DRAFT SYLLABUS SCI 3030
SCI 3030: Teaching about scientific inquiry and nature of science
Professor:
Dr. Renee’ Schwartz
Office: 3139 Wood Hall
Phone: 387-5660
Email: r.schwartz@wmich.edu
Class time: MW 4:00-5:30
Location: Wood 1127
Office hours: by appointment
TA: Cathy Northcutt
Cathy.k.northcutt@wmich.edu
Course credits: 3
Course Description
The goal of SCI 3030 is to explore connections between authentic scientific research
and classroom science learning experiences that are appropriate for middle and
secondary students. The course emphasizes the themes of nature of science and
scientific inquiry as essential contexts for gaining meaningful understanding of
traditional science subject matter. Students will develop knowledge and skills to engage
learners in inquiry-based experiences that also teach about the nature of science. They
will consider ways in which laboratory activities can incorporate higher levels of inquiry
and foster student engagement and critical thinking.
Course Goals:
Students will:
(1) develop conceptual knowledge of the nature of scientific inquiry;
(2) develop conceptual knowledge of the nature of science;
(3) develop pedagogical knowledge and abilities to teach science through inquiry;
including

Using an explicit/reflective approach for nature of science and inquiry

Using the National Science Education Standards for inquiry (NRC, 2000)
Methods of Instruction
This is a practical application course involving lecture, laboratory, and discussion. All
students are expected to participate in class sessions.
DRAFT SYLLABUS SCI 3030
Required texts and materials
A secondary science methods books required for SCI 4040 will also be required for this
course:
 Chiapetta, E. L., & Koballa, T. R. (2010). Science instruction in the middle and
secondary schools. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Merrill Prentice Hall. (7th edition)
The following books and additional are also required:

Levom, D. (2010). Teach like a champion: 49 techniques that put students on the
path to college. Jossey-Bass.

National Academies Press. (2011). The Framework of K12 Science Standards.
(free pdf available online)
http://www.nap.edu/chapterlist.php?record_id=13165&type=pdf_chapter&free=1

Select readings assigned during the semester.

National Research Council (1996). National science education standards.
Washington, DC: National Academy Press.
http://www.nap.edu/readingroom/books/nses/overview.html

National Research Council (2000). Inquiry and the National Science Education
Standards. Washington, DC: National Academy press.
http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=9596
Attendance
Class attendance is mandatory. If you are unable to attend class, it is your responsibility
to inform the instructor prior to the next class meeting. Any assignments that are due
should be turned in on time or before.
Students with Special Needs:
Students with disabilities or other special needs who need special accommodations in
this course are invited to share these concerns or requests with the instructor as soon
as possible.
Academic Honesty:
You are responsible for making yourself aware of and understanding the policies and
procedures in the WMU Undergraduate Catalog 2003-2005 that pertain to Academic
DRAFT SYLLABUS SCI 3030
Integrity (pp. 274-276). These policies include cheating, fabrication, falsification and
forgery, multiple submission, plagiarism, complicity and computer misuse. If there is
reason to believe you have been involved in academic dishonesty, you will be referred
to the Office of Student Judicial Affairs. You will be given the opportunity to review the
charge(s). If you believe you are not responsible, you will have the opportunity for a
hearing. You should consult with me if you are uncertain about an issue of academic
honesty prior to the submission of an assignment or test.
Expectations for assignments
1. All reading assignments and homework are to be completed before the class
meeting for which they are assigned.
2. All written and verbal assignments must be submitted or presented on or before
the due date. If for any reason you are not able to turn in an assignment by the
due date, you must contact Dr. Schwartz or Cathy Northcutt ahead of time for
any chance of an extension.
3. Some assignments will receive a “check, check plus, or check minus” for
completion. Others will receive point values.
4. There is a 10% reduction in possible points for each day (24 hour period) an
assignment is late.
5. Final grades for the course will be tabulated by calculating an overall percentage
for the semester.
Grading Procedures:
Grading is criterion referenced. Students will strive for predetermined levels of mastery
rather than compete against each other. Grades are based on the following scale:
A:
B:
C:
D:
93-100
83-87
73-77
63-67
BA:
CB:
DC:
E:
88-92
78-82
68-72
62 or less
DRAFT SYLLABUS SCI 3030
Assignments and Grade determination: Anticipated course assignments and
expectations for earning a grade in this course include the following:
1. [20%] Statement about views of teaching, learning, and science: Initial, final, and
anything in between.
2. [20%] Homework assignments (from readings, reflective writings, observations,
etc).
3. [20%] Instructional materials: Students will develop a series of inquiry-based
lesson plans (unit) that fully address a science concept appropriate for the middle
or secondary level that :
a. engage learners in practices of scientific inquiry including: questioning,
design of investigations, data collection, data analysis and interpretation,
and argumentation
b. promote learners’ knowledge of about science concepts, nature of
science, and scientific inquiry
4. [20%] Practice teaching and written reflections:
a. Each student will teach a 10-minute demonstration to the class. Demo will
be videotaped. Students will write a reflection and revised lesson plan.
b. In groups of 2-3, students will teach an inquiry-based lesson to the class.
The lesson will be videotaped for student reflections. Students will revise
their lesson plans based on their reflections.
5. [20%] Participation: Students are expected to attend and actively participate in
all class sessions and assignments.
We reserve the right to adjust the grading and assignments based on the needs of the class.
DRAFT SYLLABUS SCI 3030
Tentative schedule of topics: While much of the semester will involve lesson
development, practice teaching, and reflection, there will be reading assignments and
class activities that are designed to promote students’ knowledge about the nature of
science and scientific inquiry, and their application in secondary classrooms. Among the
topics targeted in the course are:
Week
Date
Topic
1
1/9
Getting reacquainted
Connecting research to
practice
2
1/16
No Class
3
1/23
Who are our students?
Constructivism and
student conceptions.
How do authentic
research experiences fit
science standards?
In class lessons
What do we need to get
ready to teach?
How to reach our
students?
Why teach inquiry?
1/30
NOS and NOSI: content
and connections
Identifying and
addressing
misconceptions
Lesson design: Begin
with the end in mind
5
2/6
6
2/13
7
2/20
8
2/27
The many methods of
inquiry: Cookbook to
Inquiry level 3
What is explicit/reflective
teaching about the nature
of science?
Safety in the laboratory
9
3/5
SPRING BREAK
10
3/12
Inquiry labs
 C&K: ch. 10
 Lemov: ch. 1 (clips) ; pg. 55: 1,2,3,4,6
 Why does inquiry matter?
 Framework (pdf file): ch. 3
 ID three possible topics for to teach
during the summer program;
Justify your choices (framework &
inquiry).
Video;
Connecting authentic
research to the Standards
NOS Misconceptions assignment
“Understanding Science” website
assignment
Readings:
 McComas, 2004
 Wivagg & Allchin, 2002
 Lemov:
 C&K:ch. 7
Reflection writing assignment (prompts
given)
Burke video
Readings:
 Schwartz, 2007
 C&K: Ch 8
 Lemov:
NOS and NOSI
4
Homework (for next class)
The Herron Scale;
Lesson plan assignments
Writing objectives
Demonstrations
Applying the Herron scale
Demonstrations
Readings:
 Lederman & Lederman, 2004
Embed NOS into inquiry
lessons
Bring draft lesson plans to next class
Lesson planning and
practice
Group 1 teach
DRAFT SYLLABUS SCI 3030
11
3/19
Inquiry labs
Group 2 teach
12
3/26
No Class
13
4/2
Inquiry labs
Group 3 teach
14
4/9
Inquiry labs
Group 4 teach
15
4/16
Inquiry labs
Group 5 teach
16
4/23
Final Lesson plans DUE;
Finalize next steps