Springfield Technical Community College

ACADEMIC AFFAIRS

Course Number:	BIOL 100	Department:	Biology	
Course Title:	Natural History	Semester:	Spring	Year:	1997	

Objectives/Competencies

Course Objective	Competencies	
1.	Understand and be able to utilize the currently approved pedagogy for teaching science in Massachusetts.

2.	Understand how to begin nature study/natural history/environmental education.

3.	Understand the relationship of the sun, earth, and moon to each other.

4.	Understand and observe daily and seasonal weather patterns.

5.	Understand the basic principles and processes behind local geology and topography.

6.	Understand the principles of ecology.

7.	Demonstrate competence in leading early childhood nature study activities.
	1.	Understand history of AAAS-NRC recommendations.
2.	Utilize the PALMS approach, constructivism, and open-ended questions.
3.	Apply principles of cooperative learning.
4.	Have introductory understanding of alternative assessments (rubrics, morphological models, portfolios).
5.	Participate in “The Egg:  A PALMSian Experience.”

1.	Explain why nature study should be conducted with preschoolers.
2.	Know how to begin nature study activities.
3.	Be familiar with nature study guidelines.
4.	Be able to carry out suggested initial activities.

1.	Understand and be able to diagram out the relationship of the sun, earth, moon, and ecliptic.
2.	Be able to lead seasonal and daily shadow play activities.
3.	Understand and be able to explain the moon’s phases.
4.	Understand the distances and scales used to describe the solar system.

1.	Be able to describe the structure of our planet’s lower atmosphere.
2.	Understand and be able to explain the water cycle.
3.	Able to list and describe the four key weather elements.
4.	Able to interpret a weather map and explain fronts, air masses, and pressure systems.

1.	Understand principles of uniformitarianism and superposition.
2.	Explain formation of and differences between the three kinds of rocks.
3.	Understand basic backyard geological processes.
4.	Able to understand and explain local topographic features.

1.	Familiar with basic ecological concepts and terminology.
2.	Able to lead “Web of Life” activity.
3.	Familiar with thirty species of southern New England wildlife.
4.	Understand roles/relationships of plants and animals in ecosystem.
5.	Understand watershed concept and its local applications.
6.	Understand and able to explain annual wildlife cycles and activities (phenology); includes winter wildlife survival strategies and life cycles.

1.	Able to develop a dichotomous key.
2.	Able to lead an interpretive walk.
3.	Able to develop and carry out an investigation.
4.	Familiar with at least fifteen early childhood nature study activities.