Methods of Teaching Physical Sciences
Chemistry 4802, Physics 4800, Secondary Education 3240
Fall 2005
SYLLABUS In Progress
4802 Curriculum and Methods of
Teaching Physical Sciences (3)
Prerequisites: Tch Ed 3310 and a near major in the subject matter. A study of
the scope and sequence of the physical science courses in the school
curriculum, with emphasis on the selection and organization of materials and
methods of instruction and evaluation. Attention is also directed toward
learning the techniques and research tools of the scholar in the field of
science. To be taken prior to student teaching. This course must be completed
in residence.
This course is intended for students who have nearly completed a major in chemistry or physics, and requirements for a teaching certificate in those areas, with the exception of the semester of practice teaching and its associated seminar. It is designed to introduce the pre-service teacher to a variety of instructional strategies that will enable their students to: gain proficiency in the content areas of physics and chemistry; develop an understanding of the nature of science; develop positive attitudes toward science; understand the relationships between science, technology, and society; and develop science process skills. Each student will develop and express an instructional philosophy that will provide the framework for the selection, organization, and presentation of concepts in chemistry and physics, and evaluation of student achievement in those concepts. Students will continue the development of a portfolio that exhibits evidence that these goals and objectives have been achieved. Most of the students in the course will also be participating in a semester of Internship at the school and with the mentor teacher with whom they will be Student Teaching during the Winter, 2006 semester. Grades in the course will be based on written material submitted, attendance and participation in class, and videotaped mini-lessons.
During the Fall term of 2005, Methods of Teaching Physical Sciences is
offered Tuesdays and Thursdays, 4:00 to 5:15 in 451
The assigned textbook for the course is The Chemistry Classroom: Formulas for Successful Teaching, by Dudley Herron (ACS Books, New York, 1995). This book is not going to be in the bookstore, but you can order new or used copies from online sellers such as Amazon or Barnes & Noble. It will not be necessary to have it for several weeks. There are also several books that students might consider buying for reference purposes (and inspiration!) : The Art of Teaching Science by Jack Hassard, Oxford University Press 2005, Five Easy Lessons: Strategies for Successful Physics Teaching, by Randall D. Knight (Addison Wesley, 2004). Other books that are very useful for physics teachers are Teaching Introductory Physics by Arnold B. Arons (John Wiley & Sons, New York, 1997) and Peer Instruction: A User's Manual by Eric Mazur (Prentice Hall 1997). Students will also be expected to subscribe to the major periodicals in chemistry or physics education. For chemistry students, this will be the Journal of Chemical Education and for physics students The Physics Teacher. See the External Links menu for information about these and other resources.
The schedule of lessons below represents the approximate schedule of topics
to be covered this term, but it is likely that adjustments will be necessary
during the semester. Items in red occur
outside of our normal meeting times.
|
Date |
|
Subject |
|
Aug |
23 |
Introduction of class members. Logistics of Internships and Student Teaching semesters. Developing a philosophy of education. |
|
|
25 |
Content knowledge assessment via Chemistry Concept Test, AP Chemistry. Against School. |
|
|
28 |
Last day to enroll |
|
|
30 |
Professional affiliations and subscriptions. List servers. |
|
Sep |
1 |
Turn in and discuss content assessment tests. |
|
|
6 |
Discussion of Against School and philosophies of education statements. "A Mind of Our Own- Can We Believe Our Eyes?" video. |
|
|
8 |
The completion of “Can We
Believe Our Eyes?” Teaching through misconceptions. Bodner quiz. |
|
|
13 |
What do students actually
learn from science classes? Discussing
“The Bodner Quiz”. What about
portfolios? |
|
|
15 |
Turn in philosophy of
education. [Portfolio] Lesson planning in the physical Sciences. |
|
|
19 |
Last day to
drop without receiving a grade |
|
|
20 |
Models for Science
Teaching. Constructivism. (“Constructivism in Chemistry” article. See Course
Documents and External Links) Advice on portfolio development, and
examples. Using Chemical Education Research. |
|
|
22 |
Planning a lesson. |
|
|
22 |
ACS St. Louis Section Education
Topical Group 7:00p at |
|
|
27 |
Dealing with creationism and intelligent design. Further discussion of philosophies of education. |
|
|
29 |
Baking soda + vinegar
demo. Debriefing the baking soda + vinegar demo. |
|
Oct |
4 |
Laboratory Safety,
including Flinn video I. |
|
|
5 |
Jonathan Kozol, author of "The
Shame of the Nation: The Restoration of Apartheid Schooling in |
|
|
6 |
Science Education Reform
Movements |
|
|
11 |
Teaching problem-solving.
Video example. |
|
|
13 |
More on problem-solving.
Another video example, an in-class exercise. |
|
Monday |
17 |
4-8pm (with light meal) Free
Hands-On Workshop by Vernier Software.
Register online at www.vernier.com/workshop or call
(888)837-6437. Why not do this? [Portfolio] |
|
|
18 |
Still more on teaching
problem solving. Herron |
|
|
20 |
Assessment: goals and
techniques. Laboratory learning – video of exemplary physics
classroom/laboratory. |
|
|
25 |
Concept mapping as a
science teaching strategy (handouts) |
|
|
25 |
ACS St. Louis Section Education Topical
Group 7:00p at Mary Institute-Country Day. John Oliver will be speaking about
the history of science. [Portfolio] |
|
|
27 |
Learning Cycle Practicum |
|
Nov |
1 |
Discussion of the Learning
Cycle practicum. Bring and be ready to discuss a lesson plan for one
class, Gender issues in science education (handouts) [Portfolio] |
|
|
3 |
Cooperative Education
(Peer Learning) (guest editorial on pp. 206-7 of T-B) |
|
|
8 |
Electronic Access to
Resources in Science Education (in 225 BH) Hal Harris Bookmarks;
John Oliver Bookmarks |
|
|
10 |
Electronic Access to
Resources in Science Education (in 225 BH) [Portfolio] |
|
|
15 |
Science, Technology, and
Society Discussion and planning of lessons for example videotape. |
|
|
17 |
TBA |
|
|
14 |
Last day
to drop from a course |
|
|
22 |
Thanksgiving |
|
|
24 |
Thanksgiving |
|
|
29 |
TBA |
|
|
1 |
TBA |
|
|
6 |
TBA |
|
|
8 |
Extra session to review
videotapes of mini-lessons. |
This page last modified 9/30/05