Courses

ARSC 1201 — Intro to Teaching STEM Subjects (Fa, Sp)

This course provides a preview of what it is like to teach STEM subjects. Engaging activities that model effective teaching practices, discussions of STEM education issues, and optional school observations will help STEM majors clarify interest in teaching as a career or as an additional skill as a STEM professional.

First year and transfer students in Fulbright College may use this course to fulfill the University Perspectives requirement.

ARSC 1212 — Field Experience in Teaching STEM Subjects (Fa, Sp)

Along with learning classroom strategies for engaging students and organizing a lesson, student pairs plan and teach three inquiry-based lessons (choice of math, science, or computer science) in a local school classroom, assess student understanding, and reflect on feedback. For STEM majors exploring teaching as an additional career option.

This class will only meet for one hour a week when students are in local schools; students without transportation will be paired with students who can drive to the school.

STEM 2003 — The Art of STEM Communication (Fa, Sp)

It is widely known that breakdown of communication contributes to mistrust and misunderstanding of the scientific enterprise. In this dynamic, interdisciplinary course including guest lectures, socio-scientific issues, and theatre-style methods, students will learn to communicate complex STEM topics clearly and effectively using research-based practices from the field of education.

This course meets the University Core Social Science requirement.

STEM 2103 — Knowing and Learning in Science and Mathematics (Fa)

This course examines theories of learning to provide a firm foundation for teaching, learning, and communicating within STEM disciplines. Drawing from scholarship in educational psychology and other disciplines, students explore implications for designing effective learning environments, the relationship between communication and learning, and how learning is influenced by culture. 

STEM 3203 — Classroom Interactions (Sp)

This course examines the interaction between teachers, students, and content, and how effective communication and pedagogical knowledge contribute to development of conceptual understanding of STEM subjects. Students learn a variety of instructional strategies to engage students of diverse backgrounds to implement in a secondary setting. Prerequisite: STEM 2103.

STEM 3403 - STEM Teaching Experiences

This course examines the interaction between teachers, students, and content, and how effective communication and pedagogical knowledge contribute to developing deep conceptual understanding of STEM subjects. Students learn a variety of instructional activities and strategies that will engage students of diverse backgrounds in various educational settings. Students will actively participate in the K-12 outreach program summer camps in conjunction with the college of engineering. Summer camps for rising 2nd through 12 grades offer hands-on learning experiences and exploration of engineering and sustainability topics.

CIED 4023 — Teaching in Inclusive Secondary Settings

This course is designed to prepare pre-service teachers to teach in inclusive classroom settings at the secondary level. Course content will focus on the ways in which exceptionality, specifically focused on high-incidence disabilities and culture, specifically focused on English language learners mediate the learning experiences of secondary level students.

MATH 2903 — Functions, Foundations & Models (Fa, even years)

An in-depth study of topics from secondary school mathematics, emphasizing the development of the concept function, function patterns in data sets, connections among the main topics associated with a secondary school curriculum, and the appropriate use of technology. Pre- or Corequisite(s) MATH 2564 or MATH 2564C.

STEM 4303 — Teaching Secondary Mathematics I (Fa)

Study of the theories that have influenced teaching and learning of mathematics. Specific frameworks of secondary students' mathematical thinking and learning trajectories will be examined. Implications for instruction will be explored. Prerequisite: STEM 3203.

STEM 4313 — Teaching Secondary Mathematics II (Sp)

Framed by current literature in mathematics education, teacher candidates will deepen their knowledge of effective practices for teaching mathematics and their understanding of the essential elements of school mathematics programs such as access and equity, curriculum, and assessment. The course will focus on pedagogy for teaching high school mathematics content. Pre or Corequisite: STEM 3203

STEM 4003 — Teaching Secondary Science (Fa)

Study of the methods and materials for teaching science. Includes philosophical, cognitive, and psychological dimensions of teaching science. The planning of instruction, microteaching, safety and liability issues, and the development of instructional materials are included. Prerequisite: STEM 3203

STEM 4333 — History and Philosophy of Science for Science Teachers (Fa)

The History and Philosophy of Science for Science Teachers explores knowledge generation in the sciences by referencing the history and philosophy of the sciences. The course prepares future teachers with the background, rationales and strategies necessary to enhance student knowledge and interest in these important foundation areas.

BIOL/CHEM/PHYS 3273 — Inquiry and Modeling in Science Education (Fa,Sp)

Study of science practices with an emphasis on modeling and inquiry for learning/teaching. Includes practical, philosophical, cognitive, and disciplinary specific dimensions of doing science in academic and nonacademic settings. Includes planning and implementing. Prerequisite(s) 8 hours of BIOL/CHEM/PHYS courses. Corequisite: Drill component.

CATE 4073 — Introduction to Teaching Programming in the Secondary Schools (Sp)

This course provides an introduction to the foundations of teaching methods for computer programming in the secondary schools. Methods of computer programming instruction will include teaching strategies in coding, developing computational thinking, problem-solving skills, and applying key programming concepts. This is an introductory level course. No prerequisites are required.

Internship Semester for Students Pursuing Teacher Licensure:

STEM 4403 - Teaching Seminar

This weekly seminar is designed to help mathematics, science, and computer science teacher interns address complex issues related to novice teaching experiences, including assessment and evaluation of student learning and teaching practice, classroom management challenges, and career readiness.

STEM 4506 — Supervised Clinical Teaching Internship

Supervised Clinical Teaching is the apprenticeship experience for students preparing for careers as mathematics, science, and computer science teachers. Teacher interns will teach at the secondary level with mentoring provided by university supervisors and experienced classroom educators. A required weekly seminar will address experiences, questions and problems encountered in the field. Prerequisite(s) SEED 4003 or SEED 4303 or CATE 4073.