Introduction to the Mathematics & Science Classroom, Beth, Spring 2026

Course Number:	EDU 5515 S11
Instructor:	Bradley Beth, Ph.D.
Location:	Online
Dates and Times:	February 1 - April 4, 2026. Synchronous Meetings on 2/21/26, 3/7/26, and 3/21/26 from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM.
Credits:	3 Graduate Credits
Tuition:	Cost is set by and payable to VT-HEC

Course Description

This course serves as an introduction to the middle and high school science and mathematics classroom. Participants plan, design, and implement lessons in a science or mathematics context, with a focus on inquiry-based learning. Cross-disciplinary connections, student engagement, and collaborative learning are introduced.

Audience: Educators with an earned bachelor’s degree seeking endorsement in middle or high school mathematics or science.

Course Goals & Objectives

Course Goals:

This course introduces inquiry-based lesson design and implementation in the mathematics and science classroom through the use of the 5E model for lesson planning.
Participants create, deliver, and reflect upon an inquiry-based lesson from start to finish.
The 5E approach to inquiry-based instruction is contextualized within the literature and compared/contrasted with alternative approaches, with attention to learning outcomes, student engagement, and culturally responsive pedagogy.

Course Objectives:

As an outcome of this course, students will be able to:

describe inquiry-based learning practices in a mathematics and science context
design and delivery a lesson based on the 5E model
utilize student supports focused on problem solving, including the use of science and engineering practices (SEP)
leverage interdisciplinary connections in mathematics and science lesson planning

Additionally, students will generate artifacts as evidence for the Vermont Licensure Portfolio for the following performance criteria:

1 Candidates design learning environments that support individual learning marked by active engagement.
1 Candidates engage learners in applying perspectives from more than one discipline (e.g. math, art, social studies, ELA, etc.) in authentic contexts (such as local and global issues).
2 Candidates use a variety of instructional strategies to encourage learners to build skills to apply knowledge in meaningful ways.

Required Readings/Resources

Lena Ballone Duran and Emilio Duran. "The 5E instructional model: A learning cycle approach for inquiry-based science teaching." Science Education Review 3, no. 2 (2004): 49-58.

Joshua R. Polanin, Megan Austin, Joseph A. Taylor, Rebecca Rose Steingut, Melissa A. Rodgers, and Ryan Williams. "Effects of the 5E Instructional Model: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis." AERA Open 10 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1177/23328584241269

Tezer, Murat and Cumhur, Meryem. "Mathematics through the 5E instructional model and mathematical modelling: The geometrical objects." Eurasia Journal of Mathematics, Science and Technology Education 13, no. 8 (2017): 4789-4804. https://doi.org/10.12973/eurasia.2017.00965a

Turan and S. M. Matteson (2021). Middle school mathematics classrooms practice based on 5E instructional model. International Journal of Education in Mathematics, Science, and Technology (IJEMST), 9(1), 22-39. https://doi.org/10.46328/ijemst.1041

Sandy Watson. "Culturally relevant pedagogy and the 5E lesson plan." The Science Teacher 89, no. 2 (2021): 56-61. https://doi.org/10.1080/00368555.2021.12293655

For additional course information

Bradley Beth

(802) 498-3350

For additional registration information

VT-HEC Team

This course requires registration with the Vermont Higher Education Collaborative (VT-HEC) first. Please click on the Register Now button below.