MSED 340A - Apprenticeship: Fundamental Concepts in Science

Offered Fall: No Offered Winter: Yes Offered Summer: No Offered Other: No

1 Credits
Hours (Lecture - Discussion - Lab): 0-1-0
Corequisites: MSED 340A is the required, one-credit field-based course aligned with MSED 340: Fundamental Concepts in Science. In this course, students complete a minimum of 15 apprenticeship hours in a secondary science classroom (grades 7-12), working closely with mentor teachers and students. While placements will differ by grade level and discipline (e.g., biology, chemistry, earth science, physics, or integrated science), all candidates will engage in authentic instructional activities including lesson planning, small-group facilitation, and whole-class instruction.
Prerequisites: This course is a professional education requirement for all secondary science education majors. Students should be admitted to the pre-methods phase of the educational program.

This applied learning course bridges classroom theory with a 15-hour apprenticeship. Teacher candidates engage in inquiry-driven activities and real-world scenarios, applying core concepts such as cause and effect, systems thinking, and form and function. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking, collaboration, and the practical use of data and tools. The course culminates in a research-based teaching plan where candidates justify instructional design principles, standards alignment, pedagogy, and cultural considerations for NGSS-aligned instruction.