Our Physical World

Purpose:

The purpose of Our Physical World is to provide students with a sound foundation in the physical sciences. Students are introduced to basic physical science concepts in the areas of chemistry, earth sciences, and physics. Through activity-based learning students practice and refine their science inquiry skills. As a result of course experiences students develop more positive attitudes towards doing science and towards teaching science. The course prepares students with science background appropriate for successful participation in EE316 Teaching Science in the Elementary School.

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Goals:

1. Improve the student's attitude toward teaching science.

2. Improve the student's teaching efficacy by increasing her/his knowledge of general chemistry, earth science, and physics concepts.

3. Improve the student's science laboratory skills.

4. Improve the student's quantitative and qualitative reasoning skills by providing opportunities for the student to formulate or generalize basic physical science concepts from data which the student has generated.

5. Improve the student's understanding through application of science concepts to everyday phenomena.

6. Improve the student's ability to conduct scientific inquiry and communicate the results to others.

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Course Description:

Our Physical World PS115 is a one-semester general education course exploring basic chemistry, physics, and earth science concepts in the physical sciences by means of student-oriented activities supported by laboratory exercises. The course is designed primarily for elementary education majors.

Course Instructors:

Instructors representing different disciplines teach Our Physical World. Each instructor has developed a version of the course consistent with the general course purposes, goals and description. For details of different course versions click on the names below.

PS115A PS115B PS115C

Dr. Ken Thompson Dr. Ron Keith Dr. Jonena Hearst

(Earth Sciences) (Physics) (Earth Sciences)

Course Scheduling:

The classes meet for six hours each week. Mondays and Wednesdays the classes meet for one hour. Tuesdays and Thursdays classes meet for a two-hour period. Classes meet in the Science and Mathematics Education Center, Rm 177 Science Hall.