Exploratory Studies (EXPS)

EXPS 500     STEM2 Teaching and Learning     3 Credit Hours

The content of this course and the pedagogy employed will provide students with experiences in topics related to the integration of science, technology, engineering, health and mathematics (STEM2). Students will experience examples of STEM activities and will explore how STEM2 disciplines impact society. (YR)

Restriction(s):
Can enroll if Class is Graduate

EXPS 507     Inquiry-based Math and Science     3 Credit Hours

This inquiry-based laboratory course intends to support the learning of early childhood educators (birth to grade 2) in foundations of science and mathematics. The course integrates concepts and processes that arise in both disciplines, such as classification; units and measurements; shapes and structures and their properties; patterns; problem solving; representation; cause and effect; use of evidence (three credits). Students. Students cannot receive credit for both EXPS 407 and 507. Students seeking graduate credit should elect EXPS 507. (YR).

Restriction(s):
Can enroll if Class is Graduate
Can enroll if Level is Graduate
Can enroll if Degree is Master of Arts
Can enroll if College is Education, Health, and Human Services
Can enroll if Major is Early Childhood, Education

EXPS 515     Evolution for Teachers     1 to 3 Credit Hours

Course is designed to meet the needs of grade K-12 teachers teaching about evolution. The Michigan Department of Education requires students to be able explain how scientists construct and scientifically test theories concerning the origin of life and evolution of species.

Restriction(s):
Can enroll if Class is Graduate
Can enroll if College is Education, Health, and Human Services or Arts, Sciences, and Letters

EXPS 520     Science Ed Action Research     3 Credit Hours

This is the culminating course that integrates prior experiences in the MSSE program. Each student will identify a research question related to his/her own classroom practice, review relevant literature, collect and analyze data, and complete a scholarly report.

Prerequisite(s): EDK 500

Restriction(s):
Can enroll if Class is Graduate
Can enroll if College is Education, Health, and Human Services or Arts, Sciences, and Letters
Can enroll if Major is Environmental Science, Science Education, Education

EXPS 543     Family/School/Community Collab     2 Credit Hours

Characteristics, roles, and functions of contemporary families are described. Various communication and training strategies designed to promote collaboration and teamwork within and between the school staff, the families, and community are described and practiced through discussion, problem-solving activities, and roleplaying. Family effectiveness assessment instruments and strategies are also described and practiced.

Restriction(s):
Can enroll if Class is Graduate

EXPS 593     Simulation and Gaming     1 to 3 Credit Hours

This course focuses on simulation and gaming as approaches to learning which are fundamentally different from methods traditionally used in education, industry, business, and psychology. Students will have the opportunity to examine many different types of simulations and games and to participate in selected ones. They will also be able to design one for use in their own area of interest.

Restriction(s):
Can enroll if Class is Graduate

EXPS 598     Exploring Writing/Chld&Yng Ad     3 Credit Hours

This course provides a theoretical foundation for writing instruction of children/adolescents in grades K-8. Emphasis is placed on modeling, instructional strategies, and assessment for supporting student writers that pre-service and in-service teachers can use to facilitate students’ development of written language across various genres. TB clearance, criminal background check, and bloodborne pathogens/infectious diseases training required.

Restriction(s):
Can enroll if Class is Post-baccalaureate Cert only or Post-baccalaureate NCFD or Graduate

EXPS 599     Individ Res in Lit in Educatio     1 to 3 Credit Hours

Requires the student to initiate, and carry to completion, a literature in education based research project under the supervision of a faculty member. May be elected more than once for a total of not more than three credits as approved by advisor.

Restriction(s):
Can enroll if Class is Graduate

EXPS 620     Action Research     3 Credit Hours

Students will learn about action research as a means to become a reflective practitioner to make improvements in an educational setting. Students will identify a research question related to his/her own professional practice, review relevant literature, collect and analyze data, develop and implement an action plan, and complete a scholarly report.

Prerequisite(s): EDK 500 or EDK 700

Restriction(s):
Can enroll if Class is Graduate

EXPS 715     Evolution for Teachers     3 Credit Hours

Course is designed to meet the needs of grade K-12 teachers teaching about evolution. The Michigan Department of Education requires students to be able explain how scientists construct and scientifically test theories concerning the origin of life and evolution of species.

Restriction(s):
Can enroll if Class is Specialist or Doctorate

EXPS 720     Science Ed Action Research     3 Credit Hours

This is the culminating course that integrates prior experiences in the MSSE program. Each student will identify a research question related to his/her own classroom practice, review relevant literature, collect and analyze data, and complete a scholarly report.

Prerequisite(s): EDK 500

Restriction(s):
Can enroll if Class is Graduate
Can enroll if College is Education, Health, and Human Services or Arts, Sciences, and Letters
Can enroll if Major is Environmental Science, Science Education, Education

EXPS 799     Ind. Res. in Lit in Education     1 to 3 Credit Hours

Requires the student to initiate, and carry to completion, a literature in education based research project under the supervision of a faculty member. May be elected more than once for a total of not more than three credits as approved by advisor.

Restriction(s):
Can enroll if Class is Specialist or Doctorate

EXPS 820     Action Research     3 Credit Hours

Students will learn about action research as a means to become a reflective practitioner to make improvements in an educational setting. Students will identify a research question related to his/her own professional practice, review relevant literature, collect and analyze data, develop and implement an action plan, and complete a scholarly report.

Prerequisite(s): EDK 500 or EDK 700

Restriction(s):
Can enroll if Class is Graduate