Class attendance and active participation in classes are expected. Excused absences must be confirmed with the instructor via e-mail or in person, preferably in advance. Unexcused absences will lower your grade.

1. Journal (Portfolio) (30 points)
2. Science unit (40 points)
3. Curriculum study (30 points)

Journals: There is an assignment (or assignments) for each week described in the schedule. Some will be done in class; some will be homework.

Units: You will select your own topic for the unit and will submit this as an individual assignment. However, you will be grouped by grade level to do in-class activities pertaining to the unit and I expect you to interact, review each other’s work, and provide constructive feedback. You will occasionally be asked to do this in writing. Each person within one grade level will be doing a different unit topic if at all possible.

Curriculum study: This will be a description of the science curriculum being used in one of your participation classrooms/schools/school districts. To find out about the curriculum, you will need to (1) look at whatever written materials are available to the teacher (text, lesson plans, etc), (2) interview your cooperating teacher about the curriculum and get her opinion of it, (3) possibly interview someone in the school district administration about the curriculum; and (4) if possible, teach a lesson from the curriculum or observe your cooperating teacher teaching from the curriculum.