To: Steve Stegink
Michigan State Department of Education
From: Virginia Harder
Associate Dean
Eastern Michigan University
College of Education
Date: November 11, 2004
Re: Rejoinder for Secondary Integrated Science (DI) program
Below are the segments of the evaluation of the Secondary Integrated Science Program requiring response. Following each segment is Eastern Michigan University’s response. Syllabi supporting the rejoinder are available on the website at http://www.emich.edu/coe/accreditation/new_prgs/Int_Sci_Sec/index.html
Standards/Requirements Not Met:
Standard 1.8.2.5 spectroscopy – This standard is not met in current required courses.
This standard is addressed in both PHY 222 Electricity and Light (in the context of light spectra) and in astronomy courses (in the context of starlight analysis) ASTR 205.
Standard 1.8.3.5 atomic and nuclear physics – the reviewers could find no evidence of this standard being covered in the syllabus for PHY 222, although mentioned in the narrative.
The structure of the atom and electromagnetic forces is reviewed in PHY 222 and is covered in beginning chemistry as basic foundational information. This standard can also be considered required knowledge for the understanding of spectroscopy and emission lines in astronomy. The CHEM 121 syllabus is attached. A power point presentation with the information is attached. The PHY 222 syllabus, indicating this information, contains content chapter references for the required text.
Standard 1.8.2.8.biomolecules – while there is narrative describing coverage, no course is listed to address this standard.
BIOL 110 would be the course to cover this standard, the syllabus is included.
Standard 6.0 understand and promote the maintenance of a safe science classroom as identified by the Council of State Science Supervisors,..and disposal of chemicals – There is no evidence of addressing the recommendations of the Council of State Science Supervisors in either of the course syllabi, such as proper chemical storage in a classroom setting.
PHY 325 (as well as all other science teaching methods courses) emphasize safe science classrooms and laboratories. Although not specifically listed, a handout with recommendations of the Council of State Science Supervisors is given in PHY 325 with the website where the recommendations can be found: http://csss.enc.org/safety.htm.
All science courses have to follow university safety guidelines of which the students must be aware. Each assignment in the PHY 325 class requires attention to specific safety practices. Proper chemical storage would be presented, modeled, and required in the basic chemistry lab courses.
Additional information needed/action to be taken:
The Reviewers could not find evidence that the use of technology for teaching and learning is modeled by the faculty.
Some specific examples would be the BIOL 403 and ESSC 347 PowerPoint animation requirement to teach a science lesson; this is modeled by the faculty. The syllabus for BIOL 403 should have been with the original documentation is on the website listed above, along with the rubric for the animation requirement.
The new syllabus (due to new instructor) for ESSC 347 is also included. The FETE online discussions and EDMT 330 requirements are also examples of technology both used and applied. The syllabus for EDMT 330 is included in the original submissions. It includes a required electronic portfolio documenting all the areas of technology usage required of beginning teachers in Michigan. All these aspects of technology are both taught and modeled.
All three FETE courses have required online discussions. The student manual for FETE 302 is included in the syllabi area.