Active and Hands-On Science Instruction

(Grades K-6) / Flex Course

PDI Course Number: 98T02 / UCSD Course Number: EDUC41446


Course Description

With the advent of the new science standards, are you finding it increasingly difficult to make science more interesting and “hands-on?” In order to create student interest and fascination in science, teachers need to design curriculum where students do not simply learn about science, but also “do” science. This online course is designed for K-6 teachers who are interested in learning a variety of ways to enhance their science instruction through active, hands-on experiences, while at the same time being able to “hit” the various standards. Teachers will gain a variety of ideas for conducting hands-on experiments and investigations, establishing science learning stations, integrating science with other content areas, and using technology to enhance science instruction. Time will also be spent on introducing ways to integrate science into other content areas including language arts and math. Teachers will also learn specific strategies for making science motivating so that even their hardest-to-reach student populations (which include English language learners and students with special needs) will be able to make sense of the new science standards in an engaging and fun way. By the end of this course, teachers will feel entirely confident to implement hands-on science practices in the classroom. This course is worth 3 ⅓ semester units/5 quarter units (50 hours of training) from University of California San Diego (UCSD) Division of Extended Studies. For detailed information on university credit, click here.

"I thoroughly enjoyed this course and am excited to use the information and insight in my classroom. The material and resources are excellent and useful. The ideas and concepts motivated me to use more hands-on inquiry based science lessons in my classroom." - Judy Compton


Enrollment Options

Course Only

$112 with the discount

Course with Credit from UCSD

$284 with the discount

This course is worth 3 ⅓ semester units or 5 quarter units of graduate-level credit from UCSD.

You have up to one year from the date you are enrolled to complete a flex course.


Click here to view the course syllabus.

Print our customized course approval form to share with your school district.

UCSD Course Number: EDUC41446
Unit One
  • Introduction to Science Education
  • Science Standards
  • Beyond the Textbook
  • Assignment #1: Write an autobiography
  • Test #1
Unit Two
  • Science Stations
  • Cool and Easy Science Experiments
  • Science Classroom Management
  • Assignment #2: Article reflection
  • Test #2
Unit Three
  • Integrating Science and Language Arts
  • Integrating Science and Math
  • Integrating Science and Technology
  • Create a Science WebQuest
  • Assignment #3: Share your expertise
  • Test #3
Unit Four
  • Beyond the Science Classroom
  • Science Vocabulary
  • Science Assessment
  • Test #4
Unit Five
  • Engaging Students in the Process of Science
  • Strategies for Working with English Language Learners
  • Strategies for Working with Students with Special Needs
  • Test #5
Unit Six
  • Science Trade Books
  • Science Websites
  • Getting Parents Involved
  • Assignment #4: Create hands-on integrated science lessons
  • Assignment #5: Course Reflection

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