Science Education Courses
SCI 100
CONTEMPORARY SCIENCE
3, 3/0; NSIF
Introduction to the role of science in contemporary society. Emphasis on the process of science for solving problems and organizing information to understand science and technology. Contemporary issues and case studies illustrate the methods of science.
SCI 105
PHYSICAL SCIENCE FOR NONSCIENCE STUDENTS
3, 3/0; NSIF
Inquiry approach to the physical sciences through discussion and laboratory activities. Designed for nonscience career oriented students interested in a conceptual approach to analyze and better understand the procedures of physical science.
SCI 231
POLLUTION, THE ENVIRONMENT, AND SOCIETY
3, 3/0; NSIF; TSIF
Scientific and societal implications of present day global environmental problems, such as ecology, global warming, population, and pesticides. Causes and effects of, and possible solutions to, worldwide environmental problems, with implications from conservation, chemistry, health, and society. Option in environmental major.
SCI 232
ENERGY, ENVIRONMENT, AND SOCIETY
3, 3/0; NSIF
Regional and global energy use and issues; environmental, economic, individual, and societal perspectives; major energy alternatives.
SCI 311
PROBLEM SOLVING IN PHYSICAL SCIENCE
3, 3/0
Prerequisites: A college-level course in a science other than biology, upper-division status.
Inquiry-based course for elementary preservice candidates. Investigation of the physical sciences through problem solving, laboratory activities, simulations, and explorations. Option in elementary education science concentration.
SCI 312
PROBLEM SOLVING IN LIFE SCIENCE
3, 3/0
Prerequisites: A college-level course in biology; upper-division status.
Inquiry-based course for elementary preservice candidates. Investigation of the life sciences through problem solving, laboratory activities, simulations, and explorations. Option in elementary education science concentration.
SCI 313
PROBLEM SOLVING IN EARTH SCIENCE
3, 3/0
Prerequisites: A college-level course in earth science, upper-division status.
Inquiry-based course for elementary preservice candidates. Investigation of the earth sciences through problem solving, laboratory activities, simulations, and explorations. Option in elementary education science concentration.
SCI 323
SCIENCE AS INQUIRY
3, 3/0
The procedures of science as a search for knowledge of natural phenomena; comparison with other methods of inquiry; implications for nonscientists. Option in elementary education science concentration. Required for 5-6 extension.
SCI 335
OUTDOOR SCIENCE EDUCATION
3, 2/2
Prerequisite: One introductory environmental science course.
Interdisciplinary approach to outdoor science education; basic concepts of natural history in classroom and field; extended field trips to the college camp. Option in environmental science major.
SCI 340
SCIENTIFIC STUDIES IN ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
3, 3/0
Prerequisites: 9 credit hours of science, 3 credit hours of environmental science, or permission of instructor.
In-depth examination of various types of environmental pollution. A field-based project is used to illustrate data collection techniques. Option in environmental science minor.
SCI 445
LITERACY FOR TEACHING SCIENCE
3, 2/2
Prerequisites: SED 200, EDF 303, EDU 416, accepted into a teacher-certification program.
Study of literacy related to secondary science. Candidates will practice promotion of literacy, conduct an action research project on identifying literacy levels of students, and plan literacy activities based on data collection.
SED 200
FIELD EXPERIENCE IN SECONDARY SCIENCE EDUCATION
3, 2/2
Classroom and field experience designed to help students make a better-informed decision if they are contemplating a career in secondary science education. A 30-hour field component is required for each student enrolled. Required for all secondary science education majors.
SED 310
TEACHING SCIENCE IN THE MIDDLE SCHOOL
3, 2/2
Prerequisites: SED 200 or equivalent, enrollment in an elementary or secondary education program, junior standing.
Interaction with middle school interdisciplinary teams of teachers and their students, other members of the middle school, college faculty, and invited speakers. Stakeholders work together to facilitate learning about diverse learners and their preferred learning styles; develop a management plan and prepare a variety of assessments, develop an appreciation for the components of the middle school community, including interdisciplinary teams, finding and using community resources, and the school as a community. Field experience at the middle school level.
SED 401
TECHNIQUES FOR TEACHING LABORATORY ACTIVITIES IN THE SECONDARY SCIENCE CLASSROOM
3, 0/6
Prerequisites: SED 200 (not to be taken concurrently), EXE 372 or concurrently, EDF 303, and two required courses in each of the cognate sciences (lab based); second course in sequence may be taken concurrently.
Science education majors learn selected laboratory techniques necessary to teach New York State Regents secondary science classes. Topics include designing cognate science area lab activities, ordering and maintaining supplies/equipment, storage, safety, preparation of materials, lab set-up, and measurement techniques. Exploration of external influences and pressures in education. A field component of 30 science laboratory contact hours is required for each student enrolled.
SED 405
METHODS AND MATERIALS IN TEACHING SECONDARY SCHOOL SCIENCE
3, 2/2
Prerequisites: Minimum 2.75 GPA in science major (3.0 in earth sciences); SED 401, EDU 417 (may be concurrent).
The components of an effective teaching-learning situation in a science (grades 7–12) classroom. Interrelationships of secondary science programs; micro-teaching experience and 40 hours of fieldwork.
SED 407
PRACTICE TEACHING SCIENCE IN THE MIDDLE SCHOOL
6, 1/30; OCIF
Prerequisites: SED 405 (minimum grade of B), minimum cumulative 2.75 grade point average in major coursework (3.0 in the earth sciences), completion of the NYSTCE LAST exam, successful completion of English and mathematics basic skills competency. If referred, satisfactory completion, or exemption from, SLA 100.
Teaching under supervision at least five days a week for one quarter in a middle school science classroom; individual and group instruction; planning unit teaching; classroom management and routine classroom procedures; audiovisual aids, computer technology, evaluation, and assessment of student progress; participation in total school program. A series of student teaching seminars.
SED 408
PRACTICE TEACHING SCIENCE IN THE HIGH SCHOOL
6, 1/30; OCIF
Prerequisites: SED 405 (minimum grade of B), minimum cumulative 2.75 grade point average in coursework (3.0 in earth science), completion of the NYSTCE LAST exam, successful completion of English and mathematics basic skills competency. If referred, satisfactory completion, or exemption from, SLA 100.
Teaching under supervision at least five days a week for one quarter in the high school science classroom; individual and group instruction; planning unit teaching; classroom management and routine classroom procedures; audiovisual aids, computer technology, evaluation and assessment of student progress; participation in total school program. A series of student teaching seminars.
SED 409
SEMINAR IN SECONDARY SCIENCE EDUCATION
3, 2/2
Prerequisites: SED 405 (minimum grade of B), 2.75 GPA in science major coursework (3.0 in earth sciences), secondary majors SED 407 and SED 408 concurrently; elementary science extension SED 407 concurrently.
Assist student teachers in analysis of their “real” classroom experiences, from management issues to content presentation. Conflicting philosophies in current education. Portfolio development and ongoing development of personal teaching philosophy and practices. Develop interview techniques and make application for NYS teacher certification
SED 488
INTERNSHIP
1-3, 0/15-45
Prerequisites: Minimum 2.75 GPA and a background of courses or experience within the area of interest. Faculty adviser and department chair permission.
Provides guided and supervised field experiences to complement the academic program.