Course Descriptions

SCI 131 - Integrated Science for Future Teachers I-The Physical World

4 Credits

This is the first in a sequence of two courses designed to explore the basics of physical science, geological science, chemistry, and biological science in an interdisciplinary, inquiry-based approach for students wishing to pursue a career in childhood education. The physical world focuses on Earth's physical and geologic processes and how they govern and shape the dynamic world around us. Characteristics of energy, matter, chemical interactions, and electromagnetism are explored, along with the realms of weather, water resources, rocks/minerals, landscape development, and planetary change.

New SUNY General Education: SUNY - Natural Sciences (and Scientific Reasoning)

Retiring SUNY General Education: SUNY-NS - Natural Sciences (SNSC)

MCC General Education: MCC-CT - Critical Thinking (MCT), MCC-SCI - Scientific Reasoning (MSCI)

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Perform experiments using proper laboratory and measurement techniques.
2. Test a student-driven hypothesis using the scientific method of inquiry.
3. Distinguish between chemical and physical changes in matter at atomic and macroscopic levels.
4. Describe the physical and chemical properties of matter, such as density, conductivity, and solubility.
5. Compare the effects of forces on the motion of objects.
6. Diagram how energy is conserved when it changes from one form to another using examples observed in everyday life.
7. Describe the physical properties of the various forms of energy, including sound, light, electricity and magnetism.
8. Explain time dependent changes in the Earth-Moon System
9. Explain how the distribution of insolation (heat) affects changing atmospheric conditions.
10. Plot the position of observed phenomena using empirical or modeled data.
11. Explain how volcano and earthquake patterns support the Theory of Plate Tectonics.
12. Interpret geologic processes using the rock cycle.
13. Demonstrate a scientific concept using simple models or representative examples.
14. Construct generalized models of the geologic-time line, the Earth’s Interior, the water cycle, or the solar system.

Course Offered Fall, Spring

Use links below to see if this course is offered:
Fall Semester 2024
Spring Semester 2024
Summer Session 2024