TCH/514 - Teaching Methods: Secondary Science

Course Description

This course is designed to prepare participants to teach science at the secondary school level. To meet this objective, participants explore the instructional methods in science content areas in middle level and high school settings. Participants identify the educational needs of secondary students by exploring current instructional theory; national, state, and local standards; and social issues that affect the science classroom. The course also helps prospective educators develop skills in selecting and adapting instruction and management plans for diverse student populations.

This graduate course is 4 weeks.

PLEASE NOTE:
Attendance and participation are mandatory in all university courses, and specific requirements may differ by course. If attendance requirements are not met, a student may be removed from the course. Please review the Course Attendance Policy in the Catalog for more information.

This course is not available for enrollment to residents of Alabama, Arkansas, and Kentucky.

Course Objectives

Science Education Content Knowledge, History, and Trends

• Define science as inquiry.
• Review the major concepts within physical science, life science, and earth and space science.
• Define science as an academic discipline.
• Review the history of science education in the United States.
• Identify current themes and trends in science instruction.
• Analyze science in relation to personal and social perspectives.

Standards, Curriculum, Assessments, Rubrics, and Instructional Approached

• Review state and national science standards and assessments.
• Identify ways in which classroom management techniques can enhance the science classroom.
• Identify various strategies for assessing science learning objectives for all learners.
• Analyze formative and summative science assessments and rubrics.
• Identify examples of project-based science assessments and rubrics.
• Propose innovative instructional strategies and materials for teaching science to adolescents.
• Analyze ways in which differentiating instruction occurs in the science classroom.
• Examine the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) lab safety standards. Describe methods to incorporate reading and writing strategies into science lessons.

Integrating Literature, Technology, and Media

• Explore the links between science and technology.
• Analyze the legal and ethical issues regarding the use of technology in the classroom.
• Incorporate the use of technology in science instruction.
• Identify online websites and media sources for teaching science.

Parent, Teacher, and Community Collaboration; Professional Development

• Explore strategies to utilize community resources in the science classroom.
• Examine how family and personal experiences shape teaching and learning perceptions in the science classroom.
• Analyze the impact successful parent-teacher communication and collaboration will have on the classroom environment.
• Examine the importance of professional science organizations and resources for teachers.
• Explain the significance of professional development in science education.

Disclaimers

The University of Phoenix reserves the right to modify courses.

Although our continuing teacher education courses are accepted by some state agencies in the United States toward teacher certifications and endorsements, this may not be the case in all states or foreign jurisdictions. If you plan to use courses for certification or endorsement, please check with your own state agency and your school district for applicability. Continuing teacher education courses are not eligible to apply to degree programs at University of Phoenix. These courses are not eligible for federal financial aid.

Transferability of credit is at the discretion of the receiving institution. It is the student’s responsibility to confirm whether or not credits earned at University of Phoenix will be accepted by another institution of the student’s choice.

While widely available, not all programs are available in all locations or in both online and on-campus formats. Please check with an Enrollment Representative.