Science Course

Portfolio
SCE4310.002
By: Kristen Houlihan
U65338342

Course Goal #1
Demonstrate the understanding of the central concepts
(content), tools of inquiry (process skills), and structure of
science (the nature of science) appropriate for teaching a
the K-6 level.
What does this goal means to you?
This goal means that as preservice teachers we are able to
accurately define the three legs of science: content, process,
and nature of science. It is important that we are not only able to
define these terms, but that we can also demonstrate our
understanding by applying our knowledge into our teaching
practices. A future teacher needs to understand how to use these
three concepts in a way that best makes sense for the lesson that
they are teaching, and that there is no one-way to balance out
these three concepts when teaching science.

Artifact 1
Lesson Analysis
In completing the lesson analysis
assignment in this class, I was able to
transform a pre-written lesson into a
lesson that encompassed all three legs of
science. In this assignment, I addressed
what specific content, process, and nature
of science aspects needed to be either
addressed or added into the lesson. In
doing this assignment, I learned to not
take the lesson that I find on the internet
at face-value. These activities are a great
place to start when lesson planning, but it
takes work in order to get them into a
cohesive lesson that addresses all of the
different aspects of science.

Artifact 2
3 Legs of Science Response Card
In completing this reading for the
class, I was able to learn about the
three legs of science. Being familiar
with the three legs of science is very
important for science instruction. In
my reading response card I stated
These three aspects of teaching
science work together in harmony in
order to foster student growth and
learning. In completing this reading
response card I learned that as a
teacher we need to not only be
familiar with these aspects of science,
but also plan for them in our

Course Goal #2
Demonstrate understanding of the social, intellectual, and
personal development of students and recognize the diverse
needs, interests, and abilities of students in regard to science
at the K-6 level.
What does this goal mean to you?
The teaching of science involves more than the content being
presented. It is important that a teacher recognizes the differing
needs of the students, whether it be intellectual, physical, or
social. All of these aspects need to be considered when planning
for instruction. Differentiation of instruction is a key aspect of
teaching in general, and should especially be considered when
teaching science. It is important that a teacher not only recognize
the different needs of his/her students, but also address the
different needs in both planning and implementing science
instruction.

Artifact 1
Draw a Scientist Activity
In completing this activity in class, I
learned that students could have many
different preconceptions before coming
into the class. This is why identifying
the different abilities and knowledge of
your students is so important. A
teacher needs to be able to identify
and plan for these things.
Differentiation for the students who do
not have the background knowledge
needed for the lesson is important.
Teachers need to be able to help bridge
the gaps that students may have.

Artifact 2
Previous Science Learning Activity
In completing this activity with my
cohort, I was able to reflect on my
own science experiences and also
able to see the experiences that my
peers have had in regards to
science instruction. This activity
showed me the many different
experiences that a student might
have their school careers. Teachers
need to be able to hone in on these
memorable experiences and use
the things that the students enjoy
in order to plan for science

Course Goal #3
Demonstrate knowledge of and ability to critically evaluate
and utilize contemporary science standards and curriculum
materials for science education.
What does the goal mean to you?
It is important that a teacher is able to analyze the materials
that they are given as a teacher. It is also important that a teacher
is able to critically look at the materials that they are given and are
able to change these materials to best meet the needs of their
students and to adapt them to encompass all three legs of science.
A teacher should not take the materials that they are given at
face-value, they should manipulate them so that they are teaching
science in the most beneficial way.

Artifact 1
Why Choose Trade Books Activity
In completing this Why Choose
Trade Books activity, I learned about
supplemental materials that can
work well with the texts that are
provided for Science instruction. I
believe that trade books should not
completely replace the materials
provided, but can be a great
complementary resource to use with
the students. In this activity, I spoke
about the benefits and limitations of
the trade book Mealworm to Beetle,
and was able to critically analyze the
strengths and weaknesses of this
text.

Artifact 2
BRAMFS
In completing the BRAMFS model, I
was able to learn about the
different animal classifications and
also demonstrate my knowledge in
a foldable. I chose this artifact
because I believe that it is
important that teachers be familiar
with the science standards and
have the knowledge to then pass on
to his/her students. This activity
allowed for me to brush up on my
knowledge of animal classifications,
and I now feel comfortable to pass
this knowledge onto my students.

Course Goal #4
Demonstrate knowledge of and ability to plan and implement a variety of
instructional strategies and assessment techniques for teaching science
inquiry through hands-on, minds-on, activities that foster scientific
habits of mind and promote scientific literacy.

What does this goal mean to you?

It is important that a teacher use multiple strategies and
assessments in regards to science inquiry. A teacher needs to
have multiple forms of data that demonstrate that his/her students
understand the material being taught. It is also important that a
teacher choose activities that students will respond well too.
Students respond best to activities that are hands-on. These
activities need to have more depth than just being something that
is fun for the students to do, they need to help develop the
students understanding of science.

Artifact 1
Magnet 5Es Lesson
In completing this 5Es lesson about
magnets in class, I was able to learn
about the 5Es instructional model
and how to implement it into the
classroom. I was also able to learn
about different assessments that I
could do within each section of the
5Es model. I was also able to
participate in a hands-on activity
that helped for me to develop
scientific vocabulary. I then was
able to take the lesson that we did
in this course and implement it with
the students in my internship
classroom.

Artifact 2
Water Cycle Activity
This water cycle lesson was a great
experience, I was able to learn
about the water cycle and the
different processes that water can
go through while also learning
correct terminology for the different
stages of the water cycle. I was
also able to gain a more accurate
understanding of the water cycle,
and learned that it was not the
circle that I had thought
previously. I am not able to take
this new knowledge of the water

Course Goal #5
Demonstrate the capacity to create a positive environment
that encourages science learning by modeling the attitudes
and dispositions of science inquiry
What does this goal mean to you?
It is important that a teacher be enthusiastic about the material
that they are presenting to the students. If the teacher is not
enthusiastic about inquiry, then the students in-turn will be
uninterested. A teacher needs to demonstrate the attitudes that
he/she has towards science instruction so that students can start
to develop these same attitudes. It is also important that a
teacher model the process of inquiry so that students can start to
become more independent with their inquiry study.

Artifact 1
Icks and Yucks Activity
It is important that a teacher maintain a
positive outlook on inquiry, even it is
something that they consider gross.
Having a positive mindset about inquiry will
in turn rub off on the students. Going
through the icks and yucks activity helped
me to get rid of some of my negative mindset
towards the mealworm inquiry. This activity
asked us the question Why is it important for
you as a teacher to confront your icks and
yucks? I responded with so that students
will continue to be curious and to hopefully
inspire the students who might not have been
interested in science to be interested.

Activity 2
Rye Guy Inquiry
I implemented the Rye Guy
inquiry in my internship classroom.
In completing this inquiry and
showing the students how I was
conducting inquiry for my
coursework, I was able to model the
inquiry process to my students and
show my enthusiasm in learning
something new through inquiry.
Once I modeled my inquiry process,
the students were then able to take
over the inquiry and conduct it on
days that I was not in the internship

Course Goal #6
Demonstrate the capacity for collegiality, reflective practice,
and professional growth in regard to science teaching
What does this goal mean to you?
Reflecting on your teaching practices is one of the most
important aspects of teaching. A teacher should constantly seek
to improve his/her practice. This goal represents a teachers
consistent commitment to improve on their teaching. As a
preservice teacher, we are in a great situation to improve on our
teaching practices in a safe environment, so that we are entering
the profession with a foundation of skills that work for students.
Throughout our time in college and in our profession careers, we
should be constantly seeking opportunities for growth.

Artifact 1
Reading Response Cards
In completing reading responses
cards every week for this course, I
was able to expand my knowledge
of science teaching. In learning
and expanding my knowledge, I
was then able to reflect on my own
beliefs and teaching practices.
Reading practitioner articles also
demonstrates seeking professional
growth. It is important that a
teacher remain up to date on the
different things that are out there
in regards to science teaching.

Artifact 2
Supervisor Observation #1 Reflection
Throughout this course and my
internship, I am constantly reflecting
on my practiced. For my Supervisor
Observation #1, I completed a
magnet lesson with my students.
After completing this lesson, I took
the time to reflect on the lesson and
talk about what went right and what
needed to be improved for the next
time I try to complete this lesson. In
reflecting I was able to see what I
needed to do for future teaching
experiences.