4. Syllabus Planner
1. Brainstorm the topics you want to use as content
for the class.
2. Think of field trips and guest speakers to support
the modules.
3. Create a grid for week and topic.
4. Add academic milestone assignments and
assessments (e.g., essays, timed readings, and
presentations).
5. Syllabus Planner
Week Topic
Assignments & Assessments
1
Introductions, conferences, course
expectations; build a shelter activity;
scitech wiki
Assess levels in the 4 skills and
teamwork; use the wiki
2
Astronomy (earth from a distance),
First Contact (What is involved in
first contact? What is an alien?); BU
Observatory open to public clear
Wed. nights
Debate with roles for moderator,
aff/neg speakers, analysts, &
reporters; topic: Govt should
finance space exploration
3&4
Physical Earth (roving continents,
H2O, oceans); Clickers review after
PPT pres.; trip to Waterworks
Museum
Science photo contest; timed inclass writing; multi-disciplinary
teams report on Waterworks
6. Brainstorm Syllabus Planning
1. At your tables, brainstorm ideas for sci/tech
content topics.
2. Next, associate the topics with any field
trips or outside speakers you want to
include.
3. Then, add milestone assessments and special
assignments.
4. Finally, you will have the opportunity to
share some of your best ideas with the
whole group.
8. Waterworks Museum
1. Cross-discipline reading activities from
website
Public health
Engines and engineering
Architecture
Social history
2. Visit the museum
9. Waterworks Museum
3.
Practicing the four skills at the museum
Listening to the docent and asking questions
Interviewing engine specialist
Engaging in authentic discourse with other visitors
Reading exhibit descriptions
Taking notes on project team’s topic
10. Waterworks Museum
4. Water testing to collect data
5. Cross-disciplinary groups prepare and deliver
presentations
Use target vocabulary for each discipline
Include dates, numbers, and statistics
Design graphics as visual aids
Interpret data to explain impact of growing population
on policy, public health, and architecture
12. Sharing Ideas for Materials and
Resources
Share ideas for materials
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Books and journals
Websites, audio, video, and apps
Tools, machines, and lab equipment
Realia (e.g., rocks for geology unit)
Other ideas?
Share ideas for resources
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Museums, libraries, and nature centers
Academic departments and guest speakers
Businesses and professional organizations
Other ideas?
13. Thank you for participating!
Please email us to get access to the wiki:
nsmith@bu.edu
efkramer@bu.edu
