LibGuides: Education: EDU 4570: Literacy Development for Social Studies and Science

Guide Intro

Welcome to the EDU 4570: Literacy Development for Social Studies and Science

This course is designed to study best practices and strategies employed by elementary school teachers that are effective in motivating children to acquire informational skills and develop modes of reasoning, unique to the curricular areas of Social Studies and Science. The emphasis is on addressing current scientific and technological issues and developments within society through literature. This course bridges theory and practice, providing hands-on experience in the application of constructivist learning theory to designing and delivering effective classroom experiences. Methods for teaching elementary school science are explored including strategies and technologies to support student learning as defined by the state and national science standards. Inquiry-based model of learning and assessment emphasized. This course is an interdisciplinary approach to studying science and social studies which incorporates theoretically sound methodologies that emphasize inquiry and discovery based approaches for assisting pupils to become independent thinkers and learners. Coursework, field experiences, assessments, and intervention strategies will be addressed through the development of strong reading skills and habits. The graduate students are expected to plan, author, and present instruction plans demonstrating the use of various methods, techniques, and materials and expand their understanding of the fields of social studies and science

This guide provides access to resources to help with the course.

Discovery Search Box

When searching for resources, try some of these terms:

Social studies
- History
- World History
- Mythology
- U.S. History
Science
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Earth Science
- Physics
CRAAP test

The content-free social studies classroom
James Kendra has been a teacher since 1987 and has been teaching Social Studies at Kenowa Hills Middle School for the past 19 years. He holds degrees from Muskegon Community College, Michigan State University, and a masters degree from Grand Valley State University. In his talk "The Content-Free Classroom," James explains that social studies is the most important class students take in school - but not when the emphasis is on facts and dates. He believes in creating a classroom where teachers help students make connections between the present and the past to help them plan for their futures. A place where students cultivate their interests and discover their passions.
Evaluating Sources: CRAAP TEST
Welcome to the CRAAP test. Sarah Blakeslee implemented the CRAAP test, and we have modified this test to be useful for everybody searching the CRAAP test tool for authentication of academic research.
Featured Resources; National Council for Social Studies
NCSS editors present a curated selection of resources from our journals and around the Internet on timely and frequently requested topics.

Browse our collection, or search our full digital library of articles, videos and other resources by term, topic, level, and subject area
Hey science teachers -- make it fun
High school science teacher Tyler DeWitt was ecstatic about his new lesson plan on bacteria (how cool!) -- and devastated when his students hated it. The problem was the textbook: it was impossible to understand. He delivers a rousing call for science teachers to ditch the jargon and extreme precision, and instead make science sing through stories and demonstrations.
National Council for the Social Studies
Founded in 1921, National Council for the Social Studies is the largest professional association in the country devoted solely to social studies education. NCSS engages and supports educators in strengthening and advocating social studies. With members in all the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and 35 countries, NCSS serves as an umbrella organization for elementary, secondary, and college teachers of history, civics, geography, economics, political science, sociology, psychology, anthropology, and law-related education. The NCSS membership represents K-12 classroom teachers, college and university faculty members, curriculum designers and specialists, social studies supervisors, and leaders in the various disciplines that constitute the social studies.
Science is for everyone, kids included
What do science and play have in common? Neuroscientist Beau Lotto thinks all people (kids included) should participate in science and, through the process of discovery, change perceptions. He's seconded by 12-year-old Amy O'Toole, who, along with 25 of her classmates, published the first peer-reviewed article by schoolchildren, about the Blackawton bees project.
Ten Websites for Science Teachers
We all know that the web is full of excellent web resources for science teachers and students. However, unless you live on the web, finding the best websites can become quite a challenge. This isn't a "Top Ten" list -- instead, it is a list of websites that I either use on a regular basis or just find interesting. From teaching resources for the nature of science and authentic field journals to wacky videos about numbers, I am sure that you will find something in the following list the works for you! Please share your favorite science web resources in the comment section!

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Guide Intro

Welcome to the EDU 4570: Literacy Development for Social Studies and Science

Discovery Search Box

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