D679 is the science and engineering methods course in WGU's Master of Arts in Teaching, Elementary Education program.
WGU's description is shared with the undergraduate course: hands-on, experiential learning, the three-dimensional approach, scientific literacy and the nature of science, with reflective practice.
The MAT guide adds a competency on analyzing the role of inquiry in developing scientific literacy and science and engineering learning. That calls for explanation and justification, not just lesson design, which is where graduate work differs.
Course at a Glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| University | Western Governors University (WGU) |
| Course | D679, Elementary Science and Engineering Methods |
| Level | Graduate |
| Program | M.A. Teaching, Elementary Education (2 CUs, term 5) |
| Subject area | Science and engineering methods |
| Typical work | Lesson design plus analysis of inquiry and literacy |
What D679 Covers
| Competency (summarized) | What it means in practice |
|---|---|
| Demonstrate inquiry-based instruction | Use the three-dimensional approach |
| Support scientific literacy | Select strategies that suit all learners |
| Design engineering activities | Plan problems with criteria and iteration |
| Analyze inquiry and scientific literacy | Explain how inquiry builds literacy and learning |
Key Concepts Explained
Inquiry and Scientific Literacy
Scientific literacy means understanding ideas, evaluating claims with evidence and communicating about science. Inquiry builds it because pupils practice asking questions and using data.
Example: After pupils compare how quickly ice melts on different surfaces, the teacher asks them to write a claim, cite their data and name one thing that might have affected results. This builds the habit of backing claims with evidence, a core of scientific literacy, which an analysis can point to directly.
Discourse
Productive talk helps pupils refine ideas. Plan question stems and norms for disagreement.
Reflective Practice
Explain what you would change after teaching and why. Reflection shows the intentional decisions the description highlights.
Writing About Inquiry and Scientific Literacy
The extra MAT competency asks you to analyze, not just design. A concise way to do that is to link features of your lesson to outcomes.
| Lesson feature | Link to scientific literacy |
|---|---|
| Pupils pose or refine a question | Develops curiosity and question quality |
| Pupils collect and record data | Builds the habit of evidence use |
| Claim, evidence, reasoning writing | Strengthens explanation and argument |
| Peer discussion of results | Develops scientific discourse and openness to revision |
| Redesign after testing | Shows that science and engineering improve through iteration |
For each feature you include, explain in a sentence or two how it contributes, and note any limits. For example, open inquiry can overwhelm novices, so you might use guided inquiry first and release control gradually.
Keep equity in view. Describe how you support multilingual learners, pupils with disabilities and those with less science experience at home so that inquiry is open to everyone.
Typical Work and How to Approach It
| Type of work | What it tests | How to approach it |
|---|---|---|
| Lesson design | Method and alignment | Label each dimension and justify steps |
| Analysis of inquiry | Critical explanation | Link inquiry features to literacy outcomes |
| Engineering task | Design thinking | Include testing and revising |
| Reflection | Professional judgment | Use evidence from the lesson plan |
Where Students Get Stuck
- Designing without analyzing. Add a section explaining why inquiry works here.
- Surface references to research. Use course sources specifically.
- Weak inclusion. Describe supports for language and access.
- Safety gaps. Note safe handling and supervision.
Study Tips for D679
- Plan a claim, evidence, reasoning routine you can reuse.
- Relate each activity to a named practice.
- Keep your D678 notes handy for content accuracy.
- Check each rubric verb, especially analyze.
Final Checklist Before You Submit
- Design and analysis sections are both present.
- Each inquiry feature is linked to a literacy outcome.
- Limits of inquiry are acknowledged.
- Equity supports are specific.
- Safety is addressed.
- Course sources are cited.
The analysis competency is easy to miss when the design feels finished. Give it its own labeled section.
How We Help with D679
Send the task instructions, standard and rubric. A writer can explain inquiry and literacy links, edit your draft, or provide a custom analysis. Our education assignment help guide describes related support.
GradeEssays is independent and not affiliated with WGU. This is a study and reference aid; submit only your own work under WGU's academic integrity policy. We do not log in to course portals. Free revisions; full refund if late.
Strengthen Your D679 Reasoning
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Frequently Asked Questions
The graduate Elementary Science and Engineering Methods course in WGU's M.A. Teaching program.
The MAT guide adds analyzing the role of inquiry in scientific literacy and science and engineering learning.
2 CUs, in term 5.
Yes, the description emphasizes hands-on, experiential learning.
Understanding science ideas and using evidence to evaluate and communicate claims.
No. We tutor, edit and model; your work must be yours.