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Teaching Middle School Life Science
is designed to help educators gain
an understanding of science concepts needed to teach
standards-based curricula at the middle school level.
This course incorporates methods and metacognitive
strategies for learning and teaching, including scientific
reasoning, prediction, and abstract and critical thinking,
and helps educators optimize their science teaching experiences.
Course Objectives
- Develop content knowledge about the
structure and function of organisms, behavior,
regulation, the structure and function of cells,
reproduction and development, DNA and
heredity, applied genetics, and natural selection
- Introduce teachers to the constructivist learning model
- Provide teachers with a range of effective teaching
methodologies and strategies for use in teaching science concepts
- Introduce teachers to a media-rich learning environment
they can use with their students
- Provide models to illustrate ways to teach beyond the textbook
- Guide teachers in understanding and utilizing the scientific process
Course Syllabus
Session 1:
Structure and Function of Organisms
Participants explore the relationship between structure and function and
see how the traits of organisms enable them to survive in the environment
in which they live. Teaching and learning strategies focus on processes
of science and science education.
Session 2:
Behavior
Participants look closely at behavior and find that an animal's ability to
respond to other organisms and to changing environmental conditions and
internal states can be just as important to its survival as any physical trait.
Teaching and learning strategies focus on environments for learning.
Session 3:
Regulation
Participants explore how various types of organisms provide
the conditions their cells require to survive and function
properly. Teaching and learning strategies focus on the
use of prediction as a learning tool and on ways to
integrate a range of resources into classroom activities.
Session 4:
Structure and Function of Cells
Participants examine and expand their concept of the cell — the
basic functional unit of life — focusing specifically on the structures
that enable cells to meet their individual requirements. Teaching and
learning strategies focus on the use of models in teaching.
Session 5:
Reproduction and Development
Participants investigate the mechanisms that enable organisms to
reproduce and develop and observe how environmental factors can
influence these two important processes. Teaching and learning
strategies focus on techniques for uncovering prior knowledge and
ways to handle controversial topics.
Session 6:
DNA and Heredity
Participants explore the role DNA plays in determining an
organism's traits and learn how genetic differences create
variability within a species. Teaching and learning strategies
focus on techniques for making the abstract more accessible to
learners.
Session 7:
Applied Genetics
Participants investigate how various applications of our
knowledge of the structure and function of DNA — from gene
therapy to bioengineering — may affect the world in which we
live. Teaching and learning strategies focus on how to promote
reasoned dialog about scientific topics.
Session 8:
Heredity and Natural Selection
Participants explore the process of natural selection to see how
environmental factors can influence which genes and traits are
passed on to future generations — and which are not. Teaching
and learning strategies focus on the use of concept mapping and
on resources and approaches for teaching about evolution.
Additional Course Information
- A series of course modules on these topics and
teaching strategies is also available:
See also: Course Tour example
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