Teach Science (complementary major)
The departments of Biology and Chemistry and Physics, in conjunction with the School of Education have shared in the creation of a new complementary major entitled TeachScience. This major can only be combined with a catalog major of Biology, Chemistry, or Physics and can not stand alone to meet graduation requirements. It offers science students all of the learning and practice experiences needed to meet the state requirements for teacher certification. The combination of a regular major in an area of science with this complementary major replaces all previous programs and descriptions such as primary and secondary teaching areas, and teaching majors and minors.The development of this program is the result of concerted effort over the last two years to explore options for the preparation of science teachers. A focus group of AU faculty, local public school science teachers, and public school administrators met to share ideas on building a program from the ground up. The following program objectives and curriculum have been established:
- Emphasis on Christ-like servant ways in the development of a professional educator strengthened by a liberal arts program.
- Teaching as a mission to serve adolescents and young adults.
- Students complete a traditional major in an area of science allowing them to pursue advanced study in science and/or education.
- Unique combination of secondary school experiences and content area instruction.
- Early opportunities for students who enjoy science to explore teaching as a potential career.
- Enter the program at various points in an educational journey based on individual needs and circumstances.
- Complete the entire degree and obtain state certification in secondary education in four years.
The courses of the AU TeachScience major are:
BIOL/CHEM/PHYS 1110, Explorations of Teaching Science I ( 1 hour) (1,0) CR-NCThis course offers students an opportunity to explore teaching as a vocation. The course will provide students who enjoy science an introduction to the theory and practice of teaching science in diverse settings. Students will meet together weekly to discuss science and to develop lessons for instructing one another and then elementary students in local public schools. No teaching experience is assumed as a prerequisite.
BIOL/CHEM/PHYS 1120, Explorations of Teaching Science II ( 1 hour) (1,0) CR-NC
A continuation of Explorations of Teaching Science I with similar objectives but directed towards middle school and junior high students. Upon completion of Explorations I & II students are generally able to make a decision as to whether science teaching is a desired vocation.
BIOL/CHEM/PHYS 2700, Science Teaching Methods I ( 3 hours) (2,1)
This course involves the learning and application of the methods of teaching science. In addition to some lecture and classroom discussion, students will complete a practicum experience with a master teacher in a local public or private school setting. Some of the topics that will be covered and jointly pursued by the university faculty along with the master teacher are classroom management, inquiry based teaching, history of science, special/gifted education, and an introduction to rubrics/grading/assessment. This course will also emphasize the key roles that a teacher’s caring attitude and their ability to “engage” students play in a successful learning environment.
BIOL/CHEM/PHYS 3800, Internship in Science Education ( 1-4 hours) (0,1-4)
This internship is an opportunity for the student to broaden the diversity of their experience in educational settings. Internships will be arranged in environments not typically experienced by the student. Tri-S and other international experiences may be appropriate as well as experiences in large inner city schools or small rural schools. At least 1 hour is required for the program.
BIOL/CHEM/PHYS 4700, Science Teaching Methods II Methods I ( 2 hours) (2,0)
This course is a continuation of Science Teaching Methods I with many special topics being added. Anderson University science faculty and public school teachers will team-teach this class. Some of the topics include education policy and legislation, safety/liability considerations, short and long-term objective writing, instructional strategies, the appropriate use of technology, science department budgets, professional development goals, and the support resources available to science teachers such as journals and professional organizations.
EDUC 2120, Adolescent/Young Adult Development and Learning (3 hours) (3,0)
This course will cover educational psychology and child and adolescent development at a level appropriate for secondary teachers.
EDUC 3000, Teaching Literacy Skills in the Middle and High School Content Areas (3 hours) (3,0)
Designed to address “reading across the content” literacy issues in classrooms at the secondary level. In this course, students will examine current research and instructional approaches which focus in content areas, development of instructional activities to improve reading and range of student abilities, use of reading/writing/thinking activities in daily instruction, and exploration of reading research.
EDUC 4110, Trends and Issues in Education (Writing Intensive) (2 hours) (2,0)
This course will cover testing and measurements and the statistical analysis of student achievement. Curriculum considerations including the adaptation of curriculum to local/national standards will also be covered.
EDUC 4030, Student Teaching in the Middle/Junior High School (Grades 6-8) ( 8 hours) (1,30)
EDUC 4040, Student Teaching in the Senior High School (Grades 9-12) (8 hours) (1,30)
