MISSION: HELP STUDENTS DEVELOP INTO TEACHERS THAT VALUE SCIENCE EDUCATION AND THAT IMPLEMENT BEST PRACTICES IN THEIR CLASSROOMS, SCHOOLS, AND LARGER PROFESSIONAL COMMUNITIES.Patricia Bricker, Ed.D.Elementary and Middle Grades Science Education, Western Carolina University

Many of My Students Enter Courses:

Concerned about teaching science

Having had negative science-related experiences in school

Lacking science content knowledge

Lacking confidence in their own scientific abilities

Passionate about teaching!

Eager to spend time in public school classrooms

Dedicated to making a difference in the lives of elementary and middle grades students

In an Overall Sense: In Regards to Science:

Challenges often compounded by

observations in public schools.

Key Elements of Engaged Learning in My Courses Positive scientific

experiences that increase self-efficacy, scientific knowledge, and teaching abilities

Conscious blend of auditory, visual, and tactile/kinesthetic learning

Collaboration, including a blend of independent, small group, and whole class work Invitations Into Science,

Day 1

Key Elements of Engaged Learning in My Courses

Integration of related content

Modeling Ongoing feedback

throughout project development

Real world examples and projects

Connections to my ongoing scholarly work and service in public schoolsTemperature Sensors Designed

for Elementary & Middle Grades Education

Example 1: Inquiry Project Class Activities

and Reading Assignments

Professional Learning Communities

Science Inquiry Project and Class Inquiry Conference

Inquiry of an “Unknown” Organism

Example 2: Teaching Project1. Class Activities and

Readings Model Lessons Hands-on

Investigations Field Experience

with Great Smoky Mountains National Park Educational Specialists

2. Public School Teaching Project

Salamander Mark & Recapture Study, GSMNP

Example 3: Public School Partnerships Blogging

Partnerships with Elementary Students

Clinical Faculty

Example 4: Developing Science Education Leaders/Enrichment Opportunities Write an Article Suitable for Publication Present at Science Education

Conferences

Lovedahl & Bricker, 2006

Possick, 2007

Recapping Key Ideas Know the Mission of My Courses and

Programs Know Who My Students Are Seek to Incorporate Engaging

Experiences Into All Class Sessions Provide Opportunities to Apply Course-

or Program-Related Values, Knowledge, and Skills Beyond the University Setting