1. MISSION: HELP STUDENTS DEVELOP INTO TEACHERS THAT VALUE SCIENCE EDUCATION AND THAT IMPLEMENT BEST PRACTICES IN THEIR CLASSROOMS, SCHOOLS, AND LARGER PROFESSIONAL COMMUNITIES. Patricia Bricker, Ed.D. Elementary and Middle Grades Science Education, Western Carolina University

2. Many of My Students Enter Courses:  Concerned about teaching science  Having had negative science-related experiences in school  Lacking science content knowledge  Lacking confidence in their own scientific abilities  Passionate about teaching!  Eager to spend time in public school classrooms  Dedicated to making a difference in the lives of elementary and middle grades students In an Overall Sense:In Regards to Science: Challenges often compounded by observations in public schools.

3. Key Elements of Engaged Learning in My Courses  Positive scientific experiences that increase self-efficacy, scientific knowledge, and teaching abilities  Conscious blend of auditory, visual, and tactile/kinesthetic learning  Collaboration, including a blend of independent, small group, and whole class work Invitations Into Science, Day 1

4. Key Elements of Engaged Learning in My Courses  Integration of related content  Modeling  Ongoing feedback throughout project development  Real world examples and projects  Connections to my ongoing scholarly work and service in public schools Temperature Sensors Designed for Elementary & Middle Grades Education

5. Example 1: Inquiry Project  Class Activities and Reading Assignments  Professional Learning Communities  Science Inquiry Project and Class Inquiry Conference Inquiry of an “Unknown” Organism

6. Example 2: Teaching Project 1. Class Activities and Readings  Model Lessons  Hands-on Investigations  Field Experience with Great Smoky Mountains National Park Educational Specialists 2. Public School Teaching Project Salamander Mark & Recapture Study, GSMNP

7. Example 3: Public School Partnerships  Blogging Partnerships with Elementary Students  Clinical Faculty

8. Example 4: Developing Science Education Leaders/Enrichment Opportunities  Write an Article Suitable for Publication  Present at Science Education Conferences Lovedahl & Bricker, 2006 Possick, 2007

9. Recapping Key Ideas  Know the Mission of My Courses and Programs  Know Who My Students Are  Seek to Incorporate Engaging Experiences Into All Class Sessions  Provide Opportunities to Apply Course- or Program-Related Values, Knowledge, and Skills Beyond the University Setting