Kenneth W. Miller, Ph.D.

MSU-Billings
College of Education
Curriculum and Instruction
Spring 1999

EDCI 534 Hands On/Minds On Science (GRADUATE)

INSTRUCTOR(S) Dr. Ken Miller
406.657.2034 
CE 279 B

OFFICE HOURS: Monday 8:00-11:00 AM;

COURSE DESCRIPTION: Provides experience for those teachers in the elementary, middle, and high schools who wish to incorporate more hands-on, relevant and activity-oriented strategies into their science classroom. In addition to demonstrated hands-on strategies, the teachers will generate and share new ideas and activities, discuss current cognitive theories (both practical and technical), and investigate national trends in science education.

PREREQUISITES Graduate status in education.

CE REFLECTIVE PRACTICE FRAMEWORK

TEXT(S): The Psychology of Learning Science

GRADING: The course grade is based on the sum of the scores obtained on the above requirements: A: 90-100 B: 80-89 C: 70-79 D: 60-69

COURSE GOALS:

01. Competence in Process skills in science.

02. Utilize scientific methodology as a problem solving technique.

03. Ability to plan an integrated science and mathematics classroom activity using a variety of resource materials.

04. Ability to develop science instructional materials appropriate to specific grade levels.

05. Develop skills in using science manipulative materials.

06. Develop skills in preparing science activities for students.

07. Ability to identify scientific misconceptions and design appropriate activities to correct those misconceptions.

08. Analyze conceptual change and understanding of learners in the science classroom.

ASSIGNMENTS/LAB REQUIREMENTS

A. Structured Interviews with a child 20

B. Project (out of class) 20

C. Active Class Participation--Homework 40

D. Reflective Journal 20

Total 100

DESCRIPTION OF COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

A. Structured interviews: Teachers are expected to complete a structured pre-interview and post-interview with their own student. The interview will be over a concept you have chosen and you will be teaching in your classroom. Sharing of the pre-interviews and results of the post-interviews in relation to conceptual change will take place in the classroom. A written summary will be prepared to be handed in and evaluated.

B. Project: Participants will be expected to develop and teach a hands-on minds-on activity with the class. This activity is to be written up and enough copies provided for each group of participants.

C. Participants are expected to be in attendance and actively participate in class discussions and group activities.

D. Teachers are expected to maintain a research journal. This portfolio will contain your reflections on what you are learning in this class. An important component of this research journal is your view on the material presented in class, your feelings regarding the components of this workshop-program: i.e. conceptual change, sharing, collegial support, administrative support, as well as what are the barriers to complete hands-on activities with children. Be thinking about; How am I internalizing this material? How will I get it across to the children? How will I help slower students? How will I challenge brighter students?

COURSE OUTLINE

CLASS DATE	ACTIVITY 1	ACTIVITY 2	ACTIVITY 3	ASSIGNMENTS
1/14	Syllabus, Course discussion
1/19
1/21
1/26
1/28
2/2
2/4
2/9
2/11
2/16
2/18
2/23
2/25
3/2