This course focuses on the mathematical and scientific concepts taught in the elementary and middle school, with an emphasis on research on the teaching and learning of mathematics and the theoretical and empirical foundations of the teaching and learning of science.  Attention will be given to how students acquire mathematical understandings and to how different groups experience mathematics instruction.  Methods for teaching the scientific method, doing laboratory work as inquiry-based learning, and exploring the relationship of science, technology and society will be discussed.  Use of technology in teaching discrete areas of science (life, physical, earth) as well as in an integrated science approach will be covered.

Learning Objectives and Outcomes:

By the end of this program,

1. Analyze ways in which the developmental needs of students and the classroom environment impact mathematics and science learning.
2. Apply research-based curriculum, assessment, and differentiated instruction to a diverse elementary and middle school mathematics and science classroom environment.
3. Analyzes the advantages of using a developmentally appropriate, active learning approach for teaching STEM at various age levels.
4. Apply a problem-solving, critical thinking, active learning, and the scientific method to teaching STEM.
5. Integrate technology into mathematics, science, and engineering teaching and learning.
6. Engage in ongoing development as a teacher of STEM.

Course Schedule and Topics

This course will cover the following topics in eight learning sessions, with one Unit per week.

Week 1: Unit 1 – Setting the Stage for Mathematics and Science Learning
Week 2: Unit 2 – Creating a Critical Thinking Frame for Learning

Week 3: Unit 3 – STEM Curriculum in Elementary and Middle Schools

Week 4: Unit 4 – Authentic Assessment of STEM Learning

Week 5: Unit 5 – STEM Instruction in Early Elementary School

Week 6: Unit 6 – STEM Instruction in Upper Elementary School

Week 7: Unit 7 – STEM Instruction in the Middle School

Week 8: Unit 8 – Developing as a STEM Professional

Learning Guide

The following is an outline of how this course will be conducted, with suggested best practices for students. The Learning Guides for all units open on the first day of class.  Please review all Learning Guides to access the readings, review assignments, etc.

Unit 1: Setting the Stage for Mathematics and Science Learning

• Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
• Complete and submit the Written Assignment
• Complete the Reflective Portfolio Assignment

Unit 2: Creating a Critical Thinking Frame for Learning

• Peer assess Unit 1 Written Assignment
• Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
• Complete and submit the Written Assignment
• Complete the Reflective Portfolio Assignment

Unit 3: STEM Curriculum in Elementary and Middle Schools

• Peer assess Unit 2 Written Assignment
• Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
• Complete and submit the Written Assignment
• Begin and participate in the Group Activity (Due Unit 7)

Unit 4: Authentic Assessment of STEM Learning

• Peer assess Unit 3 Written Assignment
• Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
• Complete and submit the Written Assignment
• Continue to participate in the Group Activity
• Complete the Reflective Portfolio Assignment

Unit 5: STEM Instruction in Early Elementary School

• Peer assess Unit 4 Written Assignment
• Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
• Continue to participate in the Group Activity
• Complete and submit the Written Assignment

Unit 6: STEM Instruction in Upper Elementary School

• Peer assess Unit 5 Written Assignment
• Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
• Complete and submit the Written Assignment
• Continue to participate in the Group Activity
• Complete the Reflective Portfolio Assignment

 Unit 7: STEM Instruction in the Middle School

• Peer assess Unit 6 Written Assignment
• Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
• Complete and submit the Written Assignment
• Post finalized Group Activity

Unit 8: Developing as a STEM Professional

• Peer assess Unit 7 Written Assignment
• Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
• Complete the Reflective Portfolio Assignment
• Complete and submit the anonymous Course Evaluation