Earth Science
Ecology
ESCI 7007 3 cr.
The dynamic relationship between organisms and their environment is investigated in this survey of major ecological concepts and methodology. Field and laboratory work emphasize problem identification, formulation of hypothesis, data collection, and analysis and interpretation of results in terms of biological implications.
The Modern Secondary School
ESCI 7012 3 cr.
This course is required of all MAT candidates who do not have initial licensure to teach. Covers a broad range of issues faced by teachers in today's secondary schools. Students become familiar with the complexities and demands of secondary school teaching. The course includes 25 hours of prepracticum experience.
New England's Glacial Landscape
ESCI 7100 3 cr.
New England's topographic features were shaped during the last ice age which ended approximately 11,000 years ago. Students learn how glacial geologists study ice age clues to determine how local landforms were developed. Field trips are required with emphasis on site identification of glacial features.
Observational Astronomy
ESCI 7200 3 cr.
This celestial survey course is aimed at providing both basic instruction and experience in viewing and recording the evening sky. Participants learn to set up, align and use all types of basic telescopes; view constellations, planets, moon star clusters, nebula, galaxies, double stars and variable stars of the fall and early winter sky and learn basic techniques for recording observations through the medium of sketching, photography and CCD cameras. A substantial part of this course consists of field work located at instructor's observatory in a rural section of Fitchburg approximately 10 minutes from the college. The remaining work consists of labs and analyses of data collected by participants. A project is required of all students. Meetings after the first session are held off-campus and some variable scheduling is done to take advantage of sky conditions or cancellations due to cloud cover.
Meteorology
ESCI 7300 3 cr.
This is an introductory course in atmospheric meteorology, oceanography and the space environment. Main topics of consideration are climatology and large-scale transient weather phenomena that affect the earth. Course curriculum includes background concepts in meteorology and a student project on a topic of current interest.
Oceanography
ESCI 7400 3 cr.
This course examines the physical and chemical properties of sea water and their roles in the energy/nutrient cycles of marine ecosystems, the role of nutrient cycles and upwelling in fisheries locations, the fluid dynamics of oceanic circulations in both the surface and deep water regions, and the geology of the seabed, including plate tectonics (continental drift), marine sedimentation processes and coral reef formation and bleaching. Finally, a thorough study of the coastal geomorphic/oceanic processes that shape the coastlines of the world via wave dynamics, coastal erosion and erosion control techniques is explored.
Advanced Methods of Teaching at the Secondary Level
ESCI 8000 3 cr.
The course combines academic study with clinical practice and supervision. Theories and topics studied and demonstrated include learning styles, critical thinking, computer applications and inclusive learning environments. Emphasis is placed on integrating culturally or linguistically diverse students and those with special needs. Interdisciplinary course development and implementation, student assessment including portfolio assessment and writing are studied for utilization across the curriculum.
Prerequisite: ESCI 7012 or Initial Teacher Licensure.
Environmental Geology
ESCI 8100 3 cr.
This course is designed for teachers who need a science-based approach to understanding and solving environmental problems. Case studies that explore environmental problems are examined. Issues range from impact of earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and flooding on local communities, to climatic changes on a global scale and the affects of the current world population on the carrying capacity of Earth.
Curriculum and Technology
ESCI 8250 3 cr.
This course looks at the integration of educational technology in the classroom and its relationship to learning theories and curriculum, specifically, the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks. The course also explores the use of the Internet as a classroom resource to strengthen curriculum. Various Internet related topics are covered, such as acceptable use policies and copyright issues.
Curriculum Design and Development
ESCI 8260 3 cr.
This course is designed to provide students with knowledge and skills of the curriculum development-revision process. The course examines societal demands on the curriculum and the role of the American school in a democratic and multicultural society as students assess, revise and implement instructional programs and the curriculum in a systematic and logical way. Active participation in school-based curriculum teams, IEP teams, site-based management teams and community groups teach effective delivery of services to all students and school improvement/reform efforts. In collaborative groups students review, revise and expand the curriculum and assessment procedures in order to integrate current research findings and education reform initiatives.
Research in Education
ESCI 8500 3 cr.
Research is carried out in a specific field of education that involves an in-depth exploration of a well-defined problem. The student must develop a hypothesis for the possible solution to the problem, develop the experimental technique to test the hypothesis and develop a logical conclusion based upon the data collected. The final product is a written documentation of the research and results. Each study is done under the supervision of graduate faculty.
Independent Study
ESCI 9100 3 cr.
The content of these courses is designed by a student with the guidance of a faculty member to provide in-depth exposure to a topic for which no regular course is available.
Clinical Experience
ESCI 9400 6 cr.
See BIOL 9400 for course description.
Internship
ESCI 9500 6 cr.
The Internship is a capstone experience allowing full integration and application of content knowledge and pedagogical theory and practice. Within the individual's classroom it incorporates all standards specific to the discipline in which certification is sought as well as all common standards for classroom teachers. A minimum of 400 clock hours or one full semester on-site under the auspices of the college is fulfilled. A research project is completed during the duration of the internship.
|
