Certificate Requirements

The graduate certificate in STEM Education for K-6 is awarded after completion of the five courses outlined below. The program is offered through the Department of Curriculumn and Instruction. These courses are available for current students who want to focus teaching young children Science, Technology, Engineering and Math, as well as others wishing to earn the STEM education certificate.

Course 1: STEM 5033 or 4033 Introduction to STEM Education

Content: Provides fundamentals of the STEM education disciplines and strategies used to deliver integrative STEM education in the elementary and secondary school setting. Reviews the nature of STEM education disciplines, STEM pedagogy, teaching strategies, integrative STEM learning, STEM careers, and problem-centered instruction.

Course 2: STEM 5023 or 4043 Creativity and Innovation

Content: A course in technology and engineering education (TEED) focuses on the development and introduction of technology-based and engineering content and activities to support science and mathematics instruction in the elementary classroom. Through hands-on, problem-based learning challenges, students will develop an understanding of the engineering design process and the integration of STEM often used to solve real-world problems.

Course 3: STEM 5203 Problem-Based Mathematics

Content: This graduate level course focuses on sharing, modeling and practicing strategies to support the meaningful integration of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) with the emphasis on mathematics in the K-4 classroom. A strong foundation for integrating the STEM disciplines through a problems-based approach within the elementary curriculum will be developed by providing students with theoretical frameworks, research, resources, and methods related to appropriate and effective classroom practice.

Course 4: STEM 5213 Problem-Based Science

Content: This graduate level course focuses on sharing, modeling and practicing strategies to support the meaningful integration of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) with the emphasis on science in the K-4 classroom. A strong foundation for integrating the STEM disciplines through a problems-based approach within the elementary curriculum will be developed by providing students with theoretical frameworks, research, resources, and methods related to appropriate and effective classroom practice.

Course 5: CIED 5032 Curriculum Design Concepts for Teachers

Content: The design and adaptation of curriculum for students in regular and special classrooms. Theoretical bases and curriculum models are reviewed. Concurrent clinical experiences in each area of emphasis are included.

The University Catalog section on STEM has further details.