Week 3: Wed. /Mon., 9/5 and 9/17

Week 3:  Wed. /Mon., 9/5 and 9/17

Introduce materials available in the classroom:  reference materials, equipment, etc.

Review:   NSES standards – an overview

Review:  questions on chapter 1 and chapter 11?

Pop quiz:  Write 4 things you learned from chapter 2 about goals of elementary science education (NSES Program Standard A). 

Chapter 2:  science education today

1.       the nature of science

2.       John Dewey’s vision (1938):  “importance of the participation of the learner in the formation of the purposes which direct his activities in the learning process”.  How is this vision compatible with the National Science Education Standards?

3.       standards – pros and cons

4.       discover science facts and developing concepts (may use crayons to show this concept)

5.       have each group share points of science education today with class

6.       Your own philosophy of science education:  answer questions such as:

a.        Teacher’s role

b.       Student’s role

c.        Goals and learning outcomes of your science program

d.       What content should be taught

e.        How will you merge process and content

f.        What is the role of hands-on science activities?

g.       How will children learn to value science?

h.       Other choices

7.       Q/A

Mini science activities: 

            Diane:  mini hands-on science activity

            Instructor:  “Does crayons sink or float”

Group Hands-on Activity:  Environment Science

            Group 3:  “Sense of Smell and Taste” – using potato chips, unsweetened Baker’s chocolate, lemon juice, Starburst) served in Dixie cups