Grading: Grades will be based on the following:
Pop Science Write-up
Demonstrations
Lessons
Labs
Observations (from notebook)
Attendance and Participation
Final Portfolio
Final grades will be assigned following a typical scale:
93.0-100.0% A 73.0-77.0% C
90.0-93.0% A- 70.0-73.0% C-
87.0-90.0% B+ 67.0-70.0% D+
83.0-87.0% B 63.0-67.0% D
80.0-83.0% B- 60.0-63.0% D-
77.0-80.0% C+ <60.0% F
Popular Science Write-up: Each student will choose a topic in popular science, perform research on the science behind the popular science, and write a summary of how the science relates to the popular science, including at least 3 references to scientific papers or other reputable scientific sources.
Demonstrations: Each student will be responsible for preparing two demonstrations. These must be both presented in class and an electronic write-up of the demonstration must be turned in. There is no required format for the write-up, but it must include: a title, either a topic or a core standard covered (or both), a list of any required materials, a discussion of the background behind the demonstration, notes on how to perform the demonstration, and can (but does not need to) include notes or reminders on things to watch out for.
Unit: Each student is responsible to prepare a “unit” covering a core standard (or a part of a standard) in a subject they will be teaching. There will be 5 days to cover the unit – at least two of which much be “lessons” and two must be “labs” (see below). As part of the unit, students are also welcome to do whatever other activities they think they might do in a real classroom setting (including activities, “field trips,” quizzes, exams, or a third lesson or lab).
Lesson: Each student will prepare three mock lessons (~50 minutes, although it will likely be shortened to fit in the time limits of the class) as part of their unit on a topic in physical science of their choosing required by the core standards. Each lesson will be presented in class and an electronic write-up of the lesson must be turned in. The lesson should include more than just a lecture and a worksheet; demonstrations or inquiry activities are good options. There is no required format for the write-up, but it must include: a title, a topic AND a core standard covered, a list of any required materials, a discussion of the background behind the lesson (for the instructor), lesson notes, a copy of any papers required by the students or teacher, and can (but does not need to) include notes or reminders on things to watch out for.
Lab: Each student will prepare two mock labs (~70 minutes, although it will likely be shortened to fit in the time limits of the class) as part of their unit on a topic in physical science of their choosing required by the core standards. These will be presented in class and an electronic write-up of the lab must be turned in. There is no required format for the write-up, but it must include: a title, a topic AND a core standard covered, a list of any required materials, a discussion of the background behind the lab (for the benefit of the instructor), lab notes for the instructor (including things to go over with the students), a copy of any papers required by the students or teacher, and can (but does not need to) include notes or reminders on things to watch out for.
Evaluation Activity: Each student will end their unit by preparing an evaluation activity. This could be as simple as an exam, but I would encourage you to try something different. This evaluation should focus on the science (not opinion) and should be reusable. There is no required format for the write-up, but it must include: a title, a topic AND a core standard covered, a list of any required materials, a discussion of what should have been covered before, any notes for the instructor (including things to go over with the students), a copy of any papers required by the students or teacher, and can (but does not need to) include notes or reminders on things to watch out for.
Observations: Each student is required to spend 10 hours observing and possibly assisting physical science teachers in secondary education and record their observations in a bound notebook. These observations should include: teaching methods used, student reactions to these methods, teacher “quirks” that could be good or bad, effective or ineffective strategies for teaching science, and any other good or bad points that stand out to the student. The purpose of this notebook is to force students to record, organize, and think about teaching science. The notebook will be discussed twice during the semester and must be turned in after the second discussion, by which time the ten hours must be completed.