Graduate Catalog 2010-12

Science Education

Note: Additional work will be required for graduate credit in 400-level courses.

SCI 420           History and Nature of Science                                                                  3
Prereq.:  Three courses in science or mathematics, or permission of department chair. Study of the history and nature of science. Examination of scientist’s lives and discoveries through a cultural, political, and economic lens; and how science distinguishes itself from other disciplines’ ways of knowing the world by examining contemporary assumptions, issues, and values of science.  A safety plan based on state and national recommendations for implementation in the classroom will be required.

SCI 452           Independent Study in Science                                                          1 TO 6
Prereq.:  Approved plan of study by arrangement with the supervising instructor and approval of the science department chair. Includes special work in the laboratory or study of theory to meet the individual requirements in areas not covered by the regular curriculum. May be taken for more than one semester up to a limit of 6 credits. On demand. 

SCI 453           Environmental Interpretation Internship                                                3
Prereq.:  Prior completion of two field trips to environmental education facilities approved by advisory committee and senior standing. Responsible experiences in an environmental education facility. Before commencing the internship, a plan of the internship must be approved by the Advisory Committee on Environmental Interpretation. 

SCI 456           Teaching Science to Young Children                                                        3
Prereq.:  Permission of instructor. Develops teaching strategies which assist young children in expanding their awareness, understanding, and appreciation of their natural environment. Teachers will learn active involvement techniques and will prepare hands-on science curriculum materials for use with children from preschool through grade 3. Spring. 

SCI 485           Studies in Science                                                                              1 TO 3
Prereq.:  Permission of instructor. Selected studies in the sciences which are not offered presently in the curriculum of the science departments. Course may be repeated for different topics, but the student may not take this course for credit under the same topic more than once. 

SCI 500           Science, Technology, and Society                                                              3
Prereq.:  Three courses in the natural sciences. Discussion of the nature and values of science and technology and their implications for society. Irregular.

SCI 518           Teaching Science in the Out-of-Doors                                                      3
Prereq.:  Two science courses. Development of leadership skills and instructional techniques necessary for teaching science in the outdoor classroom. The methods and materials for developing and conducting an outdoor education program in science are discussed. Three hours a week; field studies are required. Fall. (O)

SCI 520           The Physical Sciences                                                                                 3
Study of basic physical and chemical phenomena with emphasis on materials suitable for use in the elementary grades. Course aims to broaden and deepen background of elementary school teacher of science; opportunity is provided through demonstrations and laboratory work to gain functional understanding of physical science concepts. Spring. (E)

SCI 530           The Earth Sciences                                                                                     3
Study of basic earth science phenomena with emphasis on materials suitable for use in the elementary grades. Course aims to broaden and deepen background of elementary school teacher of science; opportunity is provided through demonstrations and laboratory work to gain functional understanding of earth science concepts. Spring. (O)

SCI 540           Teaching Biological Sciences in the Elementary School                         3
Study of biological phenomena with emphasis on materials and experiments suitable for use in the elementary grades. Course aims to broaden and deepen background of the elementary school teacher; opportunity is provided through demonstrations and laboratory work to gain functional understanding of biological science concepts. Fall. (E)

SCI 555           Teaching of Science in the Elementary School                                        3
Prereq.:  Permission of instructor or chair. Examination of science instruction and assessment strategies in line with the National Science Standards and the State of Connecticut Standards. Fall.

SCI 557           Science Instruction and Curriculum Development            3
Prereq.:  In-service teacher or permission of instructor. Examination and application of elementary and secondary science curriculum, instruction, and assessment strategies in line with the State of Connecticut Standards. Irregular.

SCI 570           Teaching of Science in the Secondary School           3
Prereq.:  In-service teacher or permission of instructor. Examination of middle-level and secondary science curriculum, instruction, and assessment strategies in line with State of Connecticut science standards. On demand.

SCI 580           Topics in Science Education                                                                      3
Topics will vary each time course is offered. Combination of lecture, discussion, inquiry sessions, and student presentations. May be taken more than once for credit under different topics. Irregular.

SCI 581           Independent Study                                                                            1 TO 3
Prereq.:  Acceptance into the Master of Natural Science: Science Education Program. Work in laboratory, theory, or research to meet individual requirements in areas not covered by regular curriculum. May be taken more than once for a limit of 6 total credits. Requires approved plan of study by arrangement with the supervising instructor.

SCI 595           Special Projects in Science Education                                                       3
Prereq.:  Admission to the M.S. program in Natural Sciences: Science Education, completion of at least 15 credits in the planned program (or permission of instructor) and a 3.00 overall GPA. Study of individual and collaborative action research techniques. Requirements include the design and completion of a classroom/school action research project and the preparation and submission of a paper for publication. Spring. (E)

SCI 598           Research in Science Education                                                                  3
Prereq.:  Admission to the M.S. program in Natural Sciences and 15 credits in planned program of Science Education; or permission of instructor. Focus on current global issues related to science education. Students examine current literature and conduct an informal research project on current issues. Requirements include preparation of a research paper. Spring. (O)

SCI 599           Thesis (Science Education)                                                                        3
Prereq.:  SCI 598 and admission to the M.S. program in Natural Sciences: Science Education; 21 credits in planned program; permission of advisor; and a 3.00 overall GPA. Preparation of the thesis under the supervision of the thesis advisor. On demand.