Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2024 - EDUC 416 E200

Designs for Learning: Secondary Science (4)

Class Number: 4756

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Wed, 4:30–8:20 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:

This introductory course is designed to provide prospective secondary science teachers with the knowledge and skills necessary to design effective, critical and engaging learning experiences for their future students, based on the British Columbia curriculum. Through this course, students will learn about key concepts and theoretical perspectives in science education (e.g. scientific literacy, nature of science, STSE); will understand BC science curriculum structure and all its features related to science teaching. Students will develop resources and a critical mindset that will allow them as future teachers to introduce science, its practices and processes in a contextualized way, as well as explore with their future pupils the ways in which science is both impacted by and impacts society at various levels.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

  • Learn about different theoretical perspectives related to science education (e.g., scientific literacy, nature of science, science-technology-society and environment/STSE);
  • Explore and reflect on possibilities and challenges of scientific inquiry, place-based education and other innovative approaches in school science;
  • Learn how to integrate indigenous knowledge into the development of lesson plans and units of the secondary science curriculum;
  • Explore current good practices of secondary science teaching based on current research in science education, learning how to apply this knowledge to curriculum effectively;
  • Develop abilities to teach secondary science through the B.C. science curriculum, and to enhance students’ attitudes towards science, their critical thinking and agency.

Grading

  • Reflect & Contribute (smaller tasks, individual & in groups) 50%
  • Lesson Plan 20%
  • Unit Plan 30%

NOTES:

There is no final exam for this course. All details regarding grading requirements and course policies will be provided on the first day of class.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

All the required readings will be available on Canvas.

RECOMMENDED READING:

All the suggested texts and additional resources will be available on Canvas.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website 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