DEPARTMENT OF TEACHING AND LEADERSHIP
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
PITTSBURG STATE UNIVERSITY
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Course Number: EDUC 369
Credit Hours: 3
Instructor: Dwayne Taylor
Office Phone: (620) 249-7876 cell
E-Mail: dtaylor@frontenac249.org
Title: Science/Social Studies Methods (K-3)
Course Time Schedule: Mondays; 4:00 p.m. – 6:50 p.m.
Location: 310 Hughes Hall
Office Hours: By appointment
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I.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Science/Social Studies Methods (K-3) is a study of the objectives, content, methods, and
materials for teaching science and social studies in kindergarten through third grade
classrooms. The course emphasizes a hands-on, constructivist approach to teaching the
science and social studies curricula. May be taken for departmental honors.
II.
PREREQUISITES
Student must have completed or be concurrently enrolled in Explorations in Education
(EDUC 261) or Clinical Experience (EDUC 307).
III.
PURPOSE OF THE COURSE
The purpose of this course is to provide future kindergarten through third-grade teachers
with the conceptual framework and instructional strategies to effectively provide
appropriate science and social studies experiences for each of their students.
IV.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
The teacher candidate will meet Kansas State Department of Education Standards for
Early Childhood Unified (Birth through Third Grade) Licensure in the areas of science
and social studies as well as the following specific objectives:
understand the nature of science and social studies as fields of study, the essential
components of each discipline, and the purposes for which each is taught;
know, understand, and use the major concepts and modes of inquiry from the science
and social studies disciplines to promote students’ abilities to function effectively in
their social and physical environments;
know, understand and use fundamental concepts in science and technology, as well as
the inquiry process scientists use, to build a base for scientific and technological
literacy for all students;
demonstrate awareness and understanding of recent trends in science and social
studies education;
demonstrate knowledge of and ability to implement the diversity of curricular
approaches available to science and social studies educators;
develop materials and strategies that provide opportunities for creative and critical
thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills;
demonstrate an ability to design science and social studies lessons and units that are
developmentally appropriate to the needs, values, and interests of a diverse group of
students;
consider individual learning styles in the development of methods and materials to
enhance learning experiences of all children (special needs, minority, average,
gifted);
demonstrate the ability to integrate the science and social studies curricula with other
curriculum areas;
utilize all available resources (test results, performance evaluation, student records,
parent and student conferences, counselors, resource specialists, etc.) to assess the
learning needs and capabilities of students and to modify instruction when necessary;
demonstrate the ability to devise developmentally appropriate assessment activities,
instruments and rubrics.
In addition to the objectives listed above, the course will also address the following
PSU Effective Teaching Skills Indicators:
1. Is dependable, flexible, and punctual. (See Attendance Policy on page 4.)
2. Maintains a consistently positive and professional demeanor. (See
Professionalism Policy on page 4.)
12. Practices self-evaluation and reflection to enhance instructional effectiveness.
19. Develops clear short and long-term instruction plans (e.g., lesson plans, units,
and/or modules) that include objectives, materials, activities,
adaptations/modifications, and evaluation techniques based on the curriculum.
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21. Selects materials and activities consistent with the objectives of the lesson and
the students’ diverse abilities resulting in appropriate adaptations and
modifications.
22. Has knowledge of and plans developmentally appropriate instruction.
23. Uses available technologies for planning and integration with other
disciplines.
38. Uses available educational technologies for effective instruction.
V. REQUIRED TEXTS AND MATERIALS
Teaching Children Science: A Discovery Approach – 7th Ed.
Joseph Abruscato, Donald A. DeRosa
ISBN 0-13-815806-1
Elementary Social Studies - 7th Ed.
June R. Chapin
ISBN 0-205-59352-6
The Nystrom World Atlas
ISBN 0-7825-1076-0
VI. INSTRUCTIONAL RESOURCES
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Course textbooks, resource books, and professional journals
Handouts from instructor
Videos and other audio/visual media
Internet resources
Kansas Curricular Standards for Science, Civics/Government, Economics, Geography,
and History
• National Curricular Standards for Science and the Social Studies
VII. TEACHING STRATEGIES
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Lecture and demonstration
Reading in textbook, resource books, and professional journals
Discussion
Cooperative learning projects and activities
Student presentations
Use of videos and other audio/visual media
Multimedia presentations
• Guest speaker
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VIII. REQUIREMENTS AND EVALUATION
A. ATTENDANCE
Regular attendance and participation in class activities are essential for successful
completion of this course. Students are expected to be in attendance for each class
session except in case of emergency. In accordance with Curriculum & Instruction
departmental procedure, if a student has two absences (excused or unexcused), the
course instructor reserves the right to drop the student from the course.
B. PROFESSIONALISM
Students are expected to maintain a professional composure at all times. Examples of
professionalism include showing respect by listening to the instructor and other
class members when they are speaking to the class; participating in class activities
and discussions; refraining from working on other course assignments during class
time; arriving to class on time and staying for the entire class period, except in the
case of emergencies; maintaining a positive attitude toward the course, the instructor,
and peers.
C. ACADEMIC HONESTY
Teacher candidates are expected to follow the PSU Academic Honesty Policy that
addresses unethical acts associated with coursework or grades. Full text of this policy
can be found on the Pittsburg State University web page. Course instructors will
report suspected violations of this policy to the University Academic Honesty
Committee for review and action.
D. ACTIVITIES
1. In-class projects and daily quizzes (100 points), Students must be in attendance
to receive credit for these activities.
2. Develop a Thematic Unit Web on a science or social studies topic of your choice
(30 points – Due 2/7),
3. Design a Science Learning Center to develop a scientific concept. The center
should have three activities with varying levels of difficulty to meet the needs of
diverse learners. Additional criteria for the centers will be provided in class
(35 points – Due 3/14),
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4. Develop a Social Studies Unit Outline. Criteria for the outline will be provided
in class (50 points – Due 4/25),
5. Develop a Science Lesson Plan and present the lesson to the class. Additional
criteria for the lesson plan will be presented in class (60 points – Due 3/28),
6. Make a Resource File containing activities for ten thematic units. Those ten units
should consist of five different Science related topics and five different Social
Studies related topics. Each unit should have a minimum of three lesson plans
with activities (e.g., finger plays, drama activities, art activities, songs, games,
etc.) appropriate for children in grades K-3. Be prepared to share your resource
file with the course instructor on or before the due date (100 points – Due 5/2),
7. Create a Chroma Key Video on a science or social studies topic of your choice.
The video can be informative or demonstrative in nature. Additional criteria for
the video will be presented in class (25 points – Due 3/28).
* NOTE: Students must complete all of the above assignments in order to
receive credit for the course. Fifty percent (50%) of the points for any activity
will be deducted for each day the assignment is late.
E. EXAMINATIONS
There will be a Mid-Term Examination (50 points) and a Final Examination
(50 points). Additional information and criteria for the examinations will be provided
in class.
F. SCORE POSTING AND GRADING
Scores are not posted in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction. Test scores
and feedback will be provided to the students by the course instructor. Final course
grades will be based on the following criteria:
In-Class Projects and Daily Quizzes -----------------Thematic Unit Web -------------------------------------Social Studies Unit Outline and Reflection ----------Science Learning Center Plan and Reflection--------Science Lesson Plan, Presentation, and Reflection -Resource File ---------------------------------------------Chroma Key Video and Reflection -----------------Mid-Term Exam -----------------------------------------Final Exam -----------------------------------------------5
100 points
30 points
50 points
35 points
60 points
100 points
25 points
50 points
50 points
The grading system for final course grades will be as follows:
A = 90-100 points
B = 80-89 points
C = 70-79 points
D = 60-69
F = 59% or lower
IX.
COURSE CONTENT
01/24:
Course Introduction
01/31:
The Curriculum
02/07:
Planning and Managing Instruction
02/14:
Using Multiple Assessments to Evaluate Student Learning
02/21:
Teaching Economics and Civic Education
02/28:
Using Technology to Enhance Learning (Meet in Frontenac, KS)
03/07:
Teaching Geography
03/14:
Aiding in the Interpretation of History; Mid-Term Exam
03/21:
SPRING BREAK
03/28:
Presentation of Science Lesson Plans and Chroma Key Videos
04/04:
The Earth and Space Sciences
04/11:
Linking Literacy to Science and Social Studies
04/18:
The Life Sciences
04/25:
Strategies for Teaching Children with Special Needs (Learning
Disabilities; Gifted; ESOL)
The Physical Sciences
05/02:
05/09:
Assessment of Knowledge, Skills, and Dispositions in Science,
Technology, and the Social Studies; Final Exam
*This syllabus is subject to change. Changes, if any, will be announced in class.
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