Science (SCI)

Introduces contemporary issues in science and its effects on the public sphere. Critically evaluate scientific media as it relates to student's lives and attain a basic understanding behind the philosophy of science. Discuss relevant topics including, but not limited to: Climate Change, Genetically Modified Organisms, Vaccination, Nutrition, Pseudoscience and appropriate Experimental Design. This course is not intended for STEM students. Lecture: 3 credits (45 contact hours).

Preservice elementary and middle grades teachers will learn the essential science concepts established by the Kentucky core content for science, which includes topics in areas of properties of matter, force and motion, heat, light and optics, electricity and magnetism, and sound. Students will learn these science concepts through a process of direct observation of physical phenomena, making sense of those observations through inference and reason and in collaboration with fellow students and instructors. Not acceptable for majors or minors in the physical sciences. Lecture: 2 credits (30 contact hours). Laboratory: 1 credit (30 contact hours).

Real-time, hands-on research projects are carried out using the scientific method. Results of research projects may be presented at the Conference for Student Research, or other scientific meetings. Students prepare research projects for inclusion in a Handbook of Procedures Using the Scientific Method. Lecture: 1 credit (15 contact hours). Laboratory: 2 credits (60 contact hours).