Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2023 - EDUC 476 E200

Designs for Learning: Elementary Science (4)

Class Number: 4524

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 8 – Jun 19, 2023: Mon, Wed, 1:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    EDUC 401/402 or corequisite EDUC 403.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Focuses on teaching elementary school science. Students explore science, aspects of learning science, and 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 course is intended to provide a comprehensive framework for making sense of the events of curriculum and instruction in elementary science. The course will provide instruction to thinking about science teaching and the practical skills to make science exciting, meaningful, and interesting for your classroom. The term “science” encompasses a broad world of phenomena and events under the umbrella terms of biology, chemistry, physics, and earth and space science within the B.C. Science Curriculum. While students will explore these niche aspects of science as they mature in the K-12 school system, at the elementary level it’s the job of the teacher to introduce science, its practices, processes, and impacts at personal and societal levels.

The course is organized around weekly topics and corresponding requested readings. Our classes will balance discussion on theoretical perspectives related to science education (e.g., nature of science, scientific literacy, conceptual change, scientific inquiry) with practical activities to explore the pedagogical implications of these different frameworks.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

This course will allow students to: (1) Collectively learn about different theoretical perspectives related to science education; (2) Explore and reflect on possibilities and challenges of scientific inquiry in school science; (3) Learn how to integrate indigenous knowledge into the development of lesson plans and units of the elementary science curriculum; (4) Develop understandings of place-based education in the context of elementary science; (5) Learn about, and practice how to make bridges between elementary school science and informal science education settings; and (6) Develop abilities to teach elementary science through the B.C. science curriculum, and enhance interest, positive attitudes towards science, critical thinking, and agency.

Grading

  • In-class activities (individual and in group) 20%
  • Autobiography (individual) 25%
  • Presentation of a lesson plan (in group) 30%
  • Unit plan with four lessons (individual) 25%

NOTES:

A syllabus with descriptions of each assignment and corresponding rubrics will be given to students on the first day of classes. As such, all assignments will be discussed on the first day. This course will not have a final exam.

To pass this course, your attendance, participation, and completion of all assignments are required.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

The course will be organized around weekly topics and weekly readings. All weekly readings will be available online through Canvas.

RECOMMENDED READING:

Additional useful resources will be posted on Canvas.

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

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

RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the semester are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.