c(m+s)i
Chicago Math + Science Initiative
Grades K-5 Certification
Enhancement Program
&
Grades 6-8 Endorsement Programs
at
National-Louis University |
NLU Grades 6-8 Science
Endorsement Program |
The Mathematics and Science
Grades 6-8 Endorsement Programs
meet the Illinois State Board of Education requirements
for an Endorsement in each area.
Coursework will apply toward
a Masters of Education (M.Ed.)
or, beyond the masters,
a Certificate of Advanced Study (CAS),
at National-Louis University. Detailed SCIENCE information is available below.
Detailed MATH information is available at
the CMSI 6-8 Math page. |
Program Scope |
The National-Louis University Grades 6-8 Science endorsement program is designed for certified teachers who are seeking further enrichment, expertise, and confidence in their science content understanding, new learning experiences to fuel their enthusiasm and passion for science teaching, and unique opportunities to experiment with, refine, and reflect upon new methodologies and practices to engage children in learning science. It includes study to update the participant’s content background in physical, biological, and space sciences while closely integrating critical themes of curriculum, cognition, and instruction and contemporary issues in science education reform. In addition, the science specialization path provides teachers and other educators the time and opportunity to describe their own views about teaching and learning, to conduct research on their own teaching, and to compare, contrast, and revise these views, and in so doing, understand the nature of exemplary science teaching.
|
Course Descriptions |
All of the following courses have been approved by the ISBE for either the purpose of content, methods, or other endorsement requirements.
Required: 18-semester hours of content
(undergraduate hours may count toward this requirement)
|
SCE 512 Biology for Teachers (3sh)
Examines content in the biological sciences representative of the K-8 science curriculum using a laboratory-based approach, including the study of organisms and their anatomy, physiology, and genetics. Special attention will be given to new developments and discoveries in various fields, such as genetic engineering. Opportunities provided for in-depth investigation of a particular area.
SCE 511 Earth Science for Teachers (3sh)
Surveys content in earth science representative of the K-8 science curriculum using a laboratory-based approach, emphasizing physical geology and oceanography in the context of earth history. Considers major organizing concepts and principles, recent discoveries and current knowledge in each area. Includes in-depth investigation of a particular topic in cooperative learning groups.
SCE 510 Physical Science for Teachers (3sh)
Examines content in physics and chemistry appropriate for the K-8 science curriculum using a laboratory-based approach emphasizing classical physics. Includes new developments and discoveries in each area. Emphasizes fundamental concepts and theories, such as forces and motion, the structure of matter, and interactions between matter and energy. Opportunities for investigating various phenomena will be provided.
SCE 520 Applied Chemistry for Teachers (2 sh)
Basic principles of chemistry considered in the context of everyday life using a laboratory-based approach. Includes chemistry involved in the production of pollutants, their effect on the environment, and application of chemical processes to the identification and treatment of pollutants. Includes assessment of sources and limitations of energy. Opportunity provided for in-depth study of a selected topic.
SCE 521 Astronomy for Teachers (2sh)
An exploration of topics in astronomy and cosmology relevant to the K-8 science curriculum using a laboratory-based approach. Includes applications of physical principles, historical development of concepts and theories, recent discoveries and current notions of space and time, electromagnetic radiation, the structure of the universe, the development of stars and the solar system. Considers technology of space exploration.
| |
SCE 529 Applied Zoology (2sh)
Zoology is the study of mammals. This course will explore the scientific concepts in zoology relevant to the elementary and middle school science curriculum. In this laboratory and field-based experience, students will explore the question what is an animal. There will be an emphasis on mammals. The study of mammals will be conducted in a zoo. Students will study the concepts of conservation (species preservation), habitat (natural and zoo environments), animal behavior (in the wild and in zoos), and urban nature (animal adaptations in city environments).
SCE 522 Meteorology for Teachers (2sh)
Surveys topics in the atmospheric sciences, meteorology and climatology, relevant to the elementary and middle school curriculum using a laboratory-based approach. Includes evolution, structure and dynamics of the atmosphere; fronts and frontal weather, and observational methods involving meteorological instruments and forecast maps.
SCE 523 Environmental Education (2sh)
Interdisciplinary exploration of interrelationships between organisms and their environments using a laboratory-based approach. Local environments are studied; multiple perspectives of ecological principles, global environmental problems, and global issues. Includes history of the human relationship to the environment, and development of the concept of environment in various disciplines. Examines methods for developing motivations, skills, attitudes, and values related to the environment.
SCE 524 Human Biology for Teachers (2sh)
An exploration of selected topics in human biology relevant to K-8 teachers using a laboratory-based approach. Includes discussion of major concepts and principles, discoveries, application of knowledge in health care and medical fields, and consideration of current problems and issues such as AIDS, SARS, and genetic engineering. Includes in-depth investigation of a particular topic and relevant field trip.
|
Required: 1-science methods course (SCE 480B or SCE 485)
|
SCE 480B Methods for Teaching Science (3sh)
This course, intended for students preparing to become certificated teachers, addresses methods, materials, and instructional issues in teaching science in the elementary school. It is designed to help future teachers develop knowledge, skills, and beliefs that enhance their ability to teach science to children. Preclinical experiences are required.
| | SCE 485 Advanced Methods for Teaching Elementary and Middle School Science (3sh)
This course builds upon the methods of teaching general elementary school science by providing an in-depth focus on the topics of curriculum, methods, materials, and issues involved in teaching science in the elementary and middle grades.
|
Required: 2-middle school classes
|
MLE 500 The Middle School: An Overview (3sh)
This introductory course provides an interactive classroom experience which models and examines the history and philosophy of middle level education with an emphasis on the development of the young adolescent's unique schooling needs. Emphasis is placed on the Physical, Intellectual, Emotional, Social, Spiritual (PIESS) Plus (gender, cultural, moral, socio-economic) development of the young adolescent and the implications for living and learning. The class examines relationships among the developmental characteristics of young adolescents, young adolescent culture, and middle level educational best practices, and prepares the middle level educator for the multifaceted role of facilitator, guide, collaborator, and advisor.
| | MLE 502 Middle School Curriculum (3sh)
This course explores curricular approaches appropriate for middle level students. Practical aspects of parallel, interdisciplinary, multidisciplinary, integrated, core, student inquiry, and integrative curricula for the middle level classroom are examined. Students develop strategies for teaching and learning in diverse classrooms. The course also addresses the essential role of the arts and other special classes and involves students in a variety of arts and mass-multi media technological experiences.
|
Fall 2005
|
SCE 485
|
Advanced Methods for Teaching Elementary & Middle School Science (3sh)
| Winter 2006 | SCE 510 | Physical Science for Teachers (3sh) | Spring 2006 | SCE 511 | Earth Science for Teachers (3sh) | Summer 2006 | SCE 512 | Biology for Teachers (3sh) | Fall 2006 | SCE 520 | Applied Chemistry for Teachers (2sh) | Winter 2007 | SCE 529 | Applied Zoology (2sh) | Spring 2007 | MLE 500 | The Middle School: An Overview (3sh) | Summer 2007 | MLE 502 | Middle School Curriculum (3sh) | Fall 2007 | SCE 522 | Meteorology for Teachers (2sh) | Winter 2008 | SCE 524 | Astronomy for Teachers (2sh) | Spring 2008 | SCE 521 | Human Biology for Teachers (2sh) | Summer 2008 | SCE 523 | Environmental Education (2sh) |
Fall 2005 Course Schedule |
Course Title:
|
SCE485 Advanced Methods for Teaching Elementary and Middle School Science (3sh)
| Credit: | 3 semester hours | Dates & Time: | Tuesdays 4:00 - 8:00pm
September 13 - November 22, 2005 | Location: | To be announced | Instructors: | Laura Coirier |
For course content information
Grades 6-8 Science Endorsement Program:
contact Laura Coirier
800-433-5522 ext 5220 or lcoirier@nl.edu
|
CMSI 6-8 SCIENCE page updated 5/24/05.
|
