MCCCD Program Description

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Education and Science

Course: EPD257

First Term: 2013 Fall

Lecture 3.0 Credit(s) 3.0 Period(s) 3.0 Load
Subject Type: Academic
Load Formula: S- Standard

Description: Overview of the current status of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education and science in the United States and the National Science Education standards. Emphasis on techniques associated with the scientific inquiry-based approach to teaching and learning science, models-based science teaching, and STEM science student research. Topics include the scientific `process` skills, project-based learning, the 5E instructional model, and the interdisciplinary connection of science to other STEM fields. Strategies for practical application in the classroom along with lesson plan development also covered.

MCCCD Official Course Competencies
1. Summarize history of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education and science in the United States. (I) 2. Review the National Science Education standards and the National Science Teacher Association`s Standards for Science Teacher Preparation. (I) 3. Explain the scientific inquiry method. (II) 4. Describe the scientific `process` skills necessary for developing scientific literacy. (II) 5. Summarize the 5E learning model, i.e. engage, explore, explain, elaborate, and evaluate. (II) 6. Create a lesson in science that uses the 5E learning model. (II, VII-IX) 7. Analyze how models-based science affects student`s learning in science. (III) 8. Explain how science `projects` are used to develop critical thinking and reinforce scientific `process` skills. (IV) 9. Define the stages of the principles of backward design. (IV) 10. Construct a performance-based assessment for a student science project that is appropriate for the K-12 classroom. (IV, V, VII-XI) 11. List and describe the steps in writing a STEM research paper in science. (VI) 12. Teach a science lesson that is grade appropriate for the K-12 classroom. (VII-XI)
MCCCD Official Course Competencies must be coordinated with the content outline so that each major point in the outline serves one or more competencies. MCCCD faculty retains authority in determining the pedagogical approach, methodology, content sequencing, and assessment metrics for student work. Please see individual course syllabi for additional information, including specific course requirements.

MCCCD Official Course Outline
I. Influence of the National Agenda on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) and Science Education A. Academic Standards and Student Performance B. Curriculum Development C. Teacher Preparation 1. National Science Education 2. National Science Teacher Association Standards for Science Teachers D. Societal and Global Impact of Science Education II. The Scientific Inquiry Method A. Definition of Scientific Inquiry Processes 1. Observing 2. Classifying 3. Measuring 4. Communicating 5. Inferring 6. Predicting 7. Experimenting B. Constructivism and Teaching C. Inquiry and the 5E Model Lesson Plan 1. Engagement 2. Exploration 3. Explanation 4. Elaboration 5. Evaluation III. Models-Based Science Teaching A. Types of Models B. Modeling, Inquiry, and Scientific Process Skills C. Modeling Science at Different Grade Levels D. Scientific Literacy and the Worldview IV. Science Activities and Projects A. Components of Classroom Activities for Science 1. Inquiry-Based 2. Standards-Based B. The Stages of Backward Design 1. Identify Results 2. Determine Evidence 3. Plan Learning Experiences and Instruction C. Classroom Examples of Activities and Projects 1. Physical Science 2. Life Science 3. Earth and Space Science V. Student Assessment A. Performance-Based B. Project-Based C. Peer and Individual D. Journals, Portfolios, and Other VI. STEM Science Research Projects A. Research Design for Science 1. Resources and Documentation 2. Hypotheses 3. Proposals 4. Laboratory Notebook B. Data and Statistics C. Writing Essentials 1. Introduction 2. Materials and Methods 3. Results 4. Analysis and Conclusions 5. Resources and Personal Reflections VII. Characteristics of Learners A. Learning Styles B. Past Experiences C. Backgrounds D. Prior Knowledge E. Cultural Differences VIII. Lesson Plan A. Objectives B. Teaching Procedures C. Learning Activities D. Materials E. Assessments IX. Learning Environment A. Classroom B. Experiences X. Teaching Strategies A. Inquiry-Guided B. Problem-Based C. Project-Based XI. Resources A. Textbooks B. Internet/Computers/Software C. Professional Software D. Other

MCCCD Governing Board Approval Date: June 25, 2013

All information published is subject to change without notice. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information presented, but based on the dynamic nature of the curricular process, course and program information is subject to change in order to reflect the most current information available.