Integrating design projects in chemistry and physics into a science course for preservice elementary teachers

CHED 132

Susan D. Wiediger, swiedig@siue.edu, Department of Chemistry, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, Edwardsville, IL 62026-1652 and Tom Foster, tfoster@siue.edu, Department of Physics, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, Edwardsville, IL 62026.
Specialized science courses for students pursuing majors such as elementary education, special education, early childhood education, and kinesiology (SCI 241a/b) were recently revised. The first course in the sequence, SCI 241a, focuses on physics and chemistry standards and includes a semester long technical design project. During the twice-weekly two-hour sessions, which are taught by a chemist and a physicist, the focus is on hands-on activities that directly illustrate not only the desired content but also the 5E model of instruction.

Current activities are being assessed to determine progress towards the course objectives. Assessment aspects include: mapping of the course activities against the Illinois State Learning Standards; Primary Trait Analysis of design project grades; evaluation of selected classroom assignments for content mastery; and surveying student attitudes toward science. This poster presents an overview of the course structure and the current findings from the course assessment.

 

General Posters
7:30 PM-9:30 PM, Sunday, April 6, 2008 Morial Convention Center -- Hall A, Poster

Sci-Mix
8:00 PM-10:00 PM, Monday, April 7, 2008 Morial Convention Center -- Hall A, Sci-Mix

Division of Chemical Education

The 235th ACS National Meeting, New Orleans, LA, April 6-10, 2008