Course Descriptions

Introduction to theory and practice necessary to design and deliver high quality inquiry-based math and science instruction. Students explore and practice the guided inquiry process, create lesson plans and implement them during visits to elementary classrooms. Fieldwork required; students are responsible for arranging their own transportation to sites.

Further exploration of inquiry-based learning experiences, developing skills designing, teaching, analyzing, and assessing inquiry-based math and science lessons. Students design lesson plans and implement them during visits to middle school classrooms. Fieldwork required; students are responsible for arranging their own transportation to sites.

Prerequisite:  SMED 101 

Laboratory-based introduction to the science skills and methods needed by middle school teachers.

Prerequisites: MATH 117, 9 hours of science, admission to teacher education.

Introduction to theories and principles of cognition and learning with emphasis on knowing and learning in math and science. Introduction to research on learning, memory, individual development, motivation and intelligence. Applications of learning theory will be explicitly tied to design of lesson plans, instruction and assessment.

Prerequisites: SMED 101 with a minimum grade of C and SMED 102 with a minimum grade of C or SMED 101 with a minimum grade of B

Designed to expand student's abilities to understand how learning theories are applied in instructional settings as students develop, implement and evaluate activities and strategies for teaching diverse students equitably. Fieldwork required; students are responsible for arranging their own transportation to sites.

Prerequisite: SMED 310 with a minimum grade of C.  

Introduction to the historical, social, and philosophical implications of math and science through investigations of pivotal experiments and findings. Includes integrated laboratory experiences that replicate significant discoveries.

Prerequisite: SMED 310 with a minimum grade of C.   

Laboratory-based introduction to the tools and techniques used by scientists and mathematicians to further an understanding of the natural world and application of this knowledge to math and science education. Students will design and carry out laboratory investigations, and present written and oral reports of the results.

Prerequisite: SMED 310 with a minimum grade of C.   

Introduction to the knowledge and skills needed to create middle grades science lessons that incorporate content and real-world examples from different disciplines.

Prerequisites: SMED 300 and 15 hours of science.

Methods, techniques, and technologies used to implement and assess problembased investigations in math and science classrooms. Fieldwork required; students are responsible for arranging their own transportation to sites.

Prerequisite: SMED 320 with a minimum grade of C.

Provides a bridge between the theory and practice of math and science teaching. Methods, techniques, technologies and issues pertinent to math and science instruction in middle grade and secondary classrooms. Field experiences in public schools and/or other appropriate settings away from campus are required. Pre-Service Teachers are responsible for their own transportation to designated or assigned sites.

Prerequisite: Approved for admission to student teaching. Co-requisite: MGE 490 or SEC 490.

Supervised assignment in approved school setting. Must complete a minimum of sixteen weeks in one or two placements depending on certification requirements. Students follow the academic calendar of the school district in which they are placed and are responsible for providing their own transportation to assigned site(s).

Prerequisites: Admission to Teacher Education and admission to student teaching. Corequisite: SMED 489.