration/Discrepant Event (20 Points) Pairs of students will facilitate a demonstration/ discrepant event for the class and write a report of the event. Look under Assignments and Rubrics in Angel for information about this assignment. Turn in a hard copy. 10. Science Resource File: We will discuss this assignment in class. 11. Smartboard Lesson (20 points) You will be excused from the Final if you have zero absences. (Remember three tardies equals one absence.) 6 Supplemental Syllabus Information Pittsburg State University Syllabus Supplement – Spring 2012 IMPORTANT DATES 1/17 ..............................................................................................Classes begin 1/24 ...................................................................................................Tuition due 1/24……………………………… Last day for full tuition refund if withdrawing 1/24 …………………… Last day to add classes w/o permission of instructor 1/30………………………………... .... Final day to drop w/o transcript notation 2/20 ........................................................Last day for half refund if withdrawing 3/12………………………….Midterm D and F grades available after 5:00 pm 3/193/ 23.......................................................................................Spring Break 4/9 ................ Final day to drop a course unless withdrawing from all classes 4/26…………………………………….…Last day to withdraw from all classes 5/7 ..............................................................................Finals week through 5/11 5/11 & 5/12 ..............................................................................Commencement 5/11………………… Deadline to remove IN grades for 2011 fall semester 5/14 ............................................................................ Grades due from faculty DROPPING A COURSE OR WITHDRAWING FOR THE SEMESTER Beginning the 12 th week through the 16 th week of fullterm courses, individual courses cannot be dropped. A student who does not officially withdraw from a course or from the university will be assigned an “F” grade in the course or courses concerned. These “F” grades will be included in the computation of the grade point average. The dates for dropping courses that run fewer than sixteen weeks are proportionate to the length of the course (e.g. the last day to drop an eight week course would be the end of the sixth week). Consult your instructor or the Registrar’s Office for questions about a specific course. For students who wish to withdraw from all classes after the 12 th week of the term, the instructor must assign a grade of W or F. To drop a course after the 5 th day of class or for clarification on drop/add policies, contact the Registrar’s Office, 103 Russ Hall, 6202354200 or registrar@pittstate.edu 7 IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS RECEIVING FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE The Office of Student Financial Assistance is required to recalculate financial aid eligibility for students who withdraw, stop attending or are dismissed prior to completing 60 percent of a semester. This calculation applies to students receiving Title IV funds including: · Federal Pell Grant · Stafford Loan · ACG – Academic Competitiveness Grant · SMART Grant for math and science · TEACH Grant for education majors · Parent PLUS Loan Federal financial aid is returned to the federal government based on the percent of unearned aid disbursed toward institutional charges for tuition, fees, and oncampus room and board. Students may be required to repay a portion of the aid funds received. When aid is returned, the student may owe a debit balance to the University and/or Department of Education Title IV Programs. IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS International students studying on F or J visas must be in proper immigration status and are required to always be in full time enrollment (minimum 12 hours undergraduate. or 9 hours graduate). For additional information http://www.pittstate.edu/office/international/internationalstudents/ immigration.dot CLASS ATTENDANCE POLICY Students at Pittsburg State University are expected to attend class regularly and participate fully in class activities. It is the responsibility of the course instructor to set the attendance policy for his or her courses and communicate that policy to students in the course syllabus. The syllabus should address whether and how attendance affects the course grade, the issue of excused absences, and whether students will be dropped for nonattendance or excessive absence. Students who have not attended or who have been excessively absent from a class may be dropped from the course by the instructor. In such instances, this policy must be clearly stated in the syllabus and uniformly enforced. Students may be dropped at anytime in the semester based on course policy. Instructor drops after the beginning of the 12 th week of a full semester class will result in a grade of “F” for the course. Regardless of the faculty prerogative to drop a student for nonattendance or excessive absence, the ultimate responsibility for monitoring and maintaining uptodate course enrollment rests with the student. 8 SEVERE WEATHER INFORMATION If forecasts or weather conditions suggest that travel in the area could become hazardous a policy is in place to determine if classes or other University activities will be cancelled. This policy and notification process can be found at http://www.pittstate.edu/office/president/policies/severeweatheremergencyplan. dot Notification methods typically include the PSU website, local news media, and text messaging for those who subscribe to this service. ACADEMIC INTEGRITY POLICY Academic dishonesty by a student is defined as unethical activity associated with course work or grades. It includes, but is not limited to: (a) Giving or receiving unauthorized aid on examinations. (b) Giving or receiving unauthorized aid in the preparation of notebooks, themes, reports, papers or any other assignments. (c) Submitting the same work for more than one course without the instructor’s permission, and, (d) Plagiarism. Plagiarism is defined as using ideas or writings of another and claiming them as one’s own. Copying any material directly (be it the work of other students, professors, or colleagues) or copying information from print or electronic sources (including the internet) without explicitly acknowledging the true source of the material is plagiarism. Plagiarism also includes paraphrasing other individuals’ ideas or concepts without acknowledging their work, or contribution. To avoid charges of plagiarism, students should follow the citation directions provided by the instructor and/or department in which the class is offered. The above guidelines do not preclude group study for exams, sharing of sources for research projects, or students discussing their ideas with other members of the class unless explicitly prohibited by the instructor. Since the violation of academic honesty strikes at the heart of the education process, it is subject to the severest sanctions, up to and including receiving an “F” or “XF” (an “XF” indicates that “F” was the result of academic dishonest) for the entire class and dismissal from the university. For a full copy of this policy see: http://catalog.pittstate.edu/contentm/blueprints/blueprint_display.php?bp_list ing_id=162&blueprint_id=124&sid=1&menu_id=7980 MIDTERM GRADES After the eighth week of the fall and spring semester, midsemester “D” and “F” grades submitted by faculty are reported by the Office of the Registrar to 9 the dean of the college in which you are majoring. All “D” and “F” grades submitted by faculty will be reported by the Registrar to you and your academic advisor through the online student information system (GUS). No midsemester report of “D” and “F” grades are distributed for the summer session. INCOMPLETE GRADES Incomplete grade may be assigned in rare instances when a student is unable to complete a course due to circumstances beyond his/her control. You must have completed a majority of the coursework to be eligible for this consideration. Unless granted an extension by the instructor, students have only one semester to complete the work. If you feel like you qualify for an Incomplete grade, you should visit with your instructor and not assume an IN grade will be assigned automatically. FINAL GRADE REPORTS Final grades are reported to the Registrar’s Office at the conclusion of the course. You may access your grades in GUS immediately upon grade posting. GRADE APPEALS Final course grades are to be awarded upon criteria communicated to the student at the beginning of the semester. Additional work after a final grade was submitted cannot be used to change the grade. If you believe that an error has been made in the assignment or recording of a final grade, you should first confer with the instructor. If such a conference does not resolve the problem, a grade appeal form must be submitted to the head of the academic department that offers the course in question. This appeal form must be submitted no later than six weeks after the beginning of the fall or spring semester immediately following the semester in which the grade being appealed was received. The appeal form is available online on the Registrar’s Office and Graduate School’s webpage under forms. DEAD WEEK POLICY No tests or major assignments will be presented during the week prior to final examination week, unless identified in the course syllabus presented at the start of the semester. FINAL EXAM SCHEDULE Final examinations will be given according to the schedule of examinations available at http://www.pittstate.edu/office/registrar/finalexamschedule. Dot 10 FINAL EXAM OVERLOAD POLICY If you have three or more final exams officially scheduled for a single day you are entitled to arrange with the faculty member instructing the highest numbered course (the 3 digit number following the department code) a different day for the exam. If two courses have the same number, the course with the lower enrollment would be rescheduled. Students requesting accommodation should submit their request on the form found at http://www.pittstate.edu/office/registrar/forms.dot along with a copy of their class schedule, at least two weeks prior to the beginning of final exam week. The faculty member has until the Monday of prefinals week to arrange a mutually convenient time for administration of the final exam. If the matter cannot be resolved between student and faculty member, you may take the request to the Office of the Provost, 220 Russ Hall, no later than the Wednesday of dead week. WHERE TO GO FOR ASSISTANCE Pittsburg State administration, faculty, and staff are here to assist you in your academic success. If you have questions or concerns that affect your academic success, it is important that we hear from you. Your Instructor Faculty members usually include their office hours and contact information in the class syllabus. If not, set a time to meet with your instructor by speaking with him/her prior to or immediately following your class session or check with the departmental office for instructor availability. Writing Assistance The Writing Center offers free writing consultations for students at any stage of the writing process for any writing project. Writing Center consultants are experienced writers who are committed to helping you achieve your writing goals. Dr. Don Judd and Dr. Janet Zepernick, Directors, Writing Center Telephone: 6202354694 http://www.pittstate.edu/office/writing_center/ Library The Axe Library provides comprehensive services and materials including both physical and online books, periodicals, and interlibrary loan. Also available to students are a computer lab, with color printing, scanning and faxing capabilities. Spring semester operating hours are: Telephone: 6202354880 http://axe.pittstate.edu/ Tutoring Tutoring programs related to general education classes are available. 11 Whether you are studying for a test, writing a paper or preparing a presentation, tutors can help you sharpen your skills and increase your knowledge. If you are struggling with a class, then a tutor can help you get back on track. Use tutoring to get better grades! Rebecca Roach, Student Success Counselor, Student Success Center Telephone: 6202354951 Email: AskRebecca@pittstate.edu http://www.pittstate.edu/office/exploratorystudies/ tutoring.dot. Computer/Technology Assistance Gorilla Geeks Help Desk is responsible for assisting students with various technology needs. Services available include help with GUS and GusPINs, PSU email, assistance with campus system problems and support of the campus wireless network. In addition the center will help you with technology needs that are essential for academic success. Services include assistance with educational software packages used on campus including Microsoft OS, Office applications, basic ANGEL support and other campus applications; help with computer hardware or software problems; wireless connectivity; and configuring new computers. Gorilla Geeks Help Desk Telephone: 6202354600 Email: Geeks@pittstate.edu http://www.pittstate.edu/office/gorillageeks/ Services for Students with Learning Disabilities Allison Adams, Coordinator, Center for Student Accommodations Telephone: 6202356584 http://www.pittstate.edu/office/counseling/centerforstudentaccommodations. Dot Services for Students with Physical Disabilities Cindy Johnson, Director, Equal Opportunity/ Affirmative Action Telephone: 6202354189 http://www.pittstate.edu/office/eoaa/ Student Health Center Telephone: 6202354452 http://www.pittstate.edu/office/health/ University Counseling Services Telephone: 6202354452 http://www.pittstate.edu/office/counseling/ 12 General Questions If you have questions about university policies or procedures, need assistance with academic success skills (such as note taking, effective reading techniques, and test taking strategies), or have general questions about your academic progress, Enrollment Management & Student Success can assist or refer you to the appropriate office. Enrollment Management & Student Success Telephone: 6202354109 STATEMENT OF NONDISCRIMATION Pittsburg State University is committed to a policy of educational equity. Accordingly, the University admits students, grants financial aid and scholarships, conducts all educational programs, activities, and employment practices without regard to race, religion, color, sex, disability, national origin, ancestry, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity or gender expression. 13 PITTSBURG STATE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF EDUCATION PROFESSIONAL KNOWLEDGE BASE * (D) (T) This indicator has been identified as representing a disposition. This indicator has been identified as representing diversity. This indicator has been identified as representing technology. PROFESSIONAL CHARACTERISTICS The teacher candidate will demonstrate specific attitudes, values, beliefs and behaviors which illustrate a commitment to a dependable and professional demeanor, an underlying belief system that all students can learn and specific efforts that foster collaborative/caring relationships. ____ 1. ____ 2. ____ 3. ____ 4. ____ 5. ____ 6. ____ 7. ____ 8. ____ 9. ____ 10. ____ 11. ____ 12. ____ 13. Is dependable, flexible, and punctual.* Maintains a consistently positive and professional demeanor.* Believes that all students can learn and teachers can make a significant contribution to learning.*(D) Understands and respects a diverse student/parent population and helps all children learn respect for the traditions and cultures of others.*(D) Promotes a classroom environment that is caring and supportive to all students.*(D) Complies with confidentiality laws and policies regarding students, parents, and personnel. Knows and follows school policies and shares in the general responsibilities and duties associated with teaching (e.g., attendance, discipline, hall duty). Establishes two-way communication with colleagues and students.* Communicates fluently using appropriate and grammatically correct oral and written language. Sets goals or demonstrates a desire to continually acquire knowledge and skills especially in emerging educational technologies.*(T) Seeks to implement the recommendations from evaluations of professional performance.* Practices self-evaluation and reflection to enhance instructional effectiveness.* Maintains ethical behavior with all students and colleagues.*(D) RELATIONSHIPS WITH STUDENTS The teacher candidate will demonstrate specific attitudes, values, beliefs and behaviors which portray a caring relationship, positive rapport, high student expectations and a respect for the diverse talents of all learners. ____ 14. ____ 15. ____ 16. ____ 17. Conveys high expectations that all students will succeed and learn. (D) Models an enthusiastic behavior and a caring attitude towards all students. (D) Demonstrates positive rapport with a diverse student population. (D) Listens carefully to all students then responds in a professional manner. (D) INSTRUCTIONAL PLANNING 14 The teacher candidate will demonstrate specific attitudes, values, beliefs and behaviors which denote a strong knowledge base, an understanding of learning theory, a backward design approach to instructional planning, lessons designed and implemented with technology, an integrated lesson design, and a variety of instructional strategies to provide opportunities for all students to learn. ____ 18. Understands the appropriate scope and sequence of objectives for teaching the curriculum (national, state, and/or local standards). ____ 19. Develops clear short and long-term instruction plans (e.g. lesson plans, units, and/or modules) which include objectives, materials, activities, adaptations/modifications and evaluation techniques based on the curriculum. ____ 20. Has an up-to-date knowledge of the subject matter and attempts to incorporate diverse and practical illustrations, examples and applications in lesson material and activities. (D) ____ 21. Selects materials and activities consistent with the objectives of the lesson and students’ diverse abilities resulting in appropriate adaptations and modifications. (D) ____ 22. Has knowledge of and plans developmentally appropriate instruction. (D) ____ 23. Uses available technologies for planning and integration with other disciplines. (T) ____ 24. Structures lesson planning to allow for interventions, such as individualization, reteaching, and alternative assessment, so all students can meet the objectives. (D) ____25. Creates lessons that encourage students to think creatively and critically, to solve problems, and to develop skills needed in a global society. (D) INSTRUCTION The teacher candidate will demonstrate specific attitudes, values, beliefs and behaviors which provide active student-centered instruction characterized by clarity, variety, and flexibility to meet the needs of a diverse community of learners. ____ 26. Conducts class with poise, confidence, and enthusiasm. ____ 27. Presents lessons in a clear, logical, and sequential manner. ____ 28. Insures that lesson materials and information are professionally displayed and accessible to all students. (D) ____ 29. Communicates clearly to all students the objective and purpose of each lesson. (D) ____ 30. Reviews or provides an anticipatory set in an effort to gain the interest of the student. ____ 31. Provides a real world context for lesson content. ____ 32. Utilizes various instructional strategies appropriate for the objectives of the lesson. ____ 33. Incorporates differentiated instruction to meet the academic needs of all students. (D) ____ 34. Uses available educational technologies for effective instruction. (T) ____ 35. Encourages participation from all students through effective questioning strategies (e.g., equal distribution, level variation, adequate wait time, probing and clue giving, and appropriate correctives and feedback). (D) ____ 36. Responds to student questions in a concerned and effective manner. ____ 37. Provides opportunities for all students to successfully apply or practice knowledge and skills learned. (D) ____ 38. Facilitates instructional strategies which provide opportunities to work individually and collaboratively in groups. ____ 39. Conducts lessons at an appropriate pace and maximizes time on task. ____ 40. Provides focus on important points and checks for understanding. ____ 41. Accomplishes smooth and orderly transitions between parts of the lesson. ____ 42. Gives clear directions. 15 ____ 43. Effectively achieves closure to each lesson and/or class period. CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT The teacher candidate will demonstrate specific attitudes, values, beliefs and behaviors which promote an orderly, safe classroom environment conducive to learning by providing clear rules and procedures which are taught, monitored and consistently reinforced. ____ 44. Believes in and communicates a well-defined classroom management system.* ____ 45. Organizes and maintains the physical environment of the classroom in a pleasant and orderly manner conducive to student learning and safety. ____ 46. Establishes, teaches, and reinforces classroom expectations, rules, routines, and procedures fairly.*(D) ____ 47. Teaches tolerance by example and by design, striving to develop a classroom atmosphere which recognizes the value of all people regardless of their uniqueness.*(D) ____ 48. Monitors students’ behaviors and activities in the classroom at all times. ____ 49. Displays consistency in dealing with behavior in the least disruptive manner, utilizing appropriate positive and negative consequences. ____ 50. Handles multiple tasks, intrusions, and distractions while maintaining the flow of the lesson. ____ 51. Understands how to handle unexpected classroom incidents and emergency procedures. ____ 52. Provides a learning environment which includes high time-on-task and active engagement. EVALUATION The teacher candidate will demonstrate specific attitudes, values, beliefs and behaviors which establish fair expectations, provide for multiple assessment opportunities, monitor progress in a timely fashion, provide feedback through multiple means, and collaborate with others to meet the needs of all students. ____ 53. Develops and communicates to students and parents a fair evaluation system which respects the legal rights of all involved.*(D) ____ 54. Uses available technologies to post and communicate student progress in a timely manner.(T) ____ 55. Maintains clear and reasonable work standards and due dates. ____ 56. Consults a variety of sources (e.g., student records, counselors, resource specialists, parent conferences, test results, and other diagnostic tools) to determine the learning needs and capabilities of individual students. ____ 57. Uses multiple methods of assessing and evaluating student knowledge and performance. (D) ____ 58. Makes changes in instruction based on feedback from multiple classroom assessment sources. ____ 59. Gives timely and specific oral and/or written feedback on all assignments and provides corrective action so all students can succeed. 16 ____ 60. Has knowledge of the referral and intervention process and can use specialized services as student needs arise. 17