DEPARTMENT OF CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
PITTSBURG STATE UNIVERSITY
_____________________________________________________________________________
Course Number: CURIN 369
Credit Hours: 3
Instructor:
Office:
E-Mail:
Title: Science/Social Studies Methods (K-3)
Course Time Schedule:
Office Phone:
Office Hours:
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
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
Admission to Teacher Education
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 and punctual. (See Attendance Policy on page 4)
2. Maintains a consistently pleasant, positive, and professional demeanor. (See
Professionalism Policy on page 4)
15. Participates in self evaluation and reflection to enhance competence in
instructional effectiveness.
2
23. Develops clear short and long-term instruction plans (e.g., lesson plans, units,
and/or modules) that include instructional materials, activities, and evaluation
techniques based on the curriculum objectives.
25. Selects materials and activities consistent with the objectives of the lesson and
the students’ prerequisite skills, attention span, and learning styles.
26. Has knowledge of and implements assorted instructional techniques and
technology to provide for instructional variation and integration with other
disciplines.
27. Reflects an understanding of learning theory and knowledge of human
development in planning for developmentally appropriate instruction.
38. Uses available educational technologies and teaching aids to enhance
instruction (e.g., computers, multimedia, the internet).
V. REQUIRED TEXTS AND MATERIALS
Jackman: Early Childhood Curriculum (3rd ed.)
VI. INSTRUCTIONAL RESOURCES
•
•
•
•
•
Course textbook, 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
• An electronic portfolio is a required component for PSU College of Education.
VII. TEACHING STRATEGIES
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
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
3
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 six 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 (20 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
(10 points),
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
(10 points), *Upload to FolioLive
4
4. Develop a social studies unit outline. Criteria for the outline will be provided in
class (10 points), *Upload to FolioLive
5. Develop a science lesson plan and present the lesson to the class. Additional
criteria for the lesson plan will be presented in class (20 points).
6. Make a resource file containing activities for five thematic units. Each unit
should have a minimum of five activities (e.g., finger plays, drama activities, art
activities, songs, games, etc.) related to a science or social studies topic and
appropriate for children in grades K-3. Be prepared to share your resource file
with the course instructor on or before the due date (10 points),
* 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. Students must enter
assignments 3 and 4 in FolioLive in order to receive credit for the course.
E. EXAMINATIONS
There will be a mid-term examination (10 points) and a final examination
(10 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 ---------------------------------------------Mid-Term Exam -----------------------------------------Final Exam ------------------------------------------------
5
20 points
10 points
10 points
10 points
20 points
10 points
10 points
10 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
Day 1:
Course Introduction
Days 2-3:
Planning the Curriculum
Days 4-6:
Organizing the Curriculum (Units of Study / Learning Centers / Skills
Groups)
Days 7-12:
Science Standards and Curriculum
Days 13-15:
Science and Technology
Days 16-19:
Scientific Processes
Days 20-24
Methods and Materials for Teaching Science
Days 25-29:
Social Studies Standards and Curriculum
Days 30-32:
Methods of Inquiry in the Social Studies
Days 33-39:
Methods and Materials for Teaching the Social Studies
Days 40-44:
Strategies for Teaching Children with Special Needs (Learning
Disabilities; Gifted; ESOL)
Days 45-46:
Assessment of Knowledge, Skills, and Dispositions in Science,
Technology, and the Social Studies