Teaching Elementary Science & Health

Instructor Information

• Instructor: Dr. Carmen Montoya (Assistant Professor of Teacher Education)
• Email: cmontoya@university.alkimi.ai
• Office: Lovell Hall 128
• Office Hours:
  • Wednesday & Friday: 1:30–3:00 p.m. (In person, Lovell Hall 128)
  • Tuesday: 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. (Virtual via Zoom; link posted in Canvas)
  • Also available by appointment.

Course Description

Inquiry-based science instruction, the Next Generation Science Standards, health education, and integrating science with literacy for grades K–6. EDUC 325 prepares elementary teacher candidates to design and implement inquiry-based science and health curricula across kindergarten through grade 6. Grounded in the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and National Health Education Standards (NHES), candidates learn to integrate three-dimensional science learning—Science and Engineering Practices, Crosscutting Concepts, and Disciplinary Core Ideas—using the 5E instructional model (Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, Evaluate). The course emphasizes anchoring lessons in observable natural phenomena, integrating science notebooks with informational literacy, managing elementary classroom science safety, and promoting lifelong wellness through elementary health education.

Prerequisites

Admission to Teacher Education.

Measurable Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of EDUC 325, students will be able to:

1. Implement Three-Dimensional NGSS Learning: Design elementary science lessons that seamlessly integrate Science and Engineering Practices, Crosscutting Concepts, and Disciplinary Core Ideas around anchoring phenomena.
2. Apply the 5E Inquiry Instructional Model: Develop inquiry investigations that follow the 5E model (Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, Evaluate) to foster student-led scientific sense-making and argumentation.
3. Integrate Science with Disciplinary Literacy and Math: Incorporate science notebooks, informational trade books, graphical data representation, and structured talk protocols to deepen conceptual literacy.
4. Design Standards-Based Elementary Health Education: Develop developmentally appropriate health education lessons addressing nutrition, physical fitness, personal hygiene, emotional wellness, and substance abuse prevention.
5. Maintain Elementary Laboratory and Field Safety: Apply legal and professional safety standards (NSTA guidelines) for elementary science investigations, chemical storage, outdoor field studies, and classroom live specimens.

Required Course Materials & Approximate Costs

1. Contant, Terry L., et al. Teaching Science Through Inquiry-Based Instruction. 13th ed., Pearson, 2018. Approx. $85 print, $50 digital rental.
2. National Research Council. A Framework for K-12 Science Education: Practices, Crosscutting Concepts, and Core Ideas. National Academies Press, 2012. Approx. $40 print, free open-access PDF via publisher.
3. Telljohann, Susan K., et al. Health Education in Elementary and Middle School. 9th ed., McGraw Hill, 2021. Approx. $65 print or digital.
4. Total estimated cost: $85 to $130.

Generative AI Policy (AI Level 2: AI Permitted with Disclosure for Specified Tasks)

In accordance with Alkimi University Academic Policies (Student Handbook §5.8), EDUC 325 operates under AI Level 2.

• What is permitted: You may use generative AI tools to brainstorm real-world natural phenomena to anchor science investigations, generate hands-on material alternatives for elementary science experiments, and edit your lesson plan prose for clarity.
• What is prohibited: You may not use generative AI to write your 5E inquiry lesson plan, draft the complete integrated science and health unit, fabricate safety protocols, or complete weekly methodology quizzes. The pedagogical alignment of three-dimensional learning must be your own work.
• Disclosure: All submitted lesson plans, health teaching plans, and unit portfolios must include an AI disclosure statement stating which generative AI tools were used and for what purpose. If no AI tools were used, state: 'No generative AI tools were used in preparing this work.'

Grading Components and Weights

• Midterm Examination 1: 15% (In class, Thursday, October 1)
• Midterm Examination 2: 15% (In class, Thursday, November 12)
• 5E Inquiry Science Investigation Design: 20% (Due Friday, October 23 at 11:59 p.m.)
• Elementary Health Education Microteaching Simulation: 15% (Due Friday, November 20 at 11:59 p.m.)
• Weekly Science & Health Canvas Quizzes: 15% (Due Mondays at 11:59 p.m. in Canvas; lowest quiz score dropped)
• Integrated Elementary Science & Health Unit Plan & Portfolio: 20% (Due by the end of the final exam period, Thursday, December 17, 2026, 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.)

Grading Scale (Alkimi University Standard)

• A: 93–100% | A-: 90–92%
• B+: 87–89% | B: 83–86% | B-: 80–82%
• C+: 77–79% | C: 73–76% | C-: 70–72%
• D+: 67–69% | D: 60–66% | F: Below 60%
• Extra credit: No individual extra credit assignments are offered in EDUC 325.

Course Schedule (Fall 2026)

Course Policies

Attendance Policy

Regular attendance and active engagement in hands-on science inquiry activities and health microteaching presentations are required. Science methods relies upon experiential laboratory stations and peer-facilitated investigations that cannot be made up independently. If illness or emergency causes an absence, please contact Dr. Montoya. More than two unexcused absences will result in a lowered course grade. Students who miss the first two class meetings without notifying the instructor may be dropped. Students may miss class for religious observance without penalty if they notify the instructor in writing within the first two weeks of the semester (by Wednesday, September 9, 2026). Absences for university-sponsored activities (athletics, performances, conferences) are excused with a letter from the sponsoring office at least one week in advance.

Late Work Policy

Assignments submitted after the deadline will be penalized 10% per calendar day up to three days. Submissions after 72 hours will receive no credit. Weekly Canvas quizzes must be completed by the Monday deadline.

Teacher Education Admission Prerequisite

Enrollment in EDUC 325 requires formal Admission to Teacher Education (at least 45 earned credits, 2.750 GPA, basic skills test, and background check). Candidates must achieve a minimum grade of C+ in EDUC 325 to fulfill degree and licensing requirements.

Final Exam Policy

EDUC 325 has no final examination. The integrated elementary science & health unit plan & portfolio takes its place. Nothing is due on Reading Day (Thursday, December 10, 2026).