Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2021 - EDUC 416 D100

Designs for Learning: Secondary Science (4)

Class Number: 2389

Delivery Method: Remote

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Tue, 1:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    EDUC 401/402 or corequisite EDUC 403.

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:

You should save this time for the course, but I won’t hold us on zoom for longer than 2 hours for most of the classes. Virtual meetings will be every other week, starting on May 18th.


This is an introductory course in secondary science teaching. It will provide a theoretical and practical understanding of science teaching from grades 8-12. Topics include but are not restricted to: key outcomes in scientific learning; effective use of inquiry; braiding Indigenous knowledge and Western science learning; place-based science instruction, STEAM education.

Students will engage in reading, discussing and practicing a variety of theoretical frameworks focusing on the newest BC curriculum. Students will design learning plans and educational material consistent with best practices in science education. Practice will be focused on engaging students, encouraging enquiry and connection with the land.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Students will:

  • Have an overview of current science curricula in BC.
  • Develop their pedagogical understanding of science teaching and learning.
  • Explore the relationship between Indigenous knowledge and Western science.
  • Develop interactive educational material (toolbox) for teaching sciences.
  • Develop a coherent unit and lessons plan for teaching sciences.
  • Practice their own teaching methods.

Grading

  • Discussion participation (on Canvas and face-to-face) 20%
  • Curriculum lesson plans 25%
  • Curriculum Unit Plan (Groups) 25%
  • Final Science teaching project 30%

NOTES:

There is no final exam for this course.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Readings will be provided in the first week of class, students will download for free at SFU library website.

In advance students can download the following resources:

  • Secondary Science First Peoples Teacher Resource Guide. Copyright @ 2019, First Nations Education Steering Committee and First Nations Schools Association. http://www.fnesc.ca/wp/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/PUBLICATION-61496-Science-First-Peoples- 2016- Full-F-WEB.pdf
  • New BC Curriculum (2016): Building Student Success. https://curriculum.gov.bc.ca

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Supplementary articles and reading materials will be provided electronically via CANVAS.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

TEACHING AT SFU IN SUMMER 2021

Teaching at SFU in summer 2021 will be conducted primarily through remote methods, but we will continue to have in-person experiential activities for a selection of courses.  Such course components will be clearly identified at registration, as will course components that will be “live” (synchronous) vs. at your own pace (asynchronous). Enrollment acknowledges that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes. To ensure you can access all course materials, we recommend you have access to a computer with a microphone and camera, and the internet. In some cases your instructor may use Zoom or other means requiring a camera and microphone to invigilate exams. If proctoring software will be used, this will be confirmed in the first week of class.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need class or exam accommodations, including in the current context of remote learning, are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112).