In addition to the five core courses required for a degree in Curriculum and Instruction, students enrolled in the Science program must also take the following foundation courses:

EDCI 527 — The Nature of Science
This course focuses on a view of science as a framework for understanding the natural world. Participants learn about the sciences as a systematic gathering of information through various forms of direct and indirect observation and the testing of this information through building and applying investigation skills. Participants also discuss the principal product of science as knowledge in the form of naturalistic concepts and the laws and theories related to those concepts. Emphasis is placed on transformational learning based in a developmental, inquiry-based approach. As teachers of science, this course also encourages active participation in the community of science and the furthering of science education.

EDCI 537 — Planning for an Inquiry-Based Classroom
This course emphasizes the need for children to view themselves as scientists and, as such, to engage in raising questions, carrying out investigations, communicating methods, proposing explanations and solutions, using observation, and analyzing science practices. Emphasis is placed on the teacher as a scientist working alongside students using transformational learning steeped in a developmental, inquiry-based approach. The course will address planning for instruction, setting goals, teaching to standards, meeting curricular requirements, and teaching developmentally with a focus on student inquiry and knowledge construction as the basis for learning and teaching.

EDCI 547 — Transformative Science in the Differentiated Classroom
The focus of this course is transformational learning and teaching that meets the needs of all learners through a developmental, constructivist approach. There will be an emphasis on setting up the classroom, getting to know learners, assessing learning styles and needs, differentiated teaching strategies, and providing anchor activities to solidify learning. The course will provide a plethora of practical ideas for making science a positive and transformational experience for learners and teachers alike.

EDCI 557 — The Technology-Based Science Classroom
The inquiry-based science classroom is enhanced through the use of innovative technology tools and resources that are available to classroom teachers. This course will focus on the use of educational technology as a vital means to transform science education through enhancing critical thinking and problem-solving skills in children using technology as inquiry-based learning tools in ways similar to those of practicing scientists. The use of Internet images, virtual science labs and field trips, simulations, digital microscopes and digital cameras, multimedia packages, global information systems, science computer databases and computer-based laboratories are examples of the resources studied and applied in this class.

EDGR 698 — Action Research — CAPSTONE
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Educational Research (EDGR 601).
Action Research is the capstone project for the Master of Education program. During this five-week course, candidates will complete final edits of the Literature Review, collect a Letter of Consent from the site administrator, implement Action Research, collect and analyze data from the Action Research implementation, and complete the Action Research Documentation Form.