EDUC 407 - Multiple Subject Curriculum & Pedagogy: Mathematics & Science

This course is an introduction to designing elementary math and science lessons using inquiry. Three big ideas drive the instruction and activities for this course (based on How People Learn, 2000): 1) That young learners enter the classroom with prior knowledge of math and science that needs to be addressed during instruction; 2) Each lesson should be designed around a limited number of learning goals that deepen a learner’s conceptual framework about math and/or science; 3) In addition to providing opportunities for the teacher to assess student thinking, lessons must provide students opportunities to monitor and reflect upon their own learning. Course activities and discussions will focus on how lessons should provide learners with opportunities to learn how knowledge in math and science is constructed and communicated by practitioners of those fields (i.e. Mathematicians & Scientists). The work completed during this course will help candidates learn to evaluate existing elementary curriculum/resources and be able to modify them when needed. Fieldwork required.

Co-req: EDUC 407L
Cross-listed with EDUC 507
3 credits