3 credits
Fall 2025 Lecture Upper DivisionThis course focuses on teaching science in preschool and primary grade classrooms. Developmental foundations and curriculum applications of science teaching including ways to plan, implement and evaluate developmentally appropriate science instruction for young children with and without disabilities and those who are learning English.
Learning Outcomes1Describe principles of developmentally appropriate early childhood education and intervention as they relate to teaching science.
2Demonstrate an understanding of how children think about science concepts at developmental levels between birth and 8 years.
3Demonstrate understanding of critical approaches to scientific thinking.
4Understand key science knowledge and skills that children need to learn from Pre-K to Grade 3 as represented in current science education standards.
5Assess children's science knowledge, skills, and dispositions, and use the assessment data to plan science education activities.
6Plan, implement, and evaluate developmentally appropriate classroom science activities, including responding to the needs of diverse learners.
7Demonstrate positive dispositions and skills of an early childhood teacher, as described in this syllabus and in the practicum evaluation.