COURSE : EDUC 211 Teaching Science in Elementary Grades (Biology and Chemistry)

Instructor: GLORIA INVIERNO – FLORES, EdD.

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Syllabus:
Week Objectives Topic
1 a. Inquire into the nature of science - The Nature of Science

-- the scientific enterprise, products,

applications and attitudes --- and what
this looks like in the primary classroom Goals of Elementary Science

b. Explain the goals appropriate for the Education

quality elementary science program

2 a. Discuss the current state of primary Current Developments in Science

science --- the status and provision of

science education in elementary schools

b. Identify what recent and relevant

research in science education has to say
about primary science (what works and
what challenges to

consider)

3-4 a. Elucidate on the basic processes that The Processes of Science

form the foundation for scientific
investigation and the Basic Processes

integrated processes that form the o Observing

method of actual scientific inquiry o Classifying

o Communicating

o Measuring

o Predicting

o Inferring

. Integrated Processes

o Identifying and controlling variables

o Formulating and testing hypotheses

o Interpreting data

o Defining operationally

o Experimenting

o Constructing models

5 a. Examine the constructivist view of Constructivism

learning

b. Trace indications/manifestations of
spiral progression approach as seen in the
science curriculum guide

6 a. Discuss and apply the processoriented Inquiry: Learning how to do science rather
guided-inquiry methodology of science than learning about science
teaching

7-8 a. Synthesize information about scientific Basic Concepts and Principles

principles
for the Elementary Science
b. Examine the scope and sequence of
science in the primary grades
 c. Develop sound lesson plans to guide Education Program:
children in their investigations with
Chemistry includes Properties and Structure
corresponding
of Matter and Changes that Matter Undergo.
instructional materials and assessment
tools

9-10 a. Synthesize information about scientific Basic Concepts and Principles

principles
for the Elementary Science
b. Develop sound lesson plans to guide
children in their investigations with Education Program: Biology includes Parts and
corresponding Functions of Animals and Plants, Heredity:

Inheritance and Variation, Biodiversity and

instructional materials and assessment
Evolution and Ecosystems.
tools

11 a. Describe the current technologies Instructional Materials Development for

Elementary
that may be used in teaching science
Science Education and Technology in
b. Infuse technologies into scientific
Elementary
investigations
Science Education

12-13 a. Identify practical suggestions pertaining Strategies for Successful

to implementing a constructivist, process-
oriented, Science Activities

inquiry science program in the elementary a. Process-oriented, Problem-based, Inquiry-

classroom based

b. Animals and Plants in the Classroom

c. Outdoor classrooms

d. Others based on students’ research

14 a. Devise ways in which processoriented Assessment

inquiry science teachers can assess the
learning of their a) Assessment of process skills

students b) Assessment of inquiry

c) Assessment of attitude

d) Assessment of content

Authentic Assessment

Techniques

a) Interviewing

b) Journals

c) Portfolios

15 a. Explain what concept maps are, how Concept Mapping in Elementary Science for
the technique can be taught and how they
can be used to enhance science learning Lesson Planning, Instruction and Assessment

16-18 a. Teach a topic using the principles and Demonstration Teaching

concepts learned in the course through
demonstration teaching

Course Requirements:
Attendance
Recitations
Quizzes and other written outputs
Lesson Plan
Midterm Exam
Final Exam (Demonstration Teaching)

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COURSE : EDUC 211 Teaching Science in Elementary Grades (Biology and Chemistry)
Instructor: GLORIA INVIERNO – FLORES, EdD.
Lesson 1: Meaning and Definitions of Science
Lesson 2: Goals of Elementary Science Education
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Meaning and Definitions of Science
What is Science?
 Science is a way of knowing. It requires a strong philosophical underpinning (whether consciously
sought of unconsciously learned). Developing ideas throughout the ages based on observing, thinking,
experimenting and validating. These are the fundamental aspects of science which differentiate science
from other modes of knowing.
 Science is both a body of knowledge and a process. In school, science may sometimes seem like a
collection of isolated and static facts listed in a textbook, but that's only a small part of the story. Just as
importantly, science is also a process of discovery that allows us to link isolated facts into coherent and
comprehensive understandings of the natural world.
 Science is exciting. Science is a way of discovering what's in the universe and how those things work
today, how they worked in the past, and how they are likely to work in the future. Scientists are
motivated by the thrill of seeing or figuring out something that no one has before.
 Science is useful. The knowledge generated by science is powerful and reliable. It can be used to
develop new technologist, treat diseases, and deal with many other sorts of problems.
 Science is ongoing. Science is continually refining and expanding our knowledge of the universe, and as
it does, it leads to new questions for future investigation. Science will never be "finished."
 Science is a global human endeavor. People all over the world participate in the process of science.
And you can too!

Goals of Elementary Science Education

The goals of elementary Science Education in the Philippines aim to develop scientifically literate students who
can apply scientific knowledge, skills, and attitudes in their daily lives. The key goals include:

1. Scientific Literacy

Equip students with the basic knowledge and understanding of scientific concepts, Principles, and processes.

*Science Concepts - refers to the fundamental ideas, principles and theories that form the foundations of
Scientific knowledge. Understanding Science concepts allow students to make sense of the world around them and
apply this knowledge to solve problems and make informed decisions. Examples of Science concepts are ;
 Gravity - the force that attracts objects toward one another, especially the pull of the Earth on objects
near its surface.
 Photosynthesis - the process by which green plants and some other organisms use sunlight to
synthesize food from carbon dioxide and water.
 Ecosystems - communities of living organisms interacting with their physical environment.
 Energy - the capacity to do work.
 Atoms and Molecules - the basic units of matter and the building blocks of all substances.

* Science Principles - these principles are crucial for understanding the behavior of natural systems and are
widely applicable in scientific research and practical applications.
 Law of Conservation of energy - energy cannot be created or destroyed It can only be transformed
from one form to another.
 Newton’s Law of Motion
- 1st law - (law of inertia) - An object at rest stays at rest, and an object in motion stays in motion
unless acted upon by an external force.
 - 2nd law - (law of F=ma) - The force acting on an object is equal to the mass of the object
multiplied by its acceleration.
- 3rd law - For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.
 Principle of Uniformitarianism - In geology, this principle suggests that the processes occurring today
(like erosion and sedimentation) have operated in the same way throughout Earth’s history.
 Principle of Superposition - In geology, principles states that in any sequence of undisturbed
sedimentary layers, the oldest layer is at the bottom, and the layers get progressively younger
toward the top.

2. Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving

Foster the ability to think critically, analyze data, and solve problems through scientific inquiry.

 Scientific Inquiry is the process through which scientists explore the natural world, ask questions, and
seek answers based on evidence. It is systematic approach to discovering new knowledge and
understanding phenomena. Scientific inquiry involves:
 Observation - this begins with observing something intriguing or unexpected in the natural world.
 Question - Based on observations, scientists formulate questions that they want to answer.
 Hypothesis -Scientists propose a hypothesis, which is testable explanation or prediction based on
prior knowledge or observation. A good hypothesis is specific and can be tested through
experimentation.
 Experimentation- to test hypothesis, scientists design and conduct experiments.
 Data Collection- During experiment, scientists gather data which can be qualitative (descriptive) or
quantitative (numerical).
 Analysis - Scientists analyze the data to identify patterns, relationships, or trends. They use statistical
methods to determine the significance of the results and to draw conclusion.
 Conclusion - Based on the data analyzed, scientists determine whether the hypothesis is supported or
not.
 Communication - Scientists share their findings with the scientific community through reports,
publications, and presentations.

3. Environmental Awareness and protection

Instill awareness of environmental issues and promote actions that contribute to environmental protection and
sustainability.

* Environmental issues - refers to problems that arise from human activities or natural processes that negatively
impact the environment. Examples : Global change, deforestation, pollution, loss of biodiversity, waste management,
overpopulation, ocean acidification, overfishing, ozone layer depletion, desertification, and many more.

* Environmental Protection - refers to the practices, policies, and actions taken to preserve and sustain the
natural environment, preventing damage caused by human activities and promoting the health of ecocystems. Examples
are: RA 1999 (clean air act), RA 9275 Clan water act of 2004, RA 9003 Ecological waste management Act of 2000, and
many more.

4. Health and Safety

Educate students on health, nutrition, and safety practices to enhance their well-being.
5. Appreciation of Science and Technology
Cultivate an appreciation for the role of Science and technology in everyday life and in the progress of society.
6. Preparation for Higher Education
Prepare students with a strong foundation in Science for further education and future careers in science and
technology fields.