CLASS SCHEDULE: Tuesday, 4-6 p.m.
LOCATION: FSA 136
OFFICE: SLB 428
CONTACT NUMBER: 438-8161 (office)
Course Description: Introduction to laboratory-based teaching skills in science, intended to prepare students for inquiry-based high school and undergraduate science teaching activities.
Course overview: This laboratory course is designed to develop basic lab skills needed to become an effective hands-on science teacher. It will serve as part of the Biology Teacher Education program, as well as provide laboratory-specific training for students who plan to become certified for high school biology teaching. The course focuses on three aspects of science teacher training:
· practice in basic laboratory skills and knowledge such as making solutions and lab safety
· development of skills in converting “cookbook” science activities into inquiry-based experimental systems for students
· practice in presenting inquiry-based activities in the classroom
Student Objectives: As a result of course participation, students will:
· practice basic laboratory skills such as making solutions and taking accurate and precise measurements
· learn about laboratory and classroom safety practices
· be able to discuss and demonstrate scientific inquiry
· be able to convert standard “cookbook” lab activities into open-ended student investigations
· practice presentation of hands-on science activities in the classroom
Required Texts and Readings:
Seidman, L.A. and Moore, C.J. (2000) Basic Laboratory Methods for Biotechnology. Textbook and Laboratory Reference. Prentice Hall, Saddle River, NJ.
Additional primary literature will be assigned.
Optional Texts and Readings:
Brandwein, P.F. Morholt, E.. A Sourcebook for the Biological
Sciences. HBJ, New York, 1986.
Student Assignments:
Students will perform at least two hours of laboratory activities per week. These activities will include practice of proper laboratory techniques, applications of computer technology to active science teaching, and adaptation of “cookbook” activities to open-ended experimental format. Students will participate in discussions of the nature of scientific inquiry and of teaching practices and observations. They will present two inquiry-based hands-on activities to the class for peer review. Students will participate in the TEAM (Teacher Education Access for Minorities) Conference on Wednesday, April 2, 2003 (for high school students). They will also participate in one Saturday hands-on science workshop (date will be determined).
Student Performance Evaluation:
· Presentation of two hands-on activities to the class 30% of final grade
· Development of a laboratory safety presentation 10%
· Midterm exam on solutions and measurements 20%
· Development of one complete inquiry-based activity 30%
· Class Participation 10%
Topic Outline:
Making solutions
Basic preparation procedures
Concentration expressions – molarity, percent, normality
Handling solutions
Laboratory Safety
Physical hazards
Chemical safety
Biological hazards – microorganisms, animals in the classroom
Measurements
Classroom applications
Weight
Volume
Temperature
pH
The nature of scientific inquiry
“Cookbook” vs. open-ended investigations
Techniques to encourage student inquiry
Conversion of standard laboratory activities into inquiry activities
Practical aspects
Preparing handouts
Presentation of inquiry activities