531 Elementary Education - Science Methods
Class Expectations


Assessment Item 1 - Collection of Science Activities

Create a file of 10 K-8 science activities with all resources needed to teach organized by themes. At least 5 science themes must be represented, with at least  2 activities per theme. There should be materials for at least one bulletin board display including appropriate graphics, photos, etc. The collection of activities may be photocopied from books,  or your own ideas or class ideas written on note cards/paper, or web-based in nature as long as appropriate citations are present. (20%)

Assessment Item 2 - Integrated Science-based Thematic Unit
Develop an integrated/thematic unit which includes science activities/lessons related to the theme. This assignment is part of the 531 culminating activity and more details will be given during the semester (30%)

Assessment Item 3 - Group Science Experiment
Working in groups of 3-4, **design** an experiment to answer a question scientifically. The question should  relate to something you can realistically observe, measure, or explore. Attempts should be made to pick a  question that would likely be of interest to a K-8 grade student. Each group member should contribute to the process cooperatively. Assessment will be based on a group summary. Please note that the 'research' should be something that can realistically be carried into your classroom in the fall. (20%)

Assessment Item 4 - Portfolio (20%)
Assessment Item 5 - Class Attendance and Participation (10%)

A "Round Table" Discussion will be held in lieu of a final exam. Please click here to access the "Round Table" Discussion questions.

| RETURN to Dr. Brown's UTK Page | RETURN to 531 Page |