CI 161: Methods & Materials for Teaching Science
California State University, Fresno
Fall 2024
Dear students,
Hello! My name is Alexandria Hansen. I will be your instructor this semester. I look forward to working and learning alongside you.
Please don't hesitate to reach out should you have any questions or concerns throughout the semester.
Email: akhansen@mail.fresnostate.edu
Office Phone: (559) 278-1676
This course is designed to prepare you to effectively teach science to all students in secondary schools and is required for those earning a Single Subject Science Teaching Credential or Supplementary Authorization to teach Science in K-8.
Throughout the semester, we will investigate research-based approaches for engaging culturally, linguistically, and neurodiverse groups of students in learning science at school and beyond. Working with your instructor and classmates, you will have opportunities to reflect upon your own experiences learning science as a student, as well as develop your own teaching philosophy guided by historical perspectives and current research on science education. We will unpack the current vision for science (and engineering) education in the United States, guided by The Next Generation Science Standards and the Ambitious Science Teaching Framework.
In general, the class will follow have one Canvas module each week that includes the following:
Interactive learning content that you work through at your own pace
Learning Quiz due on Wednesday
Discussion Post due on Friday
Discussion Post responses due on Sunday
Email is the best method to contact me: akhansen@mail.fresnostate.edu
Please use your Fresno State email address when reaching out. I will usually respond with 24-36 hours, unless you email over the weekend. You can expect a response on Monday morning.
Complete the "Getting to know you Survey"
Complete the Icebreaker Introduction in Flip.
Purchase course textbooks. You will need these for Week 2 and beyond.
Science in the City: Culturally Relevant STEM Education (2019) by Bryan A. Brown. Available for purchase in the bookstore or online for ~$30.
Ambitious Science Teaching (2018) by Mark Windschitl, Jessica Thompson, and Melissa Braaten. Available for purchase in the bookstore or online for ~$30.
Communication - I will reach out frequently and hope you do the same!
Clear expectations
Authentic assignments
Timely feedback on assignments
Flexibility and understanding
Communication - Please reach out if you ever have questions or need assistance
Consistency in reviewing Canvas modules
Authentic engagement in assignments and discussions
Honest and critical reflection
Application of course materials into your own teaching
I believe learning is active and constructed based on your past experiences, interests, and backgrounds.
I believe learning is social and can be enhanced through group interaction and collaboration; this is especially true when our community of learners is diverse and has a wide range of perspectives.
I believe learning happens naturally when you are making something of value to yourself or your community. As a result, I will always strive to create relevant and authentic assignments that you will actually use in your own teaching and lives.
Spend time reviewing weekly modules
Engage with your peers and instructor in discussions
Use your assignments as an opportunity to revise or plan for upcoming lessons in your own classroom (rather than viewing them as "extra" work.
Reach out if you ever have questions or need additional assistance - I'm just an email away :)
At the end of this 15-week course you will be able to make progress toward meeting the California Teaching Performance Expectations (TPEs) outlined below:
Engaging and Supporting All Students in Learning
Creating and Maintaining Effective Environments for Student Learning
Understanding and Organizing Subject Matter for Content Specific Pedagogy
Planning Instruction and Designing Learning Experiences for All Students
Assessing Student Learning
Developing as a Professional Educator
The Student Health and Counseling Center at Fresno State provides students with an array of services for physical and mental health.
The Women's Resource Center (WRC) is a compassionate, inclusive, feminist place that provides a sense of belonging, advocacy, and resources for the campus community. If you're dealing with interpersonal violence, abuse, or sexual assault from a partner, spouse, friends, or family, this is a great place to go for assistance.
The Fresno State Student Cupboard provides current Fresno State students with access to healthy food and hygiene items.
Staff members in the Services for Students with Disabilities work with students, faculty, and other resources of the university to coordinate accommodations for which students are entitled under federal legislation. In doing so we affirm the worth of each individual in the spirit of diversity, a natural part of our university.
The Learning Center offer a variety of services that may be beneficial for you such as Tutoring, Supplemental Instruction, Meeting with an Academic Coach, Job opportunities. Check them out.
The campus Writing Center is available to help any Fresno State student with any writing you're working on. Tutors at the Center can help you understand your assignment, brainstorm and get started, make revisions, and work on grammar and mechanics.
The Canvas Training and Support site offers Canvas Resources for Students. Check it out if you need need training on how to use Canvas or help with specific tools.
The DISCOVERe Hub is here to give you 1:1 support with your tablet or mobile device.
Reach out to the Help Center if you are having issues with your Fresno State email, Adobe Cloud, Pay for Print, or Eduroam wireless internet.