Science Education, Earth Science (9-12) Concentration, B.S.

Bachelor of Science in Science Education (9-12, 6-9)

Coordinator: Mary Ash

Location: Department of Biology

Program Description

The program of study in Science Education consists of four curricular components: freshman seminar and general education, the content courses, the professional studies core, and content pedagogy (methods and internship). Upon successful completion of the program and related requirements, graduates are eligible for a Standard Professional I license to teach in the State of North Carolina. The NC Department of Public Instruction issues the teaching license based on University recommendation.

The Science Education program is one of 12 teacher education programs offered at UNCP. Science Education majors are subject to Teacher Education Program regulations, admission requirements, continuation requirements, and graduation requirements.

The Science Education program is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and the NC State Board of Education.

Program Standards

The Teacher Education Program standards for all education majors are described fully in the UNCP Teacher Education Program Teacher Candidate Handbook.

Program Goals and Objectives

The goal of the Science Education program is to prepare competent science teachers committed to the development of scientific literacy in diverse secondary school learners. The program helps the prospective science educator integrate the knowledge bases underlying the curricular areas of science into an internal framework of their own through collaboration with peers, university faculty, and public school partners. The prospective science teacher should possess the following characteristics:

1. an understanding of unifying concepts of science and how this knowledge will enable students to deal with personal and social problems intelligently;
2. an understanding of the nature of science and the historical development of scientific thought;
3. an understanding of the interrelationships between science, mathematics, technology, and society;
4. an understanding of how science contributes to the personal development of diverse individuals;
5. an understanding of developmentally appropriate instructional methods and curriculum of science, to include inquiry-based instruction, assessment techniques, and the integration of technology;
6. the communication skills necessary for effective teaching, as well as, the skills necessary for effective classroom management;
7. an understanding of the role of research in science education;
8. an awareness of the importance of incorporating best practices into science classrooms through lifelong professional development;
9. an awareness of the safety precautions specific to classroom, stockroom, laboratories, and other areas used for science instruction.
10. the ability to collaborate with colleagues, families, and community members to improve science instruction for all students.

Freshman Seminar and General Education: 45(33) Sem. Hrs.*

Freshman Seminar: 1 Sem. Hr.

General Education: 44 Sem. Hrs.

See General Education Program  for available options in each category.

• ENG 1050. Composition I (3 credits)
• ENG 1060. Composition II (3 credits)
• Fine Art (3 credits)
• Literature (3 credits)
• History (3 credits)
• Philosophy and Religion (3 credits)
• Social Sciences (9 credits)
• Natural Science (6 credits)
• Mathematics (3 credits)
• Physical Education (2 credits)
• General Education Electives (6 credits)

Content Courses

Select one area of concentration (*12 semester hours of Natural Sciences and Mathematics may count toward General Ed)

Earth Science (9-12) Concentration: 62 Sem. Hrs.

• GLY 1000. Physical Geology (3 credits)
• GLYL 1000. Physical Geology Laboratory (1 credit) or

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• GLY 1150. Earth Science (3 credits)
• GLYL 1150. Earth Science Laboratory (1 credit)

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• GLY 1250. Earth History (3 credits)
• GLYL 1250. Earth History Laboratory (1 credit)
• GLY 2260. Oceanography (3 credits)
• GLY 2460. Weather and Climate (3 credits)
• GLY 2620. Environmental Geology (3 credits)
• GLY 3100. Minerals and Rocks (3 credits)
• GLY 3110. Minerals and Rocks Laboratory (1 credit)
• GLY 3250. Paleontology (3 credits)

Professional Studies Core: 12 Sem. Hrs.

• EDN 2100. Introduction to Education (3 credits)
• EDN 3130. Content Area Reading (3 credits)
• EDN 3140. Aspects of Human Development and Educational Psychology (Grades 6-12) (3 credits)
• SED 3310. Introduction to the Exceptional Child (3 credits)

Content Pedagogy: 21-24 Sem. Hrs.

(9-12) Total: 128 Sem. Hrs.

**The number of elective hours required in the Middle Grades Science Concentration will be determined based on the student’s second academic concentration. 128 hours are required for the degree.

NOTE: Students who desire teacher licensure in Science Education should declare the major as soon as possible in their college career. Consultation with the Program Coordinator or program advisor prior to registering for General Education courses is strongly recommended.