History of Science: Article 1

Fostering the History of Science in American Science Education by F. James

Rutherford

Article Summary and Reflections Presentation

By Semeka SamuelsECE 7706

Summer 2013

Big Ideas

The utilitarian argument is set out in Science is that generalizations have to supported with historical concrete examples.

Scientific endeavors are significance to our cultural heritage.

Because the education system is so involved with elected officials on federal, state and local levels, reform is slow.

What do we need to be thinking about when we teach science in the elementary schools?

Purpose of Teaching Science

Rutherford states that the purpose of teaching science is to have science literate children. Rutherford added that all students should learn how science works.

How does is work in Elementary School?

Themes such as the nature of mathematics, technology, living environment as ways to teach how science works. These themes are common in curricula all over the country.

How is what you learned from the articles reflected in your science teaching?

Rutherford revealed data from a previous Physics Project that he introduced. Like Rutherford, additional resources are provided for my students to support their learning in conjunction with the standards and texts books.

How can what you learned inform your science teaching moving forward?

Quote from the Article

“Rather than presenting history continuously throughout the student textbook –risking having it become a history text rather than a science one – history is presented in concentrated episodes from time to time.”

Take away….

In order to give my students the proper science instruction, I have to rethink how I include the history of science. I will use the history of science as part of the background and the big idea of each Science concept.

History of Science: Article 2

Scientific Literacy: Another Look at Its Historical and Contemporary Meanings

and Its Relationship to Science Education Reform by George E. DeBoer

Big Ideas

Outcome of science education is the have student literate in the subject.

Science, unlike any other subject, has to find a balance between the science in everyday life and exploring the natural word (DeBoer, 2000).

Part of the problem with science education is that people (society) want to place limitations and restrictions on what to teach, how to teach, and who to teach certain science concepts.

What do we need to be thinking about when we teach science in the elementary schools?

9 Goals of Teaching Science

1. Teach and learn science as a cultural force.2. Prepare students for the world of work.3. Teach science that has a direct application

to life.4. Teach to inform students.5. Learn science as a way of examining the

world.6. Understand and discussion current events

in science.7. Learning about science as an aesthetic

appeal.8. Prepare people to be open to science and

not afraid.9. Understand the relationship between

science and technology.

How is what you learned from the article reflected in your science teaching?

In my most recent Science education instruction, my lessons have not include the history of science as background information. I have to admit that I have done my students a disservice. However, this will be corrected.

Teaching the history of Science is a pivot part of understanding science concepts.

Students need to understand how the scientific themes have evolved overtime.

Critical thinking skills are reinforced through the exploration of origin of science.

Science literacy will be improve with this holistic approach.

Students deserve all the information and not just the standards.

How can what you learned inform your science teaching moving forward

?

Current Trends in Science Education (Article 3)

Ideas in Science Fiction: Probing Contemporary Contexts through Science

Fiction Texts by Hamdan, S., Vengadasamy, R., Yusof, N., & Hashim, R. (2012)

Big Ideas

The article explores the use of Science Fiction Text to enhance critical science thinking and writing.

What do we need to be thinking about when we teach science in the

elementary schools?

The think that we should be thinking about is how can we introduce different idea that would include Science Fiction that will enhance the critical thinking of elementary students.

How is what you learned from the article reflected in your

science teaching?

Teaching Literacy Across the Curriculum

This article was a great demonstration of how to intergrade literacy in Science.

Language Arts is integrated in all of my Science lessons.

How can what you learned inform your

science teaching moving forward?

I never thought of including science fiction in science instruction. I see how using even videos from popular science fiction movies can challenge student to think critically.

Current Trends in Science Education

(Article 4)

Elementary Science and Technology Teachers' Views on Problems

Encountered in the Instructional Process by Geçer, A., & Özel, R. (2012)

Big IdeasSome of the problems with teaching science with technology are as following: Lack of technology available Crowded Classrooms Amount of time to effectively

implement technology Insufficient physical space to

accommodate lessons Adequate professional

development for teachers

What do we need to be thinking about when we teach science in the

elementary schools?When teaching elementary students, we have to remember not to shy away from

technology. The more we use technology… the more the students will use it. We live in a world that is technology driven. The classroom should mirror the world in which we live.

How is what you learned from the article reflected in your

science teaching?

As a school, we focus on integrating technology within every lesson.

I learned that I am not alone in my journey to effectively implement technology in science lessons. We have to continue to strive for a classroom that prepares our students for the real world.

How can what you learned inform your

science teaching moving forward?

Current Science Education Topic

(Article 5)

Evidence-Based Practices and Implementation Science in Special

Education by COOK, B. G., & ODOM, S. L. (2013)

Big IdeasThere are many challenges with teaching students with exceptionalities. The biggest challenge is attempting to close the academic gap between

special education and general education students.

We need to thinking about making the

curriculum assessable to all learners, all the times.

We also should use strategies across all content areas to support all learners.

What do we need to be thinking about when we teach science in the

elementary schools?

Like the article, I use Evidence Based Practices to support the needs of the students by using research based best practices.

How is what you learned from the article reflected in your

science teaching?

How can what you learned inform your

science teaching moving forward?

I learned that the effectiveness of the Evidence Based Measures should be evaluated and modified for effectiveness.

Cook, B. G., & Odom, S. L. (2013). Evidence-based practices and implementation science in special education. Exceptional Children, 79(2), 135-144. DeBoer, G. (2000) Scientific literacy: Another look at its historical and contemporary meanings and its relationship to science education reform. Journal of Research in Science Teaching, 37(6), 582-601.Geçer, A., & Özel, R. (2012). Elementary science and technology teachers' views on problems encountered in the instructional process. Educational Sciences: Theory & Practice, 12(3), 2256-2261. Hamdan, S., Vengadasamy, R., Yusof, N., & Hashim, R. (2012). Ideas in science fiction: Probing contemporary contexts through science fiction texts. Asian Social Science, 8(4), 153-158.Rutherford, F. J. (2001) Fostering the history of science in american education. Science & Education, 10, 569-580.

Bibliography