SCE-SCIENCE EDUCATION
 

SCE 4310          Teaching Science in the Elementary School             3

Processes of science requisite to teaching elementary school science; emphasis upon structure and objectives of school science programs, methods of instruction assessment, and experimental programs. Material and supply fee will be assessed.

SCE 4320          Teaching Science in the Middle and Secondary Schools       2

Methodology requisite to the effective teaching of science at the middle school level; emphasis on methods and objectives of the middle school science program, use of lab experiences with middle school students, computer strategies and software evaluation, evaluating student progress, current research in science education, and practice teaching experiences; includes participation in school setting. Admitted to Teacher Education and permission is required.

SCE 4631          Special Methods in Teaching Secondary and Junior High School Science    3

Curriculum skills, methods and philosophy of science teaching. Lecture, discussion and field experience. Assessment of science competency in area of specialization. Meets Florida state requirements for Special Methods in Science. Twenty four semester hours of science courses are needed prior to taking this course. Permission is required.

SCE 5XXX        Chemistry Through Inquiry (Pending)           3

The course focuses on the National Science Education content standards for physical science and “science as inquiry” for K-4 and 5-8. As teachers do hands-on science investigations, read science background, and participate in discussion they will enhance their own scientific content knowledge and develop an inquiry-based approach to science teaching.

SCE 5XX3         Learning Reading Strategies for Middle School Science (Pending)    3

Designed to help teachers focus on specific reading comprehension strategies to help students in grades 6-9 become better readers of science texts. Weekly mini-lessons provide opportunities to integrate explicit texts and activities which focus on modeling what good readers do through a think-aloud strategy. Within the context of rich, JASON video and multimedia components, you will collaborate, practice, and learn these techniques with colleagues in both science and language arts.

SCE 5XX4         Cell Biology (Pending)          3

Updates teachers on the most recent advances in cytology, genetics, and human biology and provides access to the most current online resources. While learning the nature of the basic unit of life, participants will explore the potential for cells in extreme environments like the deep ocean and deep space. Also presents various career opportunities in modern medicine.

SCE 5807          Forces and Motion               3

Engages participants in reviewing the history and development of concepts associated with why things move and how they move in the mechanical world. Simple demonstrations and hands-on inquiry activities connect each week’s content area with real-world examples.

SCE 5824          Ocean Science              3

Examines the physical, chemical, and biological factors that influence the ocean. It supports content with a discussion of the methods through which students can achieve ocean-related content outlined in the National Science Education Standards. It uses text- based content, participant interaction, analysis of current research, we search, and implementation of activities to improve the skills of teachers.

SCE 5835          Structure of the Earth          3

Examines the physical composition of our planet and the forces (both internal and external) that continuously shape it. Is cross- disciplinary when appropriate and is especially designed for secondary school teachers who are currently teaching or who are preparing to teach courses in middle and high school Earth sciences. Combines technical explanations of geological processes and phenomena with an explanation of the physical composition of matter, minerals, and various rock types. The original content documents are supplemented with original animated graphics, other web-based resource links, and self-directed reviews of literature on various discussion topics presented during the course.

SCE 5842          Aquatic Ecology for Teachers            3

Aquatic Ecosystems engages participants in reviewing and comparing aquatic environments, investigating the dynamics of ecological interactions, and addressing the impact of human activity. Each week’s content addresses main science concepts, illustrative examples, inquiry activity ideas, resource extensions, opportunities to learn more, and connections to teaching and learning in grades 4-9 science classrooms.

SCE 5845          Rainforests-Endangered Ecosystems            3

Explores the nature of rainforests and their role in the biosphere. It investigates the flora, fauna, and human populations that inhabit rainforests, including how they interact with each other and the abiotic factors of the ecosystem, their adaptations, and factors affecting their evolution. Students examine the importance of rainforests and the threats directed at them. They also take a virtual trip through Olympic National Park’s Hoh Rainforest to show the connections between temperate and tropical rainforests.

SCE 6117          Science Instruction in the Elementary School           3

Theory and practice of elementary school science education, including history, philosophy, research, curricula and instructional strategies. Demonstration teaching, individualized instruction and action research projects.

SCE 6341          Energy and the Environment Workshop           3

Activities related to the teaching of energy through a thematic approach. Discussions and activities about the production, transmission, and distribution of energy, alternative energy sources, energy conservation, and the use of a hands-on/minds-on, collaborative approach to teaching are included. Students are required to complete field trips as scheduled. Credit may not be earned in both SCE 6342 and SCE 6341.

SCE 6625          Science Instruction in the Middle and Secondary School           3

Corequisite: EDM 6944 or ESE 6944.

Assists middle and secondary level teachers to develop theoretical understanding and skills necessary to teach in a manner consistent with current reform efforts in science education. Focuses on three components of understanding science teaching and learning: 1) the nature of science, its history and philosophy, 2) how students learn science, and 3) the role of the teacher in creating a safe learning science. Admission to Teacher Education and permission is required.

SCE 8980          Ed.D. Dissertation in Biological Science (Pending) 1-18

Major independent research in biological science education designed especially for candidates in the Ed.D. curriculum and instruction program with specialization in science. Dissertation will reflect intensive research produced by the student and collaboratively developed with the student’s graduate committee. Graded on satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis only. Admission to candidacy and completion of all other doctoral program requirements are required. Permission is required.