BIOL.5080 Cell Biology for Teachers (3cr)
This online course will examine the structure and function of cells and the regulation of cellular processes characteristics of living organisms. Students will explore the complexity of the eukaryotic cell and gain an understanding of the mechanisms of cellular control and regulation. Course activities will make connections to state frameworks and national standards, and lead to the development of grade-appropriate curriculum materials for use in the elementary and middle school classroom. Class activities will include discussions, quizzes, lesson plans, web reviews, current events, and a final project.
Requirements:
CSCE Graduate Restrictions
BIOL.5470 Evolution in Context for Teachers (3cr)
This course empowers life science teachers of all levels with the skills and knowledge to more effectively foster student understanding of evolution by natural selection. By exploring evolution in multiple contexts, the Darwinian framework for how life evolved (and continues to evolve) are presented in an interactive and engaging manner. Teachers learn to use virtual resources to enhance their students learning while digging deep into some of the most profound and interesting science conducted in the last 100 years. Evolution in context makes the science of evolution come alive in a real and relevant manner. From the historical and scientific to the environmental and political, Teachers will learn about evolution in ways they never imagined.
Requirements:
CSCE Graduate Restrictions
EDUC.6300 Educating Diverse Populations (3cr)
As the world becomes increasingly diverse, educators must be prepared to examine, confront, and manage the factors that affect the education of all children. This course addresses several central issues focusing on how teachers address the problems that confront students who differ from the majority population in language, ethnicity, culture, gender, and sexual orientation. Ensuring that their families and communities are actively involved in the educational process is also an important component of the course.
Requirements:
CSCE Graduate Restrictions
EDUC.6350 Dynamics of Curricular Change (3cr)
This course considers alternative perspectives of curriculum and explores issues and strategies involved in the process of changing the curricular visions and practices of schools.
Requirements:
CSCE Graduate Restrictions
EDUC.6370 History & Theory of Curriculum (3cr)
This course examines the historical development of American curriculum from the colonial period to the present, with a focus on theories that shaped what was taught in schools, and how those theories reflected social, cultural and political values and conflicts. Particular attention will be paid to curriculum theories that have shaped contemporary curriculum, and to examination of programs that reflect those theories.
Requirements:
CSCE Graduate Restrictions
EDUC.6380 Curriculum Design K-12 (3cr)
A review of state mandates which, by law, shape the curriculum of the school. Examination of "new" curricula and their sources, as well as the development of a rationale for curriculum design and an evaluation of the personnel and techniques by which these curricula can be developed.
Requirements:
CSCE Graduate Restrictions
EDUC.6750 Leadership in Science Education (3cr)
There are many issues in science education that
can be clarified as a result of reading current
literature and engaging in discussion with
other teachers. In this course, we will examine
some of the most pressing issues that face us
as science teachers e.g. What is science
literacy? What role should inquiry play in a
science curriculum? What is the role of
technology in science education? Is ability
grouping appropriate for learning in science?
Each week we will examine a different issue and
share our expertise, as we explore what it
means to be a leader in science education. You
will share your own science teaching expertise
by developing an article to be submitted to an
NSTA publication via a peer review process.
Additionally, you will put your program
learning into practice and will be assessed
through written evidence captured in a
professional portfolio.
EDUC.6760 Exploring the Nature of Science (3cr)
If you were asked to describe the characteristics of science what would you say and would you know whether professional scientists agree with you? National professional societies such as the NSTA and the AAAS, believe that if middle and high school students understand how science has been and is practiced, they will be more likely to question their own thinking, recognize the power of scientific theories and understand that there are no absolute truths. This course will take you on an exploration of some fascinating discoveries in the history of science, engage you in debate about controversial issues in science, and involve you in raising your own scientific questions.
Requirements:
CSCE Graduate Restrictions
EDUC.6900 Action Research (3cr)
Action Research is the culminating course for all students who are in the M.Ed program in Curriculum and Instruction, including those in PK-12 classroom settings, those who are in the Autism Studies program, educators who are not currently in a classroom, and those who are in informal educational settings. Educators in this course will apply knowledge that they have learned during their coursework to an action research project plan for a classroom or small group setting.
Requirements:
Matriculated in M.Ed. Curriculum and Instruction degree program.
ENVI.5850 Climate Change in the Classroom (3cr)
The course is designed to help teachers from all levels improve their ability to foster student learning about the earth's changing climate. The course addresses the scientific, sociological, and pedagogical dimensions associated with climate change science. How to incorporate climate change into existing curriculum across disciplines is considered.
Requirements:
CSCE Graduate Restrictions
PHYS.5010 Energy, Force and Motion (3cr)
An introduction to the most fundamental area of physics: the nature of motion, what affects it, and how it is measured. We examine Newton's laws, including the law of gravity, and how forces produce acceleration The course also examines the nature of energy - potential and kinetic - and how it relates to motion and forces. We will concentrate on how to analyze physical situations and solve the basic equations of motion. This course is intended to help teachers develop their understanding of the physics of motion.
Requirements:
CSCE Graduate Restrictions