SCE3310 - Elementary Science: Grades K-6

Academic Dean’s Contact Information

LAKELAND DEAN’S OFFICE: LLC 2255              PHONE: (863) 297-1024
WINTER HAVEN DEAN’S OFFICE: WSC 101      PHONE: (863) 297-1020

Polk State College Mission and Program Outcomes

Polk State College, a quality driven institution, transforms lives through the power of education by providing access to affordable associate and baccalaureate degrees, career certificates and workforce employment programs, delivered by diverse, qualified faculty and staff. In line with this purpose, Polk State’s Associate in Science and baccalaureate degree programs develop competence in career areas. This course focuses on the development of competencies related to the following program outcomes:

• Demonstration of Competencies and Skills for Teacher Certification (C&S: K - 6)

 
Course Objectives:
Competencies and Skills for Teacher Certification (C&S K-6)

Upon successful completion of this course, the teacher candidate is able to:

Science: Knowledge of Effective Science Instruction

1.1 Analyze and apply developmentally appropriate researched-based strategies for teaching science practices.

1.2 Select and apply safe and effective instructional strategies to utilize manipulatives, models, scientific equipment, real-world examples, and print and digital representations  to support and enhance science instruction.

1.3 Identify and analyze strategies for formal and informal learning experiences to provide science curriculum that promotes students’ innate curiosity and active inquiry (e.g., hands-on experiences, active engagement in the natural world, student interaction).

1.4 Select and analyze collaborative strategies to help students explain concepts, to introduce and clarify formal science terms, and to identify misconceptions.

1.5 Identify and apply appropriate reading strategies, mathematical practices, and science-content materials to enhance science instruction for learners at all levels.

1.6 Apply differentiated strategies in science instruction and assessments based on student needs.

1.7 Identify and apply ways to organize and manage a classroom for safe, effective science teaching that reflect state safety procedures and restrictions (e.g., procedures, equipment, disposal of chemicals, classroom layout, use of living organisms).

1.8 Select and apply appropriate technology, science tools and measurement units for students’ use in data collection and the pursuit of science.

1.9 Select and analyze developmentally appropriate diagnostic, formative and summative assessments to evaluate prior knowledge, guide

1.10 Choose scientifically and professionally responsible content and activities that are socially and culturally sensitive.

Science: Knowledge of the Nature of Science

2.1  Analyze the dynamic nature of science models, laws, mechanisms, and theories that explain natural phenomena (e.g., durability, tentativeness, replication, reliance on evidence).

2.2   Identify and apply science and engineering practices through integrated process skills

(e.g., observing, classifying, predicting, hypothesizing, designing and carrying out investigations, developing and using models, constructing and communicating explanations).

2.3  Differentiate between the characteristics of experiments (e.g., multiple trials, control groups, variables) and other types of scientific investigations (e.g., observations, surveys).

2.4   Identify and analyze attitudes and dispositions underlying scientific thinking (e.g., curiosity, openness to new ideas, appropriate skepticism, cooperation).

2.5   Identify and select appropriate tools, including digital technologies and units of measurement for various science tasks.

2.6   Evaluate and interpret pictorial representations, charts, tables and graphs of authentic data from scientific investigations to make predictions, construct explanations and support conclusions.

2.7   Identify and analyze ways in which science is an integrated process and interconnected to STEM disciplines (i.e., science, technology, engineering, mathematics).

2.8   Analyze the interactions of science and technology with society including cultural, ethical, economic, political and global factors.

Science: Knowledge of Physical Science

3.1   Identify and differentiate among traditional properties of matter (e.g., mass, volume, texture, hardness, freezing point). 

3.2   Identify and differentiate between physical and chemical changes (e.g., tearing, burning, rusting). 

3.3   Compare the properties of matter during phase changes through the addition and/or the removal of energy (e.g., boiling, condensation, evaporation).

3.4   Differentiate between homogeneous (i.e., solutions) and heterogeneous mixtures.

3.5   Identify examples of and relationships among atoms, elements, mixtures, and compounds.

3.6   Identify and compare potential and kinetic energy.

3.7   Differentiate among forms of energy, transformations of energy, and their real-world applications (e.g., chemical, electrical, mechanical, heat, light, sound).

3.8   Distinguish among temperatures, heat, and forms of heat transfer (e.g., conduction, convection, radiation).

3.9   Analyze the functionality of an electric circuit based on its conductors, insulators, and components.

3.10 Identify and apply the characteristics of contact forces (e.g., push, pull, friction), at-a-distance forces (e.g., magnetic, gravitational, electrostatic), and their effects on matter (e.g., motion, speed).

Science: Knowledge of Earth and Space Science

4.1   Identify characteristics of geologic formations (e.g., volcanoes, canyons, mountains) and the mechanisms by which they are changed (e.g., physical and chemical weathering, erosion deposition).

4.2   Identify and distinguish between major groups of rocks and minerals and the processes of their formations.

4.3   Identify and analyze the characteristics of soil, its components and profile, and the process of soil formation.

4.4   Identify and analyze processes by which energy from the Sun is transferred (e.g., radiation, conduction, convection) through Earth’s systems (e.g., biosphere, hydrosphere, geosphere, atmosphere, cryosphere).

4.5   Identify and analyze the causes and effects of atmospheric processes and conditions (e.g., water cycle, weather, climate).

4.6   Identify and analyze various conservation methods and their effectiveness in relation to renewable and non-renewable natural resources.

4.7   Analyze the Sun-Moon-Earth systems in order to explain repeated patterns such as day and night, phases of the Moon, tides and the seasons.

4.8   Compare and differentiate the composition and various relationships among the objects of our Solar System (e.g., Sun, planets, moons, asteroids, comets).

4.9   Identify major events in the history of space exploration and their effects on society.

Science: Knowledge of Life Science

5.1   Identify and compare characteristics of living and non-living things.

5.2   Analyze the cell theory as it relates to the functional and structural hierarchy of all living things.

5.3   Identify and compare the structures and functions of plant and animal cells.

5.4   Classify living things into major groups (i.e., Linnaean system) and compare according to characteristics (e.g., physical features, behaviors, development).

5.5   Compare and contrast the structures, functions, and interactions of human and other animal organ systems (e.g., respiration, reproduction, digestion).

5.6   Distinguish among infectious agents (e.g., viruses, bacteria, fungi, parasites), their transmission, and their effects on the human body.

5.7   Identify and analyze the processes of heredity and natural selection and the scientific theory of evolution.

5.8   Analyze the interdependence of living things with each other and with their environment.

5.9   Identify and analyze plant structures and the processes of photosynthesis, transpiration, and reproduction.

5.10 Predict the response of plants to various stimuli (e.g., heat, light, gravity).

5.11 Identify and compare life cycles and predictable ways plants and animals change as they grow, develop, and age.

Additional Course Outcomes:

1. Demonstrate information acquisition and fluency across all areas of Elementary Science through probes, experimentation, and writing.
2. Demonstrate information acquisition and fluency regarding the nature of science and the methods of inquiry used for scientific processes.
3. Complete laboratory work and written reports that indicate a solid foundation in science topics.
4. Demonstrate the ability to read and write across the content area.
5. Demonstrate fluency with the vocabulary and demands that are placed on the reader when comprehending science content.

 

Course Content:

1. Life Science for Elementary Learners
2. Physical Science for Elementary Learners
3. Earth and Space Science for Elementary Learners
4. Science and Inquiry
5. The Nature of Science
6. Technology and Science
7. The Standards of Science
8.  Science Safety in a Laboratory Setting
9.  Effective Science Instruction

Textbook and Other Requirements

Textbook information is provided in the course syllabus, at the campus bookstore, on the campus bookstore website (www.polk.bncollege.com), or via the “Shop Textbook” button on the PASSPORT schedule of classes.

The Gordon Rule

This is not a Gordon Rule course.

Student Help

The professor is available for help during posted hours and by appointment during other non-class hours. Students are encouraged to seek assistance from the professor. To further the educational process, the campus Learning Resources Centers, comprised of the Teaching/Learning and Computing Center (TLCC) JDA Student Success Center, and library, are available for student use. Each resource provides qualified staff and up-to-date equipment and facilities to promote students’ academic success. The TLCCs and JDA Student Success Center provide tutoring services, computing resources, and other instructional support. The library provides information resources, individual and group study space, research assistance, information literacy instruction, and computing resources. Each facility provides free wireless access to the Internet. Polk State College Library, Student Success Center, and TLCC hours of operation and tutoring schedules are posted at each facility and on the College website.

Withdrawing From a Course

Students may officially withdraw from course(s) during any given term, provided they follow the appropriate policy and procedure. Following the conclusion of the Drop/Add Period, a student may officially withdraw without academic penalty from any credit course, provided he or she has submitted the appropriate forms to the Student Services Office no later than the published deadline. The published deadline reflects approximately (but no more than) 70% of the term, based upon the course’s scheduled duration. It is the student’s responsibility to submit these withdrawal forms; failure to do so may result in a grade of F in the course. Under the Forgiveness Policy, a student is allowed only three attempts in any one course: one initial enrollment and two repeats. A student is not allowed to withdraw from a third course attempt. Limited admission programs may have specific guidelines regarding course withdrawal that vary from this policy. Individuals should refer to the student handbook for that program for more information. If a student stops attending class, the grade earned, usually an F, is assigned and posted. Prior to withdrawing from a course, the student should consult with the Financial Aid Office to determine what impact, if any, withdrawal from the course will have on his or her financial aid status. A student cannot use course withdrawal to avoid academic dishonesty penalties. A student who has been penalized for academic dishonesty in a course is not eligible to withdraw from the course.

Repeating a Course

Under the Forgiveness Policy, a student is allowed only three attempts in any one college credit course: one initial enrollment and two repeats. Under certain circumstances, a student may petition to repeat a credit course beyond the three attempts. Limited admission programs may have specific guidelines regarding repeating a course that vary from this policy. Individuals should refer to the student handbook for that program for more information. The student should be aware that repeating a course may result in a higher course cost. A course cannot be repeated unless the previously earned grade is a D, F, or W (the Polk State College Catalog provides further details regarding this process). Prior to repeating a course, the student should consult with the Financial Aid Office to determine what impact, if any, repeating the course will have on his or her financial aid status.

Academic Dishonesty

Each student is responsible for his or her work. It is assumed that each student is honest and will abide by this standard; however, in the event that there is an indication or suspicion of cheating/plagiarism, the situation shall be dealt with in accordance with the published College policy. Copies of this policy are available in the Student Services Office. Students should also refer to the course syllabus for more specific information.

Information Technology Access/Use Policy

All individuals who employ the information technology resources provided by Polk State College (this includes, but is not limited to, telephones, computers, the Polk State College Local Area and Wide Area Networks, and the Internet) must use these resources for academic purposes only. Use of these resources is a privilege, not a right. Inappropriate use can result in revocation or suspension of this privilege.

Equal Access/Opportunity

Polk State College is an equal access/equal opportunity institution committed to excellence through diversity in education and employment. The College complies with all state and federal laws granting rights to students, employees, and applicants for employment or admission to the College. Polk State College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, sex, age, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, genetic information, disability, or pregnancy in its programs, activities, or employment.

The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies:
Valparisa Baker
Director, Equity & Diversity (Title IX Coordinator)
999 Avenue H NE
Winter Haven, FL 33881-4299
Office: WAD 227, 863.292.3602 Ext. 5378, vbaker@polk.edu.

Equal Opportunity For Students With Disabilities

The College complies with The Americans with Disabilities Act and provides equal educational opportunity for qualified individuals. A student with a disability who requires special accommodations or auxiliary aids under The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) should contact the Student Services Office on either campus and speak with a Disability Services Advisor or the Coordinator of Disability Services. Note: Limited admission programs may have performance restrictions that apply. Restrictions (where applicable) are outlined in each program’s student handbook.

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