suzanne lunsford, ph.d - Chemistry 246/645
CHEMISTRY 246/645 - Early Childhood Chemistry
Required for Middle Childhood Science Education Majors
Preparatory course for CHM 345
CHM 645 required for Interdisciplinary Master of Science in Teaching
Instructor: Dr. S. Lunsford
Office: 250 Oelman Hall
Phone: (937)-775-2480
Office Hours: TBA or by appointment
e-mail: Suzanne.Lunsford@wright.edu
Texts:
Homework Booklet - Chemistry, Joan Distasio
Chemical Magic from the Grocery Store, Kendal Hunt
Essential Concepts of Chemistry, Sharon and Alan Sherman
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
- To gain understanding of how science operates and to develop science process and mathematical skills at an adult level
- To achieve understanding of some fundamental chemical concepts at an adult level (this does not mean just knowing definitions)
- To apply basic chemical concepts to a wide range of chemical phenomena at an adult level (to develop problem-solving skills)
- To become more aware of chemistry in the everyday world
- To develop study /learning study habits of mind to become self-directed and self-motivated learner
- To gain understanding of key elements of effective science learning experiences
- To gain new ideas for science activities in the classroom and acquire practices creating and facilitating science activities
COURSE ORGANIZATION:
This class will have a lecture/demo/inquiry-unit activities (students will work in cooperative groups of 3-5 on the hands on activities). Homework is usually assigned daily and consists of problems relating to further development of conceptual understanding of applications. Class discussions about homework solutions or concepts will be held for the purpose of solidifying understanding of science concepts and processes.
GRADING:
2 Unit Exams @ 300 pts
1 Final Exam @ 100 pts
1 Project @ 100 pts
Homework @ 50 pts
Class attendance@ 25 pts
Lab Safety/Lab Skills@ 25 pts
The total points will be accumulated and the final grade will be determined by the following scale. Total points will be 600 points .
90-100% = A
80-89% = B
70-79% = C
60-69% = D
Below 60% = F
Note the class points and class work may be modified by the instructor
Note attendance is required: It is imperative for students to attend class and actively participate in the inquiry activities to obtain homework problems and prepare for exams.
GROUP ACTIVITY PROJECTS:
Your activity should have the ultimate goal of getting students to understand physical and chemical science concepts through an inquiry activity utilizing process skills within a context that is interesting for an early childhood or middle childhood student. The activity should integrate history/math/ physical/chemical science concepts. The activity will be presented and facilitated to the class. The grade for the project will be based upon the outline, questions, facilitation and inquiry activities of the project.
The subject matter of this course has been carefully revised and chosen to reflect the National Science Education Standards. This course has been tailored to address the needs of the early childhood educators in physical and chemical science at an adult level.
WEEK 1: Heat and Temperature
WEEK 2: Heat and Temperature
WEEK 3: Heat and Temperature and Properties of Matter
WEEK 4: Properties of Matter, EXAM # 1
WEEK 5: Properties of Matter
WEEK 6: Properties of Matter, Gas Laws, And Periodic Trends
WEEK 7: Periodic Trends, Atomic Structure
WEEK 8: Acids and Bases
WEEK 9: Concentration
WEEK 10: Project, EXAM # 2
WEEK 11: Final Exam
