This course will help you develop the knowledge and skills needed to implement student-centered science instruction.
First, we will explore why we teach science to all students and how our science education experiences impact our view of what good science teaching is. Next, we will examine multiple views on how students come to understand science, the teaching strategies research has identified as most effective and how these strategies can be implemented within the contexts of current high school science classrooms. In addition to learning how to teach biology to a diverse group of students, we will reconstruct our knowledge of biology to make it more contextual and conceptual.
Finally, we will explore what it is like to be a science teacher and what type of science teacher each of you would like to be. To demonstrate your ability to design student-centered instruction you will design a series of biology lessons over the course of the semester that will serve as resources for your peers, UNC-BEST alumni and our science teacher partners. To help us meet the above goals, there is also a fieldwork component of the course, which will provide you the opportunity to volunteer in a local high school science classroom each week.
Learning Outcomes
The following learning objectives will be supported by Making-focused curriculum projects and accompanying models.
Students will be able to:
• Illustrate the central, unifying concepts of biology.
• Design hands on manipulative and/or models and accompanying curricula to support deeper understanding of biology among high school students.
• Integrate appropriate technology to enhance instruction in science.
• Design learning experiences that make the central concepts of biology accessible, meaningful and culturally relevant for diverse learners.
• Design developmentally appropriate strategies to deliver instruction in science.
• Apply best practice in science education and participate in the dissemination of those ideas.
• Foster relationships with practicing science teachers.
• Provide outreach, service and leadership to the science education community.
- 1. Identify and articulate a need to create.
- 2. Analyze and explore ideas, questions, problems, and potential solutions.
- 3. Create effectively and safely.
- 5.Prototype using iterative design principles.
- 7. Engage in effective teamwork.
- 8. Employ effective knowledge management practices.
- 10. Understand ethical and intellectual property issues surrounding making.