SCE 4310: Elementary Science Methods

Dr. John J. Koran, Jr.
Office 305 Norman Hall
Phone: 392-0761 ext 268
Email: jkoran@coe.ufl.edu
Office Hours: Tues. 9:30 - 11:00
Thurs. 9:30 - 11:00
and by appointment

Text: Chaille, C., Britain, L (1997) The Young Child as Scientist - - - Harper Collins
Publisher Inc., 1991.


Goals of Course:

Students should be able to state, describe, and analyze the relationship
between science content, scientific processes, concept formation, curiosity,
learning and memory, metacognition.

Students should develop a knowledge and appreciation of the structure of
science, the processes of science, and selected science concepts.

Students should be able to involve children in the processes of science and
with concepts in science.

Students should appreciate the value of exhibits, collections, and
demonstrations and be able to establish a science center in the classroom.
(begin presentations week two)

Students should become aware of the teaching strategies which can be used
in teaching science and essential teacher behaviors that contribute to
constructivist teaching.

Students should be able to analyze science content and behavior in informal
settings. (Florida Museum of Natural History exhibits)

Students should be able to establish a Terraqua Column and describe and
interpret what is taking place in it and how it would be useful in the class-
room.

Students should be able to develop a concept map of familiar elementary
science concepts.


Requirements:

1. There will be two midterm examinations which will count for 60% of the
   

final grade.

1. There will be three projects which will count for 40%. Each student will :
   

-create and study Terraqua (directions follow) 12%
-develop a science learning center 12%
(there should be a lesson plan accompanying each)
-visit the museum 5 times and fill out a visit report to be handed in each
week. 16%


Grading System:

There will be no unexcused absences.

Grading Scale: 92-100 = A

1. 91 = B
   
2. 81 = C
   
3. 72 = D
   
   
   

Immediate Assignment:

1. Establish a micro habitat (Terraqua Column). Monitor it at home or in
   class. Describe in class. Keep a notebook of "field notes." Due end of
   session.
   
   
2. Visit museum on Friday. (or at your convenience for 1 hour) Reports due
   Tuesday of each week
   
   
   

On Reserve


James, D.E. Carolina's Fresh Water Aquarium Handbook. Carolina Biological
Supply, 1984.






References on Reserve

Curiosity in Science: rating behavior

1. Koran, J.J. Jr., Lehman, J. R., (1981) "Teaching children science concepts:
The role of attention." Science and Children. 18, pp. 31-32.

Metacognition and Scientific Processes: Lesson Ideas

2. Minnick, C. S., Alvermann, D. E. (eds.) (1993) "Science Learning
Processes and Applications: International Reading Association, Newark,
Delaware.

3. Cleare, C.C. (1985). "Scallops, Whelks, and Process Skills." Science and
Children. April.

Learning in formal and informal settings

4. Koran, J.J. Jr., Longino, S.J., Shafer, L. D. (1983). "A framework for
conceptualizing research in natural history museums and science centers."
Journal of Research in Science Teaching 20 (4).

Concept Formation in Science

5. Koran, J.J. Jr., Lehman, J.R., (1981). "Teaching children science concepts:
The role of attention." Science and Children. 18 , pp. 31-32.

6. Novak, J.D., (1993) "How do we learn our lesson?" The Science Teacher ,
60 (3) 51-55.

7. Novak, J.D., (1991) "Clarify with Concept Maps" The Science Teacher , 58
(7) 45-49

Teacher Behaviors and Models of Teaching

8. ____________ Models of Science Teaching (1993). A chapter on reserve.

Field Trips

9. Leary, R.F., (1996) "Field Trip Trips- Student Preparation is the Key"

Science and Children September.



Week 1

May 13, 1997 Learning in informal settings
Developing a science learning center
Nature of Scientific Content: Processes, Concepts, Facts

May 15, 1997 Text: Chapters 1-4
References: 1-9 (start reading)

May 16, 1997 Visit Museum: Study exhibit content & observe children
learning science

Week 2

May 20, 1997 Processes of Science

May 22, 1997 Concepts in Science (concept mapping)
Text: Chapters 5-7
References:

May 23, 1997 Visit Museum: Study exhibit content and observe children
learning science

Week 3

May 27, 1997 Curiosity in Science: Start Learning Center Presentations
Terraqua Discussion

May 29, 1997 Exam I

May 30, 1997 Visit Museum: Study exhibit content and observe children
learning science

Week 4

June 3, 1997 Text: Chapters 8-10
Metacognition, Learning & Memory in Science
Learning Center Presentations

June 5, 1997 Learning Center Presentations

June 6, 1997 Visit the museum: Study exhibit content & observe children's
behavior


Week 5

June 10, 1997 Learning Center Presentations

June 12, 1997 Learning Center Presentations

June 16, 1997 Visit museum: Study exhibit content & observe children's
behavior

Week 6

June 17, 1997 Exam II
Field Notes and Final Museum reports due

June 19, 1997 Return Exams
Wrap-up