NSCI 331: Phy. Sci. & Everyday Thinking

Course Description

Full Title: Physical Science and Everyday Thinking
An inquiry-based physical science course suitable for prospective or practicing elementary teachers majoring or minoring in science studies. Students will construct meaningful understanding of physics and chemistry concepts through discussion, hands-on experiences and computer simulations. Specific topics will include the application of the atomic model to the behavior of gases, physical changes, and chemical changes. A learning-cycle pedagogy will be employed that consists of elicitation of initial student ideas, development of new or modified ideas, building student consensus on final ideas, and the application of ideas to new situations (F, W, S).