0 or 2 credits
Fall 2026 Lecture Laboratory Upper Division
The aim of this course is to prepare students to teach science, engineering, and computational thinking with grade 3-6 learners by building on existing pedagogical and subject matter knowledge in science. Students will engage in science and engineering learning experiences; identify and analyze children's ideas and background experiences; and examine instructional strategies for leveraging students' sense making. Using this knowledge, students will plan for and implement standards-based lessons, reflecting on the strengths and areas of improvement of their instruction for grade 3 through 6 learners. At least 9 credits of science content courses are required.
Learning Outcomes1Value the importance of science at the elementary level and displays a commitment to teaching science using reform-based practices.
2Develop a working definition of scientific literacy and identify ways that 3-6 science instruction promotes the development of scientific literacy.
3Engage in reform-based science practices as both a learner and an educator.
4Reflect on their personal and classroom experiences with science and work to develop a personal science teaching philosophy.
5Understand tenets of the nature of science and its application to elementary science teaching and learning.
6Demonstrate and understanding of what makes something science or engineering.
7Reflect on their own understanding of the nature of science and engineering to identify personal misconceptions.
8Develop lessons that integrate the nature of science and/or engineering within the instructional sequence.
9Design and develop science learning environments that foster scientific thinking and engage students in science and engineering practices.
10Plan inclusive strategies to create a supportive environment that allows diverse learners to fully participate in science.
11Reflect on the use of differentiated and inclusive instructional approaches to support science learning for all learners within the environment.
12Articulate strategies for actively and meaningfully engaging 3-6 learners in the science and engineering practices.
13Understand how to use multiple methods for assessing learners' science knowledge and skills and how to use assessment data to drive science planning and instruction.
14Create multi-dimensional science formative and summative assessments that are aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards.
15Analyze student assessment data to identify students' performance toward mastery of learning objectives.
16Use assessment data to select specific instructional strategies and learning activities to address the identified learning needs of students.
Prerequisites
Restrictions
made by Purdue students.