EDUC 3268 Curriculum, Teaching and Assessment of Natural Sciences at the Elementary Level (K-5)
Analysis and discussion of the Natural Sciences Program of the Puerto Rico Department of Education (DEPR), its goals, vision, mission and curricular approach for kindergarten through fifth grade. Study of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) as well as new approaches to teaching natural sciences and science and engineering practices. Discussion of content standards, grade expectations, performance indicators, and cross-cutting concepts for each grade. Analysis of the curriculum and educational strategies based on scientific evidence proposed by the Department of Education of Puerto Rico. Analysis of the methods, techniques, media, organizational systems and materials used in teaching science in grades Kindergarten to fifth grade. It includes the diagnosis of needs, planning, evaluation and assessment related to the teaching-learning process and consideration of the individual differences of all students. Preparation of teaching units and daily plans aligned to content standards, expectations and indicators in accordance with the Puerto Rico Department of Education. Critical analysis of the various technological tools, computerized programs adapted to the teaching of natural sciences at this level.