DOWNLOAD A PDF VERSION OF THIS SYLLABUS

DOWNLOAD A PDF VERSION OF THE COURSE CALENDAR

WEBSITES:

• Eves Course Page: http://www.suu.edu/faculty/eves/4900/4900syll.html
• Utah Science Homepage: http://www.usoe.k12.ut.us/curr/science

THE LEGAL STUFF

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY:

Academic dishonesty will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent.

Department of Physical Science Policy:

"Academic Dishonesty includes but is not limited to cheating, fabrication, plagiarism or facilitating dishonesty.  Except for cases of major offenses, responding to academic dishonesty is the responsibility of the instructor of the course in which the dishonesty occurs.  If a student is guilty of academic dishonesty, the consequences may range from admonition or formal reprimand to dismissal from the class and may include a failing grade for the assignment, exam or course.  Other penalties for severe infractions will be dealt with, based on Southern Utah University*s Policies and Procedures - 11.2. Student's rights and responsibilities are also detailed in the student handbook."

ADA Statement

“Students with medical, psychological, learning or other disabilities desiring academic adjustments, accommodations, or auxiliary aids will need to contact Southern Utah University's Coordinator of Services for Student with Disabilities (SSD), Room 206F in the Sharwan Smith Center or phone (435) 865-8022. SSD determines eligibility for and authorizes the provision of these services."

Emergency Management Statement

In case of emergency, the University's Emergency Notification System (ENS) will be activated. Students are encouraged to maintain updated contact information using the link on the homepage of the mySUU portal. In addition, students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Emergency Response Protocols posted in each classroom. Detailed information about the University's emergency management plan can be found at http://www.suu.edu/emergency

HEOA Compliance Statement

The sharing of copyrighted material through peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing, except as provided under U.S. copyright law, is prohibited by law. Detailed information can be found at http://www.suu.edu/it/p2p-student-notice.html.

INSTRUCTOR:              Robert L. Eves

PHONE:              586-1934 (email: eves@suu.edu)

OFFICE:              Science Building 310B

OFFICE HOURS:              Daily 8:00 - 9:00 AM, or by appointment.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

PSCI 4900 Teaching Science in Secondary Schools              2 credit hours. 

“Required of all perspective secondary science teachers.”

We will meet at 4:00 PM, Monday and Wednesday of each week.  This course is a methods course for physical science pre-service secondary teachers.  Your classroom presentations should be developed around physical science topics (geology, chemistry, physics, astronomy, etc.).

Late Work

Late work submitted within one week of the stated deadline will receive 66% of the earned credit.  Work submitted later than one week (seven calendar days) after the deadline WILL NOT be accepted for credit.  Copies of lesson plans are due at the time the lesson is given.

General Instructions for the Course

              •              Students are expected to maintain a portfolio binder.

              •              All assignments, lesson plans, and reflections must be typed.

              •              Hand in all assignments on time.

              •              Use the course calendar to keep track of what is due.

              •              Attendance and class participation are important and will be considered in your final grade.             

GRADING

The course grade is determined from the following weighted criteria:

Activity Assignments (15%) - Must be submitted in a timely fashion. See Late Work statement above.

Assignment #1

Part 1 (MS Word File)

Part 2 (MS Word File)

Part 3 (MS Word File)

Assignment #2

Part 1 (pdf file) Read this chapter on the goals and directions of science teaching.

Part 2 (MS Word File)

Assignment #3

Part 1 (pdf file) Read this chapter on inquiry and discovery teaching.

Part 2 (MS Word File)

Assignment #4

Part 1 (pdf file) Read this chapter on demonstrations in science classes.

Part 2 (MS Word File) Complete this writing assignment.

Assignment #5

Part 1 (pdf file) Read this chapter on questioning and discussion techniques.

Part 2 (MS Word File) Complete these written assignment.

Assignment #6

Part 1 (pdf file) Read this chapter on technology in the classroom.

Part 2 (MS Word File) Complete this writing assignment.

Assignment #7

Part 1 (pdf file) Read this chapter excerpt on the use of cooperative learning strategies.

Part 2 (pdf file) Prepare a lesson plan according the attached instructions (the pdf file).

 

Observation (15%) — Each student will complete at least 8 hours one-on-one-observation of an in-service secondary science teacher.  During the observation, a journal will be kept.  Journal entrees will include such things as a time log, reflections on teaching methods observed, teaching strategies, effective use of principles taught in the class, copies of lesson plans (if they are made available), and more general observations.  The observation journal is part of the portfolio and is due at the last class meeting of the semester (April 25^th).

Student Lesson Presentations (30%) — This will be your chance to apply what we are learning.  Be as varied and creative as you dare.  Try to utilize the strategies we are learning this term and draw on your background.  On the first teaching exercise we are looking for a clear lesson plan, and completion of the presentation.  On the final lesson presentation we hope for clear improvement on areas mentioned during evaluation of previous lessons, use of varied teaching strategies, and the ability to integrate everything we have learned. (Sample evaluation form)

Portfolio for Teaching (15%) - See portfolio outline handout. (due April 25^th)

Attendance and Participation (20%) — Since we have so few class meetings your attendance and active participation at each meeting is essential to your success in the course.

Final Exam (5%) — The final exam will be an in-class essay entitled — "My Personal Philosophy for Teaching Secondary Science"

Information contained in this syllabus other than grading, late assignments, makeup work, and attendance policies, may be subject to change with advance notice, as deemed appropriate by the instructor.

GRADING SCALE

Grading Summary

Grades will be calculated by comparing achieved points to possible points (obtaining a percentage). Final grades will be determined according to the following grading scale.