Computational thinking (CT) has great potential for enhancing mathematics and science lessons in K-12 education. Numerous studies demonstrate that under the right circumstances, CT integration in math and science can improve student learning and promote deeper understanding. However, teacher education currently does not include preparation for…

Many preservice primary teachers have low self-efficacy for science teaching. Although science methods courses have often been shown to enhance self-efficacy, science content courses have been relatively ineffective in this respect. This study investigated whether a tailored science content course would enhance self-efficacy. The participants were…

This article reports the phases of design and use of video editing technology as a medium for creatively expressing science content knowledge in an elementary science methods course. Teacher candidates communicated their understanding of standards-based core science concepts through the creation of original digital movies. The movies were assigned…

As a result of the new era in science education reform, professional associations in science such as the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) have developed science standards for grades K-12. This paper describes a model for utilizing the AAAS Project 2061 benchmarks for these standards in a science methods course. The course…

Explains the rationale and goals for a physical science course for elementary education majors. Components include: presentation of a science lesson from one of the elementary science programs; hands-on experience with lessons taught by other students; and incorporation of current science-technology-society problems into discussions. Results from…

Describes an integrated methods course in a small university, including evolution of the course, topics covered, descriptions of student assignments and activities, procedures used in student evaluation, and student opinions of the integrated course. An appendix contains the outline of topics and student activities. (15 references) (Author/MKR)

This article describes the outcome of an exercise carried out with one hundred undergraduate student teachers (preservice teachers) enrolled in a Biology Teaching Methods course, a third year course in a four-year Teacher Education Programme. The students, working in groups of three to four, were assigned to construct a concept map showing their…

Discusses the role of the chemistry teacher impacting elementary science by training elementary teachers. Provides information for a 28-hour hands-on workshop for elementary teachers and lists 47 activities for the teachers. Included topics are food science, observation, liquids, gases, and general chemistry. (MVL)

An integrated mathematics/science elementary methods course was developed as part of Connecticut's statewide systemic initiative. Considers: (1) What does integration mean? (2) What content should be taught? and (3) How should it be taught? Implementation team included an exemplary elementary teacher. Appendix presents a sample integrated lesson.…

Describes the development of a one-semester integrated mathematics and science methods course to introduce preservice elementary teachers to innovative mathematics and science teaching methods called for in current reform movements. Follows the evolution of the course in the areas of content and pedagogical knowledge; teachers as problem solvers;…