Introduction
For licensure to teach secondary science students must complete both a Science Education major and a Secondary Education major. This double major program is completed in conjunction with the School of Education at WNMU and fulfills all requirements for licensure to teach secondary science. Students may also choose to major in Secondary Education with an endorsement in Earth and Space Science or Elementary Education with an endorsement in General Science. Students may also choose the route of obtaining an MAT if they have an undergraduate degree in science. Degree plans for the double majors in Secondary Education and Science Education and endorsement degree plans can be found in the School of Education section of the catalog.
Baccalaureate of Science in Science Education- Student Learning Outcomes
Students will use content and pedagogical knowledge to inform science teaching.
Students will demonstrate the ability to apply the scientific process.
- Develop relevant, rigorous, and developmentally appropriate curricula.
- Understand the defining characteristics of the process of science.
- Apply the methods of scientific inquiry.
- Develop testable hypotheses, design appropriate experiments, and present reasoned analyses and interpretations of results.
- Demonstrate proper and safe field and laboratory practices including the proper use of equipment and the ability to use basic field and lab techniques.
- Demonstrate the ability to employ modern library search tools to locate, retrieve, evaluate, and apply scientific information.
Students will be able to reason quantitatively.
- Understand common quantitative approaches in science.
- Evaluate and interpret quantitative data using the scientific method.
- Interpret and act on quantitative data from a variety of sources.
- Understand the role of uncertainty in science.
- Evaluate information by discriminating between science and non-science.
Students will demonstrate the ability to communicate and collaborate within and outside the field of science.
- Communicate concepts through peer interactions and collaboration.
- Communicate science through formal and informal written, visual, and oral methods.
- Recognize the interdisciplinary nature of science.
Students will understand the relationship between science and society.
- Explain the historical context of scientific discoveries.
- Evaluate the impact of science on society.
- Evaluate the ethical implications of science.
- Explain why science is integral to addressing social and environmental problems.
- Explore how science is applied in a social context.
Graduates will demonstrate the ability to use their degrees to undertake careers in science education or to gain admittance to graduate or professional schools.
Life Science Education:
Dr. Lynn Haugen
Email: lhaugen@wnmu.edu
Office: Harlan Hall 143
Office phone: 575-538-6202
Earth Science Education:
Dr. Corrie Neighbors
Email: neighborsc@wnmu.edu
Remote
Core Course Options
Please see the official degree plan for additional details.
BIOL 2642: Plant Form, Function and Diversity. Introduction to plant biology: summarizes the major disciplines of botany and includes study of the more important plant groups. (4)
BIOL 2644: Animal Form, Function and Diversity. Introductory biology covering biological macromolecules, ecology, evolution, systematics, phylogeny, developmental biology, and a survey of major animal groups. (4)
CHEM 1215: General Chemistry I for STEM majors.This course is intended to serve as an introduction to General Chemistry for students enrolled in science, engineering, and certain pre-professional programs. Students will be introduced to several fundamental concepts, including mole, concentration, heat, atomic and molecular structure, periodicity, bonding, physical states, stoichiometry, and reactions. (4)
PHYS 1230: Algebra-based Physics I.An algebra-based treatment of Newtonian mechanics. Topics include kinematics and dynamics in one and two dimensions, conservation of energy and momentum, rotational motion, equilibrium, and fluids. (4)
PHYS 1310: Calculus-based Physics I. A calculus level treatment of classical mechanics and waves, which is concerned with the physical motion concepts, forces, energy concepts, momentum, rotational motion, angular momentum, gravity, and static equilibrium. (4)
GEOL 1110: Physical Geology. Physical Geology is an introduction to our dynamic Earth introducing students to the materials that make up Earth (rocks and minerals) and the processes that create and modify the features of our planet. The course will help students learn how mountains are formed, how volcanoes erupt, where earthquakes occur, and how water, wind, and ice can shape the landscape. Students will also develop a basic understanding of the ways humans have altered the planet including our impact on natural resources and global climate change. (4)
GEOL 2110: Historical Geology.This course reviews the major geological and biological processes and events over the Earth’s 4.6-billion-year history. Students will learn about the formation of the Earth and its development through time including changes in the lithosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere. The interrelationships between the physical aspects of Earth history and biological origins, evolution of species, and causes of extinctions will be explored. (4)
BIOL 450: Methods of Teaching Science.Presentation of a spectrum of instructional strategies with an emphasis on inquiry methods for elementary and secondary students. Theories of learning science and their practical application in science classrooms. Design and implementation of activities and lesson planning. Formative and summative assessment. Safety in the classroom. (3)
or
PHSC 450: Methods of Teaching Science.Presentation of a spectrum of instructional strategies with an emphasis on inquiry methods for elementary and secondary students. Theories of learning science and their practical application in science classrooms. Design and implementation of activities and lesson planning. Formative and summative assessment. Safety in the classroom. (3)
or
GEOL 450: Methods of Teaching Science.Presentation of a spectrum of instructional strategies with an emphasis on inquiry methods for elementary and secondary students. Theories of learning science and their practical application in science classrooms. Design and implementation of activities and lesson planning. Formative and summative assessment. Safety in the classroom. (3)
Degree Plans
Advisor Contact
Life Science Education:
Dr. Lynn Haugen
Email: lhaugen@wnmu.edu
Office: Harlan Hall 143
Office phone: 575-538-6202
Earth Science Education:
Dr. Corrie Neighbors
Email: neighborsc@wnmu.edu
Remote