EDU 251 Exploration Activities

Lecture: 3 Lab: 0 Clinic: 0 Credits: 3

This course covers fundamental concepts in the content areas of science, technology, engineering, math, and social studies through investigative experiences aligned with NC Foundations for Early Learning and Development. Emphasis is placed on exploring fundamental concepts, scope and sequence, and teaching strategies to engage each child through play and open-ended discovery in indoor/outdoor environments. Upon completion, students should be able to understand major concepts in each content area and implement developmentally appropriate, culturally responsive, equitable, and inclusive experiences for all young children.

Pre-requisite(s): EDU 144 or EDU 145.
Course is typically offered in Fall.
Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)
At completion of the course, the student should be able to do the following:

Employ the discovery approach to teaching science, math, and social studies (with technology and engineering integrations/ applications) to young children.
Apply an integrated curriculum approach to teaching science, math, and social studies (with technology and engineering integrations/ applications) to young children.
Select major science, math, and social studies (with technology and engineering integrations/ applications) concepts and facts appropriate for inclusion in the early childhood curriculum.
Design appropriate science, math, and social studies (with technology and engineering integrations/applications) experiences for young children.
Implement a planned science, math, or social studies learning experience for young children.
Evaluate a planned science, math, or social studies learning experience with young children.
Report on a planned science, math, or social studies learning experience with young children.
Design a math mini-center to use with young children.