Mathematics & Science Teaching

Code	Course Description
MSTE 5110	Teaching Biology and Earth Science Selected topics from biology and earth sciences are examined through expert presentation, seminar discussion, hands-on laboratories and field trips. Topics are presented with a pedagogical perspective in order to improve experienced teachers’ ability to teach scientific reasoning to an audience of elementary or middle school children.
MSTE 5120	Teaching Physics and Chemistry Selected topics from chemistry, physics and astronomy are explored face-to-face, on-line, in the laboratory and possibly through night observations. Topics are presented with a pedagogical perspective in order to improve experienced teachers’ ability to teach scientific reasoning to an audience of elementary or middle school children.
MSTE 5130	Teaching Mathematics The BC K-12 mathematics curriculum will be examined with the critical eye of the experienced teacher in order to deeply understand the underlying philosophy as well as the practical considerations of teaching mathematical skills, conceptual development, the role of problem-solving, integration of mathematics within other disciplines and how and why teachers assess learning.
MSTE 5210	Mathematics and Science in Popular Culture This course explores how mathematics and science are portrayed in popular culture, from literature, comics, audio broadcasts and movies. In combining "popular texts" with the math and science curriculum, participants in the course will discover and develop new and exciting ways to teach a wide variety of topics to elementary and middle school students. The course addresses questions related to "stereotypical portrayals of scientists," "educational video games" and the "science of superheroes" through a multi-facetted paradigm of in-class and online discussions and activities.
MSTE 5220	Contemporary Issues in Mathematics and Science Education This course will provide an opportunity for participants to engage in discussion and critical analysis of contemporary issues in mathematics and science education. Topics may vary according to interests of the group, but will address such concerns as assessment, gender issues, learning theories and the use of technology.
MSTE 5230	Engaging Students in Mathematics and Science In this capstone course, students will apply their content-, curricular-, and pedagogical knowledge of mathematics and science in the B.C. school curriculum in an applied project or combination of projects that will allow demonstration of all of the following professional goals within the context of mathematics and science education: leadership, professional community involvement, resourcefulness, promotion of mathematics and/or science, and reflective practice. Individual projects are completed in consultation with a faculty member.
MSTE 5330	Further Topics in Mathematics Teaching Building on the examination of the BC mathematics curricula in MSTE 5130, students will further explore emerging trends and topics in mathematics teaching. Students will develop techniques for implementing new curricula and gain confidence with technology. They will explore and build strategies for modeling computational thinking in mathematics and across the K-8 curricula.