Steve Moreno

I presently teach TE 910C, "Teaching Science In The Elementary School." My course is described as "hands-on, guided-discovery science" taught at an elementary school in order to be able to practice teaching science to elementary school students.

B.A. Education, University of Northern Colorado
M.A. Psychology, Counseling, and Guidance, University of Northern Colorado
Ed.D. School Psychology, University of Northern Colorado

Background

I started my career as a 5 year old Denver, Colorado boy working as a helper for my auto mechanic father. Being a mechanic's helper started my interest in mechanics and science. Early in life I learned how to take apart and reassemble the main parts of cars and trucks. The early mechanical and scientific knowledge that I learned from my dad helped me in my school science classes, and in my college qualifying exams. While in undergraduate school, I worked in jobs related to fixing cars, painting cars, transporting cars, and construction jobs. After completing my BA, I worked as an elementary teacher for 6 years in the Denver Public Schools where I developed a specialty of teaching science and reading. After completing my doctorate I worked as a school psychologist for the San Diego City Schools, then I joined the faculty at San Diego State as an assistant professor of Educational Psychology. Since 1983 I have concentrated on teaching TE910C, "Teaching Science In The Elementary School."

Interests, Activities & Plans

I concentrate on teaching the science methods course on elementary school sites. I am convinced that SDSU teacher education students learn how to teach science to elementary school students-by teaching science to elementary school students. At the elementary school sites I make arrangements for the teachers to bring their classes to our science resource room. At our science resource room the San Diego State University student teachers teach science to small groups of elementary school students (Grades K-6). Our Gega text includes over 200 investigations and activities in the physical and natural sciences. We also include activities with machine science, toy science, inventions, and paper airplanes.

Our typical morning consists of:

8-10 am. Preparing science investigations to use for teaching to the elementary students

10-10:30 Teaching hands-on, guided-discovery science to a class of elementary students

11-11:30 Teach hands-on, guided-discovery science to another class of elementary students

11:30-12:30 Return science materials, and complete written reports on science teaching

Other Interesting Things

I am considered by my family as a "physical fitness enthusiast." I usually ride my mountain bike around Lake Murray, or around my neighborhood, for about 45 minutes each morning before my classes or student teacher observations. At the end of the day I usually spend 30 minutes riding my stationary bike and exercising my upper and lower body. While exercising I am usually involved with some form of mental problem-solving, and I generate some of my best ideas while riding my bike, breathing fresh air, and enjoying the beautiful lake and nature. My reading consists of the popular media, plus books and articles on a variety of science topics. I enjoy constructing models of generators, electrical motors, toys, etc., that I am able to use in my science classes to help my students make science practical, fun, and meaningful for their students.

Last updated on Thursday, November 2, 1995.

This is a personal home page and does not represent the opinions of San Diego State University.

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