EDG 798 General Science for Elementary and Middle School Teachers
Instructor:
Len Sharp
Course Description
This course was developed to assist the elementary school teacher to feel more knowledgeable, comfortable and empowered to teach earth, life and physical science concepts. Topics of discussion and lab activities will be geared to the elementary setting and will focus on topics such as earthquakes, the solar system, rocks and minerals, mechanics, the sound energy problem, air pollution, weathering and erosion, landscapes, global warming, and the natural history of Central New York. There will be at least two field trips that emphasize the topics discussed in the classroom: (1) Natural History of Onondaga Valley (glacial history of Central New York, Finger Lakes, prehistoric waterfalls, fossils, recent landslides, mud boils, etc.) and (2) the Museum of the Earth in Ithaca, N.Y., with stops at Taughannock Falls and possibly Tremain State Park. This course is designed for the new and veteran elementary teacher to gain insights into what are relevant topics and activities to explore as they relate to the New York state and national science standards as well as observe firsthand some of the classroom activity in the field. Practical methods for demonstrating, using models, planning laboratory experiences, managing science equipment, and safety concerns are developed and discussed.
Instructor Information
Len Sharp holds a master’s degree in earth science and education from Syracuse University and is a co-author of Earth Science, Geology, the Environment, and the Universe (Glencoe), a high school text which meets national and New York state teaching standards. Len Sharp recently retired after nearly 40 years from Liverpool High School. Sharp served on the committee that designed the seven standards for math, science and technology currently used in New York state. He was also member of the Earth Science Core and Performance Test writing committees. Sharp was honored with a Presidential Award for Excellence in Science Teaching, is a past president of National Earth Science Teachers Association and the Science Teachers Association of New York. He is also a past board member of NSTA, FEMA, SETI, Globe, Population Connection and NASA. The Climate Project has trained Sharp as a presenter. He has presented numerous times at local, state, national and international conferences. Sharp also holds a Certificate of Advance Studies in Administration/curriculum from State University of New York at Brockport. |
