Courses

This course surveys basic approaches to K–8 science and math teaching through modeling inquiry-based teaching and discussion. Topics include inquiry-based pedagogy, assessment techniques, lesson plan design and revision, and child development. Students are placed in science and math learning environments with upper elementary and middle school children to practice teaching. This seminar offers an opportunity to explore teaching, foster children's natural curiosity, and inspire local students.

The course includes a field placement of 1 hour per week with a teacher in a local K–8 classroom. (requires 12 hours total)

This course surveys basic approaches to K-12 science, computer science, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) tutoring through modeling inquiry-based teaching approaches. Topics include effective STEM pedagogy, assessment, lesson plan design and revision, attention to equity in underserved schools, and child development. Students are placed with K-12 students for STEM enrichment and tutoring experiences. This seminar offers an opportunity to explore K-12 teaching, foster children's natural curiosity, and inspire local students to engage in STEM learning.

The course includes a field placement of 1 hour per week in a one-to-one tutoring capacity. (requires 12 hours total)

Prerequisite: EDSTEM 82 or EDSTEM 82T

Fulfills: Social and Behavioral Sciences Breadth

This course offers a sequence of collaborative problem-solving and reflection activities through which students will be able to appreciate and develop a coherent, effective approach to the teaching and learning of any mathematical or scientific conceptual domain. Issues of cognition, culture, and pedagogy will emerge from participants' struggles to explain their own reasoning. In-class problem solving experiences will provide grist for reflection. Extensive readings will be discussed in bCourses forums.

The course includes a field placement of 2 hours per week with a teacher in a local middle or high school classroom. (requires 24 hours total)

Prerequisite: EDUC 130

Fulfills: American Cultures AND Philosophy Values Breath if in L&S (For other colleges, see your college advisor.)

This course continues the process of preparing students to teach science and mathematics in secondary schools by providing opportunities to evaluate challenges they face in instructional settings. We will explore frameworks for thinking about equity issues in the classroom and beyond school settings, learn strategies for teaching students of diverse backgrounds, and consider how classroom interactions enable students to develop a deep conceptual understanding of the subject matter.

The course includes a field placement of 2 hours per week with a teacher in a local middle or high school classroom. (requires 24 hours total)

Prerequisite: EDUC 131AC

Framed around the topic of sustainability, the course engages students from different math, science, and engineering majors in the process of applying the content knowledge from their discipline to build project-based curricula for presentation. Students develop pedagogical content knowledge and relate teaching theory to practice through readings, classroom activities, discussion, lesson planning, and field observations.

The course includes a field placement of 3–4 hours per week with a teacher in a local middle or high school classroom. (requires 48 hours total)

UGIS/EDUC 122: Research Methods for Teachers

Students undertake several in-depth research projects to develop methods for engaging in authentic research in the science or mathematics content area related to their major. Interactive lectures and labs are designed to meet the needs of future teachers by practicing specific techniques--including statistics, mathematical modeling, and scientific writing--needed to address scientific questions so that they may guide their future K–12 students to develop skills in problem solving and research.

EDSTEM 189: Integrating Research Methods into K-12 Teaching in Mathematics and Science

This course is designed to provide connections between research methods and science and math content learned in a research lab with teaching in the K-12 classroom. Hands-on inquiry-based science and math lessons are modeled and discussed. Students write research proposals, create posters demonstrating their research accomplishments, develop K-12 lesson plans that align with their research, and assemble digital portfolios on standards-based teaching and assessment.

EDSTEM 189 is by application only. Please visit our Summer Research Institute page for more information.

Fulfills: Historical Studies Breadth

These courses are parallel to HIST 100S, 138, 180, and 182A, respectively, and are intended for students interested in teaching elementary or secondary school science and math. Each of these courses satisfies the L&S Historical Studies breadth requirement. Students in the "T" course will attend the regular lectures as well as this special section. The section will focus on techniques, skills, and perspectives necessary to apply the history of science in the juvenile and adolescent science classroom, including pedagogy; devising lesson plans for their classrooms, finding reliable historical information, and writing. Any of these courses will satisfy the Perspectives requirement for the CalTeach minor. At least one is offered each semester.