EDFS 632 LEARNING, COGNITION AND MOTIVATION (3)
Orientation to the psychology of
learning and instruction, the development of theoretical models as well
as empirical bases for making decisions. This course incorporates current
research, knowledge, and concepts in which both teachers and prospective
teachers can base informed decisions that positively affect student attitudes
and achievement. The course covers important concepts and theories in
educational, cognitive, and social psychology and offers the students
opportunities to develop their teaching skills through application of
the theories and concepts with attention to the realities of teaching.
EDFS 635 EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH
(3)
An in-depth study of methods used in different
types of educational research. Includes involvement of the student in
the process of educational research design, implementation, reporting,
and evaluation.
EDFS 660 NATURE OF SCIENCE, MATHEMATICS,
AND SCIENCE/MATHEMATICS EDUCATION (3)
Topics include the historical development of science and mathematics and
the variety of philosophies in science/mathematics education. Other topics
include social trends affecting science education in the United States
since 1893, including reform movements of 1904, 1937, 1945, 1960,1985
and the present; and local frameworks addressing national and global concerns.
The course will employ a variety of methods intended to give teachers
a broad array of pedagogical tools for use in their classrooms ( including
dialogic process, constructivist practices, inquiry and other current
best practices).
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(at least 14 hours)
SMFT 510 INTRODUCTION TO PROBLEM SOLVING
(3)
This course is designed primarily for elementary and middle-level teachers
to investigate mathematics topics through problem solving activities.
Topics covered will include numeric and algebraic concepts and operations;
patterns, relationships, and functions; geometry and spatial sense; and
measurement. The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) standards,
NCTM Addenda Series, and the South Carolina Mathematics Curriculum Frameworks
will serve as a basis for the nature and content of activities. AIMS activities
will also be included so that teachers may investigate the ways to integrate
mathematics and science in the classroom.
SMFT 511 INTRODUCTION TO PROBABILITY AND
STATISTICS (3)
This course is designed primarily for the elementary and middle-level
school teachers. The course will examine methods of statistical measurement
and their uses and misuses in interpreting and describing data. The course
also addresses variation, the underlying framework and application of
basic probability distributions, and inductive reasoning through probability.
SMFT 514 GEOMETRY FOR ELEMENTARY AND MIDDLE
SCHOOL TEACHERS (4)
This course will investigate plane and geometric
shapes, transformations, lines, and coordinate geometry, and measurement.
Students will investigate geometric formulas, theorems, and simple proofs
through a hands-on approach that includes developing geometric instructions,
making models, and using technology.
SMFT 516 APPLICATIONS ACROSS THE MATHEMATICS
CURRICULUM WITH TECHNOLOGY (3)
The course, intended for practicing middle and secondary school teachers,
will investigate the connections among various mathematical topics and
their applications. Emphasis will be placed on modeling real world phenomena
by using graphing calculators and Microsoft Excel. The use of geometric
models, trigonometry, and probability and statistics to represent problem
situations will be developed. Other topics will include graphing functions,
matrices, optimization, sequences, data analysis and linear programming.
This course will explore a variety of uses of technology to aid student
investigation, conjecturing, verifying, and applying mathematics. Throughout
the course teachers will develop activities appropriate for middle and
secondary level classes.
SMFT 518 APPLICATIONS OF CALCULUS FOR
TEACHERS (4)
A course designed primarily for secondary science and math teachers to
investigate applications of calculus in science and technology. This course
will present a wide range of practical problems in differential and integral
calculus, suitable for incorporation in either calculus or science courses.
Investigative labs, utilizing data collection, and interdisciplinary projects
will be major components of the course. The course includes presentation
pedagogy and may also include exposure to graphing calculators and computerized
symbolic mathematics programs.
Prerequisite: One semester of calculus or permission of the instructor.
SMFT 523 EARTH SCIENCE FOR TEACHERS (4)
This course examines the physical nature of earth, its oceans, atmosphere
and their application to environmental issues. Teachers will examine the
geological processes affecting the surface of the earth and the interaction
of earth’s dynamic hydrosphere and atmosphere. Throughout the course,
teachers will acquire conceptual knowledge of these processes with the
expectation of learning and developing classroom activities appropriate
for primary and middle school students. Where appropriate, teachers will
use computer-downloaded and real-time satellite images and space shuttle
photographs to develop activities.
SMFT 537 TOPICS IN BOTANY FOR TEACHERS
(4)
This more advanced course introduces plant taxonomy with emphasis on South
Carolina species and their habitats. The course further investigates anatomy
and physiology of plants through classwork and field trips. Appropriate
model plant systems will be used to introduce the evolution of diversity
in the plant kingdom, processes of growth, reproduction and development,
and basic principles of plant ecology. Plant tissue culture will be introduced.
Prerequisite: One year of teaching biology, one year of college biology,
or permission of instructor.
SMFT 538 TOPICS IN ZOOLOGY FOR TEACHERS (4)
This course will provide an introduction to animal diversity with emphasis
on South Carolina species and their habitats. It will address the anatomy
and physiology of animals. The fundamental concepts of genetics and evolution
will be introduced through appropriate model organisms.
Prerequisite: One year of college biology or permission of instructor.
SMFT 540 FUNDAMENTALS OF PHYSICAL SCIENCE (4)
The course will explore the creative nature of science, build observational
and descriptive skills, discover laws of chemistry and physics, familiarize
and use the tools of science (from meter sticks to computers). A significant
component of the course will be the development of instructional, hands-on
activities for students appropriate for the K-8 classroom. General topics
will include: measurement, estimation, heat, light, sound, electricity,
magnetism, and gravity. Chemistry topics will include the nature of elements,
compounds, and mixtures; chemical and physical properties of matter; chemical
reactions from matter and energy perspective; and application of chemistry.
SMFT 548 ATOMIC THEORY OF MATTER FROM
LUCRETIUS TO QUARKS (4)
By studying history's scientists and philosophers, this course looks at milestones
in the development of atomic theory as a means to understand the basic concepts of
modern atomic theory. Through inquiry-based labs students are taught how scientific
theories and models were developed. Modern methods for analysis of the nature of matter will be
addressed. The nature of the nucleus and nuclear changes will be included. Student submitted
activities aid in bringing course content into any classroom.
Prerequisite: One year of teaching of high school chemistry, physics,
or physical science; one year of college chemistry or physics; permission
of instructor.
SMFT 555 APPLICATIONS OF PHYSICS FOR TEACHERS:
HOW THINGS WORK (4)
This course will develop an understanding and appreciation of the concepts
and principles of physics by examining objects of everyday experiences.
Items such as a microwave oven, vacuum cleaner, or elevator will be explored
for the physics which makes them work. Historical and social perspectives
of science will also be discussed.
SMFT 697 SPECIAL TOPICS IN SCIENCE OR
MATHEMATICS FOR TEACHERS (1-4)
This is a one semester course introduction to an advanced topic in science,
integrated science, or mathematics education.
EDEE 670 ELEMENTARY SCIENCE INSTRUCTION
(3)
A course for elementary teachers who have
at least partial responsibility for science teaching. It focuses on comprehension
and application of integrated science process skills using concepts from
life, earth, and physical science.
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SMFT 524 SPACE SCIENCE FOR TEACHERS (4)
This course will consist of two components: planetary science and astronomy.
Students will learn the physical properties of the Solar System and the
geological characteristics of the planets and moons within the context
of the origin of the Solar System. Astronomy will be used to develop an
understanding of stellar evolution and composition of the cosmos. Students
will use acquired conceptual knowledge to develop classroom activities
appropriate for primary and middle school students. An emphasis will be
placed on acquisition, via remote sensing, of data and images downloaded
from NASA centers.
SMFT 639 GENETICS AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
FOR TEACHERS (3)
This course will introduce teachers to content
and methodology necessary to effectively teach genetics and molecular
biology at the high school level. Many of the topics may be suitable (or
can be modified) for the middle school classroom. Topics addressed in
the course will include Mendelian and chromosomal genetics, evolutionary
genetics, molecular biology (the path from gene to protein), biotechnology
and the ethical implications of this new technology. Graduate students
only.
Prerequisite: One year of college biology.
This course investigates the Earth’s major ocean basins and adjacent coastlines. Course topics will include the physical and chemical properties of oceans, marine ecology, coastal wetlands, barrier islands, and the impact of coastal development and human activities on the seashore. Students will discover properties of waves and tides, and their effects on the coastlines using hands-on experiments. Students will take several field trips that will provide direct experience with coastal habitats and processes. Applications of topics will be used to develop classroom activities dealing with the South Carolina wetlands and shoreline.
SMFT 645 THE PHYSICS OF FORCE AND MOTION
FOR TEACHERS (4)
The course ties principles of force and motion to the everyday world.
Newton’s law of motion will be used in conjunction with the fundamental
forces of electricity and gravity to develop the understanding of motion
of things in the world around us. Waterfalls, weather systems, waves,
plate tectonics, friction, and other applications of the laws of nature
that relate directly to motion will be studied. Students will enhance
their skills employing logical and mathematical techniques to solve problems,
using appropriate scientific equipment from meter sticks to computers,
and develop teaching methods suitable for the pre-college classroom.
SMFT 647 DETERMINATION OF THE STRUCTURE
OF MATTER (4)
The interaction of matter and light allows chemists, physicists, biologists,
astronomers, and geologists to study the nature of matter. This course
will investigate the application of absorption and emission spectroscopy
across a broad range of the electromagnetic spectrum, x-ray crystallography,
laser technology, and remote sensing developments to explore the nature
of matter from the atomic level to galaxies. Each topic introduced will
be related to the 9 - 12 curriculum and to the South Carolina standards.
EVSS 640 EARTH SYSTEMS SCIENCE (3)
The Earth Systems Science course investigates the interactions among the
atmosphere, ocean, ice, solid-Earth, and biological systems. In this course,
students will study the evolution of solid-Earth, the formation of the
atmosphere and oceans, and the origin of life. Rate and scale of changes
of the Earth’s environment will be examined through an analysis of changing
climates. Finally, the course examines human evolution and technological
development to gain an understanding of our impacts on the global environment.
EVSS 650 ENERGY PRODUCTION AND RESOURCE
MANAGEMENT (3)
A study of the nature of energy and scientific issues relating to its
production, storage, distribution, and use from a physics perspective.
Production methods to be studied include: hydroelectric, fossil fuel,
fission, fusion, wind, photovoltaic, bio-mass, and solar-dynamics. Scientific
issues will be related to the cultural and philosophical framework surrounding
energy infrastructure and policy.
Students have four basic options in choosing capstone credit experiences. They can:
- EDFS 703 CURRICULUM, POLICY, AND SYSTEMS
IN SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS (3)
This course is designed to examine possible solutions to current problems in curriculum and policy within school systems in South Carolina. The course is designed to increase organizational and interpersonal skills that empower teachers to alter school climates and garner technical support while designing and implementing K-12 programs of excellence.
Prerequisites: 15 hours credit in the SMFT program or permission of the instructor. - Take an extra course from either Category B1 (Fundamental Science and Mathematics Curriculum) or B2 (Integrated Science Courses), or an appropriate course not in the program, AND do a suitable project in addition to the required coursework. Typical projects are: curriculum development, website construction, etc. that is helpful to the teaching community. Such capstone experiences require Steering Committee approval. The student should discuss the project concept with their advisor, get consent from the individual(s) who would supervise the project (usually the course instructor), and submit a written proposal to the program director who will put the proposal on the agenda for a Steering Committee meeting.
- Do an independent study project in science, mathematics, or science or mathematics education. This requires discussion with the advisor, consent from the individual(s) supervising the project, and approval of a written proposal by the Steering Committee.
- Take up to 6 hours from an MS degree program offered by the School of Sciences and Mathematics at The Graduate School - College of Charleston, SC - Environmental Studies (but not EVSS 640 and EVSS 650, each of which counts in Category B2), Marine Biology, or Mathematics. The purpose of this option is to give interested students opportunities to work at an advanced level in a science or math subject. The student must meet any course prerequisites. Some students have done two capstone experiences in this way. Interested students should discuss this with their advisors and with someone involved in the MS program to insure that the student makes a good course choice. A written proposal to do this is not necessary.
The student must make a presentation of the completed project at a professional meeting, teacher workshop, and/or session of capstone presentations attended by Steering Committee members and other interested parties.