Overview

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Focuses on teaching secondary school science. Students explore the sciences and aspects of learning science; examine their own scientific thinking; work with the prescribed curriculum; and plan science learning experiences within a consistent framework using appropriate instructional materials and methods.

COURSE DETAILS:

Sciences are often perceived as rigorous and only understood by a select few individuals. Ironically, the history of science demonstrates that anyone can become a scientist. Science is built around the scientific method indeed, but it also involves a great amount of creativity, trial and error, critical thinking, and uncertainty. These aspects were considered throughout the redesign of the science curriculum in British Columbia and reflect a more holistic and integrated approach to sciences. In this introductory course in teaching secondary science (grade 8-12), the curriculum will be studied in details in order for teacher candidates to feel comfortable applying its intricacies. Student teachers will be asked to apply their knowledge by designing learning plans and executing science activities in a way that is consistent with best practices in science education. Students will engage in reading, discussing and practicing a variety of theoretical frameworks, strategies, and assessments for science teaching. Practice will be focused on engaging students, encouraging inquiry and how to help students form enduring scientific skills and understandings. Students will deepen their reflective practice. This approach will help them slowly build their own toolbox of resources and develop professional competencies for teaching sciences.

Topics include, but are not restricted to: key outcomes in scientific learning; scientific literacy; development of conceptual understanding; effective use of inquiry; incorporating indigenous knowledge and science learning; integrating digital technology; differentiation in the science classroom; and place-based science instruction.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Students will:

1. have an overview of current science curricula in BC
2. develop their pedagogical understanding of science teaching and learning
3. explore the relationship between Indigenous knowledge and western science
4. develop their own critical philosophy of science education
5. begin to acquire a toolbox of resources, strategies for learning and assessing in the science classroom
6. develop a coherent unit plan for teaching science

Grading

Materials

REQUIRED READING: