Syllabus

SCI 595 - 02 – Physical Science

Laboratory Experiences for Physical Science Teachers

Dates: July 15 – August 3, 2015

Meeting times: M, F  12:00 – 4:00, W 12:00 – 2:00

Location: Rogers Hall, Room 108

Instructor:  Ethan Medley

 Email: emedley@pps.net

 Phone: 503-893-0171

Course Description:

     This course will provide the participant with an overview of topics covered in a typical physical science course at the middle or high school level.  The four disciplinary core ideas as outlined in the Oregon State Science Standards and the Next Generation Science Standards are 1) Matter and Its Interactions,  2) Motion and Stability: Forces and Interactions, 3)Energy, and 4)Waves and their Applications in Technologies for Information Transfer.

       A special emphasis will be placed on lab work and developing a framework to facilitate scientific inquiry in the classroom.  Laboratory safety, effective teaching strategies and building a healthy classroom environment will be major topics of discussion throughout the course.

Evaluation:

       Evaluation is based on participation in lab work, class discussion, assignments (2) and final unit lesson plan.  Please see the weekly schedule for reflection prompts and due dates.  The final assignment should include highlights for at least two weeks of instruction on the physical science topic of your choosing. Please include multiple (>3) formative assessments, daily learning objectives and some form of summative assessment (can be traditional or creative).  This unit plan should be appropriate for the grade level you plan to work with in the fall.  Please cite sources of information appropriately (using MLA format).

     A - Consistent class attendance.  Assignments completed on time with a thoughtful application of class ideas, and thorough participation in class discussions and activities.

     B – Consistent class attendance.  Assignments meet requirements.  Good class participation in discussions and activities. 

     C – Poor attendance (More than 1 absence or equivalent missed time).  Assignments incomplete or frequently late.  Superficial participation.

Schedule:

Week 1
Day	Date	Topics
1	July 15	Introductions Assignment 1 – Letter to Teacher due Friday, July 17 Learning Cycles and characteristics of an Introductory Lab Galileo’s Dilemma Data Analysis with Logger Pro
2	July 17	Finish Galileo’s Dilemma Discuss Error Analysis, Lab Reports, Rubric Grading Video Analysis Assignment 2- Develop a Rubric
Week 2
Day	Date	Topics
4	July 20	Using the Vernier motion detector – Walk-a-Graph Labs using cooperative groups – Hook’s Law Inquiry – Friction Lab
3	July 22	Develop a demonstration with Vernier Probes Guided Discovery – The Law of Reflection Homework-Preparing for the Socratic Seminar
5	July 24	Developing a Scientific Model – Refraction Labs, Socratic Seminar

Week 3
Day	Date	Topics
6	July 27	Final assignment: Pick a standard and describe how you would teach it to students.  Include an explanation of how you would gauge their current knowledge, what sequence of activities/labs you would do to help them develop understanding and how you would evaluate their knowledge. (Due: Monday August 3rd ) Chemistry:  Physical and Chemical Properties Building interest by making predictions Heating and Cooling Curves Popcorn Lab
7	July 29	Lab Safety Microrockets – Chemical Change and Reactions
8	July31	Bonding  Lab - developing critical thinking skills during labs Work Time in Groups ** Final assignment due next class**

Week 4
Day	Date	Topics
9	August 3	DUE: Final assignment Estimetrics TBD based on student interest Discussion of final assignment Evaluation & wrap-up