Physics 310 -- Readings for Teaching High School
Physics
Illinois State University Physics Teacher Education Program
Carl J. Wenning, Program Coordinator
Spring Semester 2006
It is often said that the main goal of science teaching is to achieve "scientific literacy" among the students. Unless a science teacher has a decent understanding of what scientific literacy is, it is unlikely that he or she will be able to intentionally teaching in such a way that maximizes this outcome. Unless a science teacher knows the value of scientific literacy, there is little hope that he or she will teach in such a way as to achieve it among the students.
Write an essay, ranging between 4 and 6 double-spaced pages, that represents a legitimate understanding of scientific literacy. Include pertinent quotes and/or definitions from Project 2061: Benchmarks for Science Literacy, National Science Education Standards, Science for all Americans, and the Illinois Learning Standards. You also may want to read any of a host of works dealing with this subject matter that are available from Milner Library.
In your paper answer the following questions quoting the above documents as relevant. Please enumerate your answers. Indeed, it would be helpful if you were to include the appropriate question at the head of each section of your essay.
Informational Questions:
Be certain to include your six (6) require inquiry-oriented student performance objectives in an appendix.
In addition, your essay must satisfy the following general criteria:
See the appropriate essay scoring rubric hyperlinked in the course syllabus for complete details.