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Plymouth State University
MSC 11
17 High Street
Plymouth, NH 03264-1595
Course Descriptions
For a full list of graduate course descriptions, go to our course descriptions page.
NS 5000 Planet Earth - 3 credits
A unified approach to the study of the earth: as a planet in the solar system, its geology and geophysics, its atmosphere and oceans; the role of wind, water and other agents in developing the landscape. From assigned reading, lecture, discussion and laboratory, a global scale view of the earth will be developed. Unscheduled.
NS 5090 Special Topics in Secondary School Science - 1-6 credits
A focused study in one of the science disciplines: life, earth or physical sciences. course could include field, laboratory, computer and classroom study under the supervision of a faculty member with expertise in the area. can be taken more than once. Unscheduled.
NS 5100 Revolution in Science - 3 credits
An inquiry into the way scientific models of understanding nature are reached with particular emphasis on the concept of revolutionary change in explanation. The course will consider what science is capable of knowing and how it differs with technology. Several specific revolutions will be examined, including the scientific revolution of Galileo and Newton, Lavoisier's chemical revolution, Darwin's evolution, continental drift, DNA and genetics, and relativity. Also, the role of women in science will be scrutinized to see if a revolution in the involvement of that gender has been achieved. Finally, students will attempt to foresee what revolutions might be going on now or might occur in the future.
NS 5200 Action Research in Science Education - 3 credits
This course is designed to be a core course offering in the M.S. in Science Education program. It will assist graduate students to design their action research as it relates specifically to science teaching, learning and curriculum in middle and high school classrooms. This course will help students conceptualize and design a practical and applied classroom research project that could be the basis for presentation as the capstone experience in their graduate program. The course emphasizes a contructivist philosophy of education. The emphasis is on the teacher as inquirer actively engaged in the construction of new knowledge about science education. Emphasis is placed on telecommunication networking of teachers who are actively involved in action research projects.
NS 5260 A Forest for Every Classroom - 3 credits
This course will educate middle and high school teachers working in New Hampshire communities about forest stewardship issues and provide them with tools to develop curricula that meet the state's educational standards and can be implemented using their local landscape, resources and community for real world teaching. Prerequisite: Teaching.
NS 5300 Astrobiology - 3 credits
This course is an interdisciplinary study centered on the search for life in the universe. Students will participate in inquiry based activities and discussion in biology, physics and robotics to explore the science of astrobiology. Students will gain hands-on experience with available online resources and current science technology enabling them to use astrobiology in the classroom to engage students in the scientific process. Prerequisite: Graduate student/teacher.
NS 5400 Marine Education Methods - 3 credits
This is a multi-disciplinary marine education methods course that integrates economic, cultural, historical and ecosystem considerations for learning about the marine environment. The goal is to help educators increase public understanding of critical New Hampshire marine and coastal issues. Special attention will be given to stewardship education of marine resources. concepts of sustainable harvesting and participatory management will be emphasized. Field trips to visit marine research and education facilities on the coast will be a critical component. Dynamic, interactive Web resources, including virtual fieldtrips, will also be identified. A culminating component of the course will be organizing and advertising a community-based family marine activity night sponsored by the course participants. This event will provide enrolled University students with firsthand experience in implementing and evaluating hands-on marine science learning for youth, parents, teachers and other interested environmental educators. All materials will be aligned with national and international education standards across disciplines, including standards in environmental literacy and technology.
NS 5560 Special Topics in Elementary School Science - 3 credits
A laboratory/discussion-oriented content course for K-6 teachers to address specific topics in the earth, physical and life sciences. Text readings, research articles and developing a curriculum unit are required. Since topics vary, the course may be repeated with permission of the instructor. Prerequisite: Restricted to those who are currently teaching.
NS 5600 Field Experience in Science Education - 3 credits
This course is one of the core offerings in the M.A.T. in Science program. It is a supervised placement with a science or environmental agency that offers educational programming with student groups of various ages. Students will be required to assist in the development of programs, and teach and assess participant learning in these settings. Examples of such organizations include the Squam Lakes Natural Science center, N.H. Fish and Game Department, Squam Lakes Association, N.H. Audubon Society, PSU Mindflight Summer Program, N.H. Department of Environmental Services and the PSU Planetarium Program to name several.
NS 5700 Science Teaching Middle and High School - 3 credits
This course is designed to be a core course offering in both the M.S. in Science Education and the M.A.T. in Science programs. Several major themes such as learning theory, structure of the discipline (curriculum), teaching strategies, and nature of science and technology applications will be presented throughout the course. The course is structured to help students develop the proficiencies needed to become a successful science teacher. As an advanced learner, you will be given a great deal of independence in your learning about secondary school science teaching.
NS 5800 Seminar: Current Issues in Science Education - 3 credits
Current Issues, a core course in the M.S. in Science Education program, will provide the opportunity for classroom science teachers to identify and discuss practical issues that apply to their classroom as well as address state, national and international issues. current research findings will be used as the focus for seminar discussions, papers and projects.
NS 5850 Capstone Research Project - 4 credits
This course is designed as a core course offering in the M.A.T. and M.S. in Science Education programs. The intent of this course is to implement the classroom-based research strategies developed in the action research course to promote improvement of existing teaching and learning strategies in the classroom. A research committee will be formed to assess the effectiveness of the study. A formal presentation will be made to faculty and other graduate students in one of the science colloquia during the academic year.
NS 5910 Independent Study - 1-3 credits
Studies undertaken will be defined by students and subject to approval by appropriate staff members. Work may involve reading, conferences, historical, experimental or theoretical projects, field investigation, statistical surveys, combinations of the foregoing or other activities deemed appropriate. Students may work in the physical or biological sciences, or in interdisciplinary areas. Students may not be granted more than three credits. consent of a faculty supervisor, department chair and the Associate Vice President is required.
