Project-based instruction to explore science topic of high interest that enhances the student's educational outcome.

Are you interested in snail DNA? Would you like to examine dinosaur bones? Do you have questions about the water quality in your area? Special Topics in Science allows you to indulge your scientific curiosity in association with scientific research. You, along with a faculty member, will propose a small research project and determine what outcome you want to produce. This could be in the form of a research paper that you co-present at a conference; it could be a set of lessons that help your students conduct their own scientific research; or it could be any product upon which you and your Supervising Instructor agree.

SCI 5v06 is an elective science education course for the Master of Arts in Teaching – Science Education (MAT-SE) Online degree program offered by the Science/Mathematics Education Department (SciMathEd) at The University of Texas at Dallas (UT Dallas). Students earn variable semester credit hours upon successful completion. This course may be repeated.

Offered completely online, this course has the same learning objectives as the on-campus section. Meeting or exceeding the UT TeleCampus ‘Principles of Good Practice’, a student-centered approach promotes high expectations for coursework and academic performance. Established on a solid foundation of scientific research and academic excellence, this course specifically supports the MAT-SE Online program goal to produce students who are able to use and contribute to current educational research and methodology.

Objectives

The goal of this course is to support professional awareness and involvement. Toward that end, students will be able to participate as a peer in the scientific community. Students will produce a formal document that meets the specifications agreed upon by the Supervising Instructor and approved by the Department Head.