Teaching Social Sciences in the
Elementary & Middle School Classrooms
EDU3003/6003 | 3 credit hours | Gott 250
August 17 - December 11
12:10 - 1:40pm Tuesdays
Elementary & Middle School Classrooms
EDU3003/6003 | 3 credit hours | Gott 250
August 17 - December 11
12:10 - 1:40pm Tuesdays
Course Description:
This course is designed for interactive, integrated learning of methods, techniques, and skills for engaging elementary and middle school students in social studies concepts. Class sessions focus on pedagogy and interdisciplinary instruction incorporating multiculturalism, children’s literature, geography, economics, civics, history, and the arts.
Prerequisites:
EDU2113 and EDU2313. Enrollment in all upper level education courses is limited to students who have a GPA of 2.75 for 2000-level and 3.0 for upper-level courses, have passed all sections of the MoGEA (or have an ACT of 21+, which exempts a student from this requirement), have an ACT or SAT on file in the education office, and have been formally admitted to the teacher education program.
Course Text:
Farris, P. (2015). Elementary and middle school social studies: An interdisciplinary, multicultural approach (7th ed.). Long Grove, IL: Waveland Press, Inc.
Course Presentation:
This course will be presented in an interactive, hands-on format. Students will explore readings, watch content-focused videos, and journal about new concepts in preparation for in-class activities. Students will participate in hands-on learning, group activities, projects, and presentations.
Attendance Policy:
Students are expected to attend each class session. Attendance is part of the professionalism and participation component of course requirements which counts toward your grade. Attendance will be checked daily with all absences and tardies recorded. It is important students come to each session, as points will be deducted from the participation and attendance grade for each unexcused absence and tardy. Deductions will be based on 6 points for each absence and 2 points for each tardy unless the student is able to submit official documentation the absence is due to conditions described in the University catalog. These include illness, family emergency, or a University-sanctioned activity. Students are responsible for informing the professor of their attendance should they enter the class after the roll is checked. Changing an absence to a tardy must be done immediately following class the same day. It is the responsibility of the student to ensure this change was made by the professor. In-class assignments can not be made up if class is missed. Students are responsible for notes, assignments, deadlines, etc. given in class. As a professional courtesy, it is suggested that students call or email the professor should an absence be necessary or if it is necessary to leave the class early.
Classroom Procedures and Policies:
Each student is expected to complete assignments and projects by the due dates. Ten percent (10%) per calendar day, which includes weekends, will be deducted for the work turned in late unless the student is able to submit official documentation that the absence is due to conditions described in the University catalog. These include illness, family emergency, or a University-sanctioned activity. Any assignment is considered late if it is not turned in by the beginning of the class period for which it is assigned. Since all projects are graded online, this should not be an issue. If I attempt to grade your project and it is not completed, I will NOT GRADE the incomplete portion. I will email you to inform you of the incomplete. You will then need to finish the project and email me, so I can finish grading. The date stamp on your reply email will determine how many points will be deducted for the late work. Students attending SBU-sponsored activities must make arrangements to turn in work early. Correct English usage, punctuation, and spelling are required for all assignments and will be graded accordingly.
Disability Statement:
Southwest Baptist University desires to provide all students with optimum learning experiences. If you have a disability that impacts learning in this course, you must contact the Director of Special Academic Services in order to receive special assistance. (Office: Mabee Chapel, Success Center 116; Phone: 417-328-1689)
Ethics Statement:
Any form of dishonesty, such as cheating, copying, or plagiarism will result in loss of credit for the assignment. A second incident of cheating will result in no credit for the class. At the discretion of the professor, additional action may be taken. Materials that have been turned in for other classes are not to be turned in for this class.
Inclement Weather Statement:
Class will be in session if the University is in session. If classes are cancelled by the University, this class will be cancelled. Please refer to your email account set up through Blackboard, as the professor will send out an email regarding whether or not class will be in session. However, you should not take unnecessary risks to be present if you live out of the area.
Course Objectives:
This course is designed to prepare teacher candidates to instruct their future students in all areas of the social sciences. In order to accomplish this goal, the course objectives are aligned with the MoSPE Standards and Conceptual Frameworks of the SBU Department of Education. Upon completion of this course, the teacher candidate will:
- 1) Utilize the National Council of the Social Studies Standards, Missouri Learning Standards (MLS) for social sciences, and the MLS ELA standards to plan and create projects and lessons. MoSPE 1, 3; EP
- 2) Evaluate and choose children's literature to integrate into all aspects of the social sciences. MoSPE 1, 2, 4, 5; EP, CP
- 3) Examine varied methodologies and strategies, such as differentiated instruction, cooperative learning, and interdisciplinary instruction in order to promote quality social studies instruction in elementary and middle school levels. MoSPE 1, 2, 3, 4; LC, EP, CP, TSS
- 4) Use and evaluate technology tools and resources to research, create projects, engage students, and implement lessons. MoSPE 4,6, 8; EP, TSS
- 5) Integrate arts activities into social studies instruction. MoSPE 1, 2, 3, 5; EP
- 6) Plan and teach social studies lessons using varied methodologies and strategies. MoSPE 1, 2, 3, 4, 6; EP, CP
- 7) Integrate multicultural instructional activities into the social studies classroom with the inclusion of multicultural hands-on activities and children's literature. MoSPE 1, 2, 3, 4; LC, EP, CP, TSS
- 8) Assess students' learning in social studies through both formal and informal assessment methods. MoSPE 2, 6, 7, 8; EP
Participation and Professionalism:
Acting in a professional manner is very important in becoming a teacher. The following will be expected, and 2 points will be deducted for each infraction:
- Be Prompt.
- Prompt and exemplary attendance—(6 points per absence/2 points per tardy)
- Assignments turned in on time—(10% late deduction applied per day)
- Be Prepared.
- All needed materials brought to each class session
- Complete ALL aspects of assignments; be thorough
- Be a Participant.
- Full participation in class discussion and activities (not doing other things)
- Proper use of phone and other electronic devices
- Be a Professional.
- Respect for classmates and professor
- Address cooperating teacher by title and last name
- Disagree or make one’s point in an attitude of scholarship
- Professional and modest dress in the classroom and field
Electronic Devices:
This course will be considered a BYOD (bring your own device) course. Please bring them because we WILL be using them weekly!
- The use of cell phones, iPads, laptops, and other mobile devices is encouraged in class for learning purposes only.
- If devices become a distraction or are not used properly, I will ask that they be put away. A deduction in participation points will result.
- If a personal emergency arises and you are waiting for a phone call or text, please alert the instructor before class.
- Unexplained personal use of texting or calling will be considered unprofessional and will result in a deduction in participation points.
Respect for the Building:
Please refrain from eating during class. Food may be consumed in the break area on the first floor. Additionally, the only accepted beverage in the classroom is water. Please respect the policies established by our Dean to keep our building clean.
Official Communication Mode:
Students will need to utilize the SBU email account for any and all correspondence related to this class. Google accounts will be utilized for sharing of documents and projects.
In-Class Assignments:
Each student is expected to participate in in-class activities. These activities may include evaluating children’s literature, creating artistic responses to reading, modeling lessons, and much more! We will be doing LOTS of things, so be ready!
Preparing for Class:
Each student will read/explore all learning materials and complete reading responses before coming to class. This will enable full participation in class activities and discussions.
Graduate Student Research:
Students enrolled in EDU6003 must complete an additional research component, which is agreed upon by both the student and professor. A Graduate Study Proposal form describing the project must be submitted to Dr. Fox by the third week of the semester.
Course Assignments:
Your grade in this class will be based on participation and course assignments. Descriptions of all assignments listed below can be found on their corresponding pages.
Tentative Evaluation:
70 Journal Responses
15 Current Events
25 Lesson Plan Meeting with Dr. Fox and Rough Draft
100 Lesson Plan, Reflection, and Cooperating Teacher Evaluation
40 Historical Fiction / Nonfiction Book Project
25 SS Minilessons
25 Mystery Box
100 Interdisciplinary Units Project
400 Total points
Course Bibliography:
Cantu, D.A. (2010). The art and science of elementary social studies education. El Cajon, CA: National Social Science Press.
Columba, L., Kim, C.Y., & Moe, A.J. (2009). The power of picture books in teaching math, science, and social studies: Grades preK-8 (2nd ed.). Scottsdale, AZ: Holcomb Hathaway Publishers.
Duplass, J. (2011). Teaching elementary social studies: Strategies, standards, and internet resources (3rd ed.). Belmont, CA: Cengage Learning.
Stockard, J.W., & Wogan, M.M. (2010). Activities for elementary school social studies (3rd ed.). Long Grove, IL: Waveland Press, Inc.