3.00 Credits
In this course participants will experience introductory explorations of the nature of science using science and engineering principles, practices, and processes. Applications to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics will be explored using learner-based pedagogy. Participants will develop teaching practices to assist them in educating K-6 students in selected Earth and Life Science Standards. As appropriate and available, STEM content professors will be involved in the instruction of this course. **COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES (CLOs) At the successful conclusion of this course, students will be able to: 1. Develop a deeper understanding of the nature of science and engineering through using scientific understanding and engineering solutions for topics relative to climate change and natural selection, demonstrating that science is a way of knowing and assumes an order and consistency in natural systems, comparing and contrasting the process of scientific inquiry with the engineering design cycle, and using empirical evidence to develop scientific knowledge and engineering solutions. 2. Explain that stability and change are present in all natural and built systems and conditions of stability, and rates of change or evolution of a system are critical elements of study by providing evidence to support natural climate cycles and natural selection, demonstrating how rate of change of any natural system impacts evolutionary change, and providing evidence to support scientific claims using effective argumentation. 3. Connect theory and practice through reflection, teaching, scholarship, collaboration, and STEM educational action research which include traditionally under-represented groups that consider students of diverse backgrounds and perspectives through collaborating with colleagues in lesson development, conducting an effective student inquiry-based classroom, integrating cross-curricular learning, and recording reflections on how your STEM content and pedagogical thinking changes over the course of the semester. 4. Demonstrate proficiency with STEM content, skills, and practices and teach those to students by communicating using multiple forms of discourse, developing reasoning and problem solving practices, facilitating effective collaboration and communication among the students, demonstrating proficiency in STEM content. 5. Explore and implement innovative, research-based, engaging curriculum and assessment, especially around the Utah Core academic standards and college and career readiness, geared towards increasing student achievement by applying the disciplinary core ideas when planning lessons and teaching, using cross-cutting concepts when planning lessons and teaching, implementing scientific practices into lesson planning and teaching, implementing a variety of assessments into lesson planning and teaching. Prerequisite: Instructor permission.