Course Descriptions and Syllabi

SCED 5: Earth Science for Sustainability

Introduction to the origin and evolution of the Earth system and its interacting atmosphere, geosphere, biosphere, and atmosphere. Earth Science concepts are explored in the context of sustainability. Investigation of how geoscience knowledge and skills can help to address societal challenges including natural resource management, hazard mitigation, and climate change. 

Number of Units: 3

SCED 174: Science Pedagogy for Learning Assistants

Learning Assistants (LAs) investigate how people learn and how to support learning as they are immersed in teaching roles in the San José community. Integrates educational theory, pedagogy, content, and practice by focusing on practical concerns and theoretical models of learning. 

Number of Units: 3

Syllabus

SCED 175: Classroom Experience in Science Teaching

The goal of this hybrid online/face-to-face course is to provide students with the opportunity to complete their 45 hours of science teaching observation in California public schools while also reflecting on teaching and learning practices. The course will emphasize the multi-faceted aspects of the teaching profession and most importantly will provide a forum for sharing experiences with other students who are similarly placed. The course will fulfill pre-professional teaching observation experience required of most Single Subject Teacher Credential Programs.

Number of Units: 1 

Syllabus

SCED 184Y - Student Teaching II - Classroom Teaching

Minimum 80-120 class hours of classroom, lab or field teaching in appropriate single subject, grades K-12 and related teaching activities/seminar.

Prerequisite: SCED 173 (Science Credential Candidates must complete SCED 173 with a grade of "B' or better, "B-" not accepted) and joint approval of the Science Education Program and the Secondary Education Department.

Number of Units: 4

Syllabus - SCED 184Y

SCED 184Z - Student Teaching III - Classroom Teaching

Minimum 80-120 class hours of classroom, lab or field teaching in appropriate single subject, grades K-12 and related teaching activities/seminar.

Prerequisite(s): SCED 273 (Science Credential Candidates must complete SCED 273 with a grade of “B” or better, “B-” not accepted) and joint approval of the Science Education Program and the Secondary Education Department. Not available to Open University Students.

Number of Units: 4

Syllabus - SCED 184Z

SCED 204 - Earth Systems Science for Teachers

Introduction to techniques and procedures of scientific research. Each student required to prepare and defend a working outline of a master's thesis or project in his or her area of concentration.

Number of Units: 3

*Spring course

Introduction to classic and cutting-edge learning theories in science education. Explore research-based understandings of science learning with implications for inquiry and practice. Emphasis on developing expertise in a science education area of interest and contextualizing questions and problems of teaching and learning in educational literature.

Number of Units: 3

Syllabus

Introduction to science education data analysis methods and techniques. Students will engage in both quantitative and qualitative data analysis.

Number of Units: 3

Syllabus

Selected topics in natural science or science education.

Number of Units: 1 - 3

*Spring course

Designed to engage teacher candidates (TC) in the methods, learning theories, practices, and instructional and pedagogical approaches for teaching justice-centered science in secondary schools. TCs develop strategies, master techniques, and gain practice-based experience in the promotion of inclusive, inquiry-based classrooms. In addition, TCs learn to design equitable unit and lesson plans that build from young people’s experiences and sense making practices, engage in the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and use technology to enhance the learning environment. Theory and practice, instructional techniques, and materials for science in the secondary schools.

Number of Units: 3

Syllabus

Provides a format for the presentation and discussion or original work by faculty, guest investigators and graduate students.

Number of Units: 3

*Spring course

Research in science education under the supervision of a faculty member associated with the science education program.

Number of Unites: 1-3

Syllabus

Project development for Plan B MA Natural Science students, to be carried out under direct supervision of a faculty member and committee. Seminar presentation required upon final completion of project.

Number of Units: 1 - 6

Syllabus

Resources and innovations for science curriculum development and instruction. An interface with people and facilities which can enhance Bay Area science instruction. California Teaching Performance Assessment (Cal TPA) preparation and guidance.

Number of Units: 2

Syllabus

Continued Work on Thesis

Prerequisite(s): Outstanding RP grade in a preceding semester in a project or thesis class.

Course may be repeated for credit for up to 16 units.

Grading: Credit/No Credit/No Degree Credit

Number of Units: 1

Note(s): No Degree Credit