Course Syllabus
Contact Information
Instructor Name Mrs. Merri Herndon
Office Hours: By Appointment (in person or over Zoom)
Phone: 405-760-5773
Email: mherndon1@ou.edu
Course Meeting Time and Location: Tuesdays 11:50-2:30 John W. Renner Science Education Center, ECH 170.
Course Details:
Course Prerequisites
Course Prerequisite: Admission to the JRCoE Teacher Education program, EDSC 4093, EDEL 4101; corequisites: EDMA 4353, EDLT 4813, EDSS 4323, EDEL 4980.
Course Materials
Course Text: The required texts for this course are:
- Settlage, J. et al. (2018). Teaching science to every child: Using culture as a starting point. 3rd Routledge.
- Willard, T. (ed.) (2015). The NSTA Quick-Reference Guide to the NGSS, Elementary School. Science and Children, 52(7), 96.
Technology: Please bring your computer and/or iPad charged with you to each class meeting unless otherwise noted. I will intentionally provide class experiences and assign work that relies on your technology and use of tools that you may find useful for your future classroom experiences. Therefore, there will be many times throughout the semester that you will require your larger technology. Please be prepared and have it with you, charged each week.
Office 365: You have free access to Office 365 through OU IT. Please be sure you are familiar with this resource as it will be required for several of our assignments. See https://itnews.ou.edu/homepage/office365/
Grades
Breakdown
Scale
A 89.50-100% B 79.5-89.49% C 69.5-79.49% D 59.5-69.49% F below 59.49%
Course Components
Evidence of Science Teacher Learning (20%)
Note: Evidence of Science Teacher Learning assignments will be assigned a grade of complete/incomplete. In most cases, feedback will be provided by the course instructor. Be sure to review this feedback as it will contribute to your learning in the class and should be incorporated into MidTerm and Final Portfolio assignments.
Class Work
Work generated in class time.
Science Teacher Identity
Science Teaching Models
Completed in class.
Curating a Science Library
Each student will select one trade or picture book that emphasizes the diversity of science and lead a book talk. You may select your book from the classroom library or choose one on your own (must have instructor approval). Your book talk should present a “trailer” for the book (think 2-minute movie trailer) that: (a) helps your classmates understand what the book is about (b) highlights how the book diversifies readers’ understanding of science and (c) makes others want to read the book. In addition to the book talk, each student will submit a book blurb to the class Canvas science library page.
Science Night Experiences
Each student group will identify and adapt an appropriate student learning experience to include in an elementary science night. You will work together to: a) select an appropriate and unique learning activity, b) identify content alignment across EC-5th grade OAS-S/NGSS, c) develop informal assessment opportunities, d) identify and implement appropriate safety considerations, and e) facilitate the learning experience for elementary students.
Science Notebook
Each student will be responsible for creating and maintaining a Science Notebook throughout the course. This notebook will not only serve as a student resource but will also provide evidence of scientific thought and growth in scientific perspectives.
Planning for Phenomenon-Based Science Instruction (50%)
Detailed Learning Plan
Each student will develop three single-class lesson plans (20-30 minutes of science teaching and learning). You will need to align your lesson with a science big idea, anchoring phenomenon, and corresponding grade-level NGSS/OAS-S. You may want to create your lesson plans so that you can facilitate them with your PIP placement class (however this is not required).
Storyline Design Planning (Steps 1-4)
Each student and team will complete the planning tasks for a grade-level team Storyline Unit and submit for feedback prior to compiling the Storyline Web Resource. Each Storyline will include a Teacher Background, a Summative Assessment, and a minimum of five (5) detailed learning plans (DLPs). DLPs will be constructed for the Storyline Launch (team), Lesson Sequence Detailed Learning Plans (one constructed by each team member), and Summative Assessment (team).
Science Teacher Portfolios (20%)
Midterm Portfolio
Each student will reflect and respond to prompts related to their learning and science teacher development throughout the course. Responses will be supported by evidence using artifacts from the class including their Science Notebook and student assignments (Evidence of Science Teacher Learning).
Final Portfolio
Each student will reflect and respond to prompts related to their learning and science teacher development throughout the course. Responses will be supported by evidence using artifacts from the class including their Science Notebook and student assignments (Evidence of Science Teacher Learning).
PARTICIPATION and READING ASSIGNMENTS (10%)
- Be prepared by the beginning of class.
- All Readings must be completed, annotated, and brought to class.
- Complete and turn in your assignments by the beginning of class.
- This way you will be prepared to discuss the content and how it connects within the discipline and affects student learning.
- Arrive on time for class.
- Listen attentively, participate in discussions, and respond appropriately during class.
- "Participating" is a matter of active engagement rather than passive observation. A large part of your success in this course will depend on the quality of your participation DURING class. This includes not only experiments, activities, and teaching strategies, but small group and class discussions as well. You will not earn an A in this course by merely showing up and turning in assignments. More is required of you than the bare minimum to earn the highest grade.
- Manage technology (CELL PHONES / LAPTOPS / IPADS)
I am not concerned with your phone being on during class if necessary. Mine is on should my children or parents need to reach me in an emergency. That is a necessity. As adults, you are able to define whether your phone being on is a necessity or not. However, they can be a distraction, and texting or checking social media will keep you from fully engaging in class. Phones, laptops, iPads, and other electronic devices should be kept in your bag unless they are being used for class. They should not be taken out during transitions, group discussions, or activities. I will not interrupt class to ask you to put your phone away but understand that use of it will be reflected in your participation grade. Points will be deducted from your participation grade if electronic devices are being used for anything outside of the requirements for class at that time. (See daily participation points explanation below). As a professional courtesy, if you believe you will need to use your phone during class, please let me know ahead of time to avoid any misunderstanding.
Daily Participation Grade: 3 Points available to earn each class.
3 Points = Fully engaged in whole group class discussions. Phone put away. iPad and laptop utilized for EDSC 4193 in class work only.
2 Points = Partially engaged in whole group class discussions. Phone out occasionally. iPad and laptop used during class for work other than that assigned in EDSC 4193.
1 Point = Little effort to participate in whole group class discussions. Phone out consistently during class. iPad and laptop used consistently during class for work other than that assigned in EDSC 4193.
0 Points = No effort to participate in whole group class discussions. Phone used throughout class. iPad and laptop used throughout class for work other than that assigned in EDSC 4193.
Course Policies
Course Policies:
I understand that many of us may be faced with unforeseen circumstances that can prevent us from completing our work on time or attending every session. Our late work and attendance policy exists, however, because your participation is crucial not only to your success but it also contributes to the success of your peers who are able to learn from what you bring to the classroom. If you are reading this, send me a picture that makes you think of elementary science. I will put the submitted images on our main Canvas page.
Attendance Policy
If you miss class, you are expected to contact me. In order to fully benefit from our class activities, you are expected to attend class and actively participate in the exercises and discussions. In cases of sickness, I want to work with you to identify alternative arrangements, but you must alert us before the class period (phone, email) you miss. After two absences from the course, your grade may drop a letter grade. Three unexcused absences will result in counsel to withdraw from the course.
Late Work
Deadlines within this class have been created to allow for: a) peer engagement,b)for me to be able to assess if everyone understands the course material or if we need to revisit some of the subjects and c) to provide me with the time needed to grade so that you can receive feedback as quickly as possible. As such, you must strive to meet all deadlines within this course. However, if something is preventing you from submitting work on time, I ask that you contact me as soon as you realize there may be an issue so that we can discuss options, including if it would count as an excused late submission. Late work that is submitted without a conversation with me and an excused reason will receive feedback when I am able to do so, which may not be timely and may be deducted one letter grade for each day it is tardy.
Plagiarism
Plagiarism is the most common form of academic misconduct at OU. There is no college-level assignment that can be satisfactorily completed by copying or using Artificial Intelligence. OU's basic assumption about writing is that all written assignments show the student's understanding in the student's own words. That means all writing assignments, in class or out, are assumed to be composed entirely of words generated (not simply found) by the student, except where words written by someone else are specifically marked as such with proper citation. Including other people's words in your paper is helpful when you do it honestly and correctly. When you don't, it's plagiarism.
For more information about plagiarism, watch this video and then take this short course offered by University Libraries.
University Academic Policies and Student Support
Land Acknowledgement
Long before the University of Oklahoma was established, the land on which the University now resides was the traditional home of the “Hasinais” Caddo Nation and “Kirikirʔi:s” Wichita & Affiliated Tribes.
We acknowledge this territory once also served as a hunting ground, trade exchange point, and migration route for the Apache, Comanche, Kiowa, and Osage nations. Today, 39 tribal nations dwell in the state of Oklahoma as a result of settler and colonial policies that were designed to assimilate Native people.
The University of Oklahoma recognizes the historical connection our university has with its indigenous community. We acknowledge, honor, and respect the diverse Indigenous peoples connected to this land. We fully recognize, support, and advocate for the sovereign rights of all of Oklahoma’s 39 tribal nations. This acknowledgment is aligned with our university’s core value of creating a diverse and inclusive community. It is an institutional responsibility to recognize and acknowledge the people, culture, and history that make up our entire OU Community.
Course Catalog
Search the OU Course Catalog.
Student Handbook
Please familiarize yourself with the OU Student Handbook.
Online Library
Access digital materials and other resources at OU Libraries.
Copyright Statement
Sessions of this course may be recorded or live-streamed. These recordings are the intellectual property of the individual faculty member and may not be shared or reproduced without the explicit, written consent of the faculty member. In addition, the privacy rights of others such as students, guest lecturers, and providers of copyrighted material displayed in the recording may be of concern. Students may not share any course recordings with individuals not enrolled in the class or upload them to any other online environment.
Academic Integrity
As a member of the OU community, it is your responsibility to protect your educational investment by knowing and following the rules. The Student Code is available from the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs and is contained in the Student's Guide to Academic Integrity.
Academic honesty is incredibly important in this course. Cheating is strictly prohibited at the University of Oklahoma because it devalues the degree you are working hard to get. Should you know of someone else engaging in academic misconduct, please report it to your instructor or directly to the Office of Academic Integrity. Your instructor has a professional obligation to report academic misconduct.
In addition to the course conduct policies outlined by your professor in the Course Syllabus in the online classroom, please review the Graduate Student Handbook.
Religious Observance
It is the policy of the University to excuse the absences of students that result from religious observances and to reschedule examinations and additional required classwork that may fall on religious holidays, without penalty. [See Faculty Handbook 3.15.2].
Reasonable Accommodation for Disabilities
The Accessibility and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) is committed to supporting students with disabilities to ensure that they are able to enjoy equal access to all components of their education. This includes your academics, housing, and community events.
If you are experiencing a disability or a mental/medical health condition that has a significant impact on one or more life functions, you can receive accommodations to provide equal access. Possible disabilities include but are not limited to learning disabilities, AD(H)D, mental health, and chronic health. Additionally, we support students with temporary medical conditions (broken wrist, shoulder surgery, etc.) and pregnancy.
To discuss potential accommodations, please contact the ADRC at 730 College Avenue, (phone) 405-325-3852, or adrc@ou.edu.
Title IX Resources
Anyone who has been impacted by gender-based violence, including dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, harassment, and sexual assault, deserves access to resources so that they are supported personally and academically.
The University of Oklahoma is committed to offering resources to those impacted, including speaking with someone confidentially about your options, medical attention, counseling, reporting, academic support, and safety plans. If you would like to speak with someone confidentially, please contact OU Advocates (available 24/7 at 405-615-0013) or another confidential resource (see "Can I make an anonymous report?").
You may also choose to report gender-based violence and discrimination through other means, including by contacting the Institutional Equity Office (ieo@ou.edu, 405-325-3546) or the police (911).
Because the University of Oklahoma is committed to the safety of you and other students, I, as well as other faculty, Graduate Assistants, and Teaching Assistants, are mandatory reporters. This means that we are obligated to report gender-based violence that has been disclosed to us to the Institutional Equity Office. This includes disclosures that occur in class discussions, writing assignments, discussion boards, emails, and during Student/Office Hours.
For more information, please visit the Institutional Equity Office.
Adjustments for Pregnancy/Childbirth Related Issues
Should you need modifications or adjustments to your course requirements because of documented pregnancy-related or childbirth-related issues, please contact me as soon as possible to discuss your options. Generally, modifications will be made where medically necessary and similar in scope to accommodations based on temporary disability. Learn more about the rights of pregnant and parenting students by consulting the FAQ sheets provided by the Institutional Equity Office.
Mental Health Support Services
If you are experiencing any mental health issues that are impacting your academic performance, counseling is available at the University Counseling Center (UCC). The Center is located on the second floor of the Goddard Health Center, at 620 Elm Rm. 201, Norman, OK 73019. To schedule an appointment, call 405-325-2911. For more information, please visit the University Counseling Center.
Final Exam Preparation Period
Pre-finals week will be defined as the seven calendar days before the first day of finals. Faculty may cover new course material throughout this week. For specific provisions of the policy please refer to OU's Final Exam Preparation Period policy.
Required Policies for Students On Campus
Emergency Protocol
During an emergency, there are official university procedures that will maximize your safety.
Severe Weather: If you receive an OU Alert to seek refuge or hear a tornado siren that signals severe weather:
- Look for severe weather refuge location maps located inside most OU buildings near the entrances
- Seek refuge inside a building. Do not leave one building to seek shelter in another building that you deem safer. If outside, get into the nearest building.
- Go to the building’s severe weather refuge location. If you do not know where that is, go to the lowest level possible and seek refuge in an innermost room. Avoid outside doors and windows.
- Get in, Get Down, Cover Up.
- Wait for official notice to resume normal activities.
Severe Weather Preparedness Video
Armed Subject/Campus Intruder
If you receive an OU Alert to shelter-in-place due to an active shooter or armed intruder situation or you hear what you perceive to be gunshots:
- Avoid: If you believe you can get out of the area without encountering the armed individual, move quickly towards the nearest building exit, move away from the building, and call 911.
- Deny: If you cannot flee, move to an area that can be locked or barricaded, turn off lights, silence devices, spread out, and formulate a plan of attack if the shooter enters the room.
- Defend: As a last resort fight to defend yourself. For more information, visit:
OU's Emergency Preparedness site
Shots Fire on Campus Procedure
Fire Alarm/General Emergency
If you receive an OU Alert that there is danger inside or near the building, or the fire alarm inside the building activates:
- Leave the building. Do not use the elevators.
- Know at least two building exits
- Assist those who may need help
- Proceed to the emergency assembly area
- Once safely outside, Notify first responders of anyone who may still be inside the building due to mobility issues.
- Wait for official notice before attempting to re-enter the building.
Course Summary:
| Date | Details | Due |
|---|---|---|