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Science Education
Welcome
California State University, Fullerton
 
Faculty and Advisors
 
 
Science Education Program Philosophy and Mission
 
The philosophy of the Science Education Program at California State University, Fullerton is based upon the belief that teachers play a preeminent role in the science educational process. We prepare teachers to have confidence in their own abilities to access resources and gain the understanding that they need to help individual students become more scientifically literate. Furthermore, we also believe that effective science content preparation is critical in preparing teachers who are able to transform the science content knowledge that they learn in their courses into pedagogical content knowledge that can be taught to others. This process of transformation encompasses all aspects of instruction and evaluation nexus. The science education faculty agrees that teachers must be open and interested in new ideas. They engage in their own inquiry as co-investigators with students who learn science through multiple methods, including inquiry. We support teachers who as active, alert members of their school community, help the next generation become effective and positive contributors to a diverse society. The Science Subject Matter Preparation Program plays a vital role in preparing future teachers who are steeped in these philosophies and beliefs. The mission of the Science Education Program is to prepare students who are competent in subject matter content to teach science at the elementary and secondary levels. Furthermore, we provide guidance and support for both beginning and experienced teachers in the study and use of educational practices developed for the teaching of science, as well as helping these teachers develop original ideas as they relate to their areas of specialization. The program’s primary goal is to address the special needs of both pre-service and in-service science teachers.
Dr. Victoria B. Costa, Ph.D., Director Science Education
(714) 278-4067
vcosta@fullerton.edu
 

The College of Natural Sciences & Mathematics
California State University, Fullerton
800 N. State College Blvd.
McCarthy Hall 527A
Fullerton, CA 92834
Phone: (714) 278-4680
 
Ms. Sylvia Milagro, Administrative Assistant
(714) 278-2068
smilagro@fullerton.edu
 

Programs in Science Education are offered at the undergraduate and post-baccalaureate levels.

UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS

The Minor in Natural Sciences should be considered by all prospective elementary teachers. By completing the minor, the future teacher gains additional preparation in several science areas while learning about the most important concepts and problems in the sciences. The program includes 20 units of lower and upper division courses from the disciplines of chemistry and biochemistry, biological sciences, geological sciences, and physics. Many courses are designed especially for elementary teacher candidates.

Subject Matter Preparation Programs (SMPP) require students to take classes that cover the broad range of material found in the California Student Academic Content Standards. While most subject matter preparation programs can be completed within the context of the major, students must choose major electives carefully to simultaneously complete the requirements for the major and the SMPP. For many programs, classes are required in addition to the requirements for the major. Science SMPP's are offered in chemistry, earth and planetary sciences, biological sciences, and physics.

Science Coursework for Elementary Teachers is designed to deepen the skills and knowledge of future K-8 teachers in the areas of scientific content, scientific processes, and investigation and experimentation in the physical sciences (GEOL 410 Physical Science/Earth Systems and GEOL 420 Earth Science for Science Teachers) and the biological sciences (BIOL 453 Life Science Concepts).

Future Teachers Program is a collaboration with the Department of Secondary Education and Project Tomorrow to provide participants in the Science Docent Program with a one -semester, three-unit college-credit course (SCED 110: The Teaching Experience), which includes a weekly seminar, tutoring experience, special day on the university campus, and career and academic advising. Future Teachers Advisors are high school teachers (one at each school site) who teach the course in their classroom.

POST-BACCALAUREATE PROGRAMS

Single Subject Teaching Credential in Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Earth Sciences, and Physics (7-12) is an interdisciplinary program that connects the three main elements of teacher training (subject matter preparation, pedagogical training, and field experience) between the Science Education Program, Department of Secondary Education, and local school districts. The Credential Program is organized around the California Teaching Performance Expectations and includes subject matter preparation, prerequisite education coursework, and credential coursework.

The Master of Arts in Teaching Science (MAT-S) is designed to help career K-12 classroom teachers upgrade their science content knowledge and skills, become informed about new ideas in science teaching, and prepare for curriculum leadership roles in public and private schools. Our graduate program builds upon teacher preparation in the Single Subject Credential Program. Whereas coursework in the credential program focuses on knowledge and skills necessary for a beginning secondary science teachers, The MAT-S program allow students to extend their knowledge and deepen their skills in curriculum design, instructional and assessment strategies, integration of technology, and reflective practice. Our program is aligned with National Science Teachers Association and National Science Standards for the professional development of science teachers.

Introductory Subject Matter Authorization – Science is an additional authorization that may be added to an existing credential. It authorizes the credential holder to teach introductory courses in science, K- 9th grades. It is not a separate credential, but is in addition to a pre-existing Single or Multiple Subject Credential. 32 semester or 48 quarter hours of non-remedial collegiate coursework in science Is required, including a minimum of six semester or eight quarter hours in each of four content areas.

 
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Updated: July 8, 2008, Version 2.0
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