ECED 155 - Exploring Science and Math

Credits: 5
Focuses on the process of planning, creating, presenting and evaluating hands-on, relevant science and math activities for children in preschool through grade three. Serves as the foundation course for building developmentally appropriate science and math skills that lead to discovery, exploration and understanding. Open-ended science activities involve children at a wide range of developmental levels, connecting to other areas, including math, artistic expression, and social studies. Allows students to work collaboratively in small groups and to practice presenting lessons to young children.

Course Outcomes:
Students who successfully complete this class will be able to:

Explain the concept of science literacy and how it develops.
Explain Piaget’s theory of cognitive development as it relates to developing preoperational and concrete operational math concepts.
Distinguish appropriate science and math experiences for young children.
Apply developmental information to compilation of a science and math activity file integrating activities across the curriculum.
Plan, create, present and evaluate appropriate curriculum units using integrated activities.
Adapt curriculum activities for young children and children with special needs.
Describe appropriate questioning techniques that guide children’s exploration.
Plan a classroom environment that supports a child’s interest in science and math.
Utilize the three major components (content, processes and attitude) in science.
Present math lessons involving the five operations.

Program Outcomes

Use developmental milestones and observations of children’s behavior as a foundation for planning appropriate activities.
Advocate for strategies that promote the cultural diversity of children, families and their communities.
Demonstrate effective written, verbal and non-verbal communication
Discuss current issues and trends in early childhood education.
Identify typical and atypical growth and development (cognitive, linguistic, motor, and social).
Positively support children’s whole development.
Display a positive attitude and enthusiasm for the job
Develop rapport and contribute to the work environment as a member of the instructional team.
Practice ethical and professional standards of conduct
Comply with laws (such as IDEA, Section 504, ADA), workplace policies, and procedures in relation to confidentiality, reporting of abuse, discipline, chain of command and delegation and supervision.

College-wide Outcomes

Critical Thinking - Critical thinking finds expression in all disciplines and everyday life. It is characterized by an ability to reflect upon thinking patterns, including the role of emotions on thoughts, and to rigorously assess the quality of thought through its work products. Critical thinkers routinely evaluate thinking processes and alter them, as necessary, to facilitate an improvement in their thinking and potentially foster certain dispositions or intellectual traits over time.
Responsibility - Responsibility encompasses those behaviors and dispositions necessary for students to be effective members of a community. This outcome is designed to help students recognize the value of a commitment to those responsibilities which will enable them to work successfully individually and with others.
Written Communication - Written Communication encompasses all the abilities necessary for effective expression of thoughts, feelings, and ideas in written form.