Science Education

Ellensburg
Science 302F

(509) 963-2929
Fax (509) 963-2730
http://www.cwu.edu/~scied
See the Web site for how these programs could be used for educational and career purposes.

Faculty
Program Director
Martha J. Kurtz

Associate Professors
Martha J. Kurtz, chemistry and science education
Bruce Palmquist, physics and science education

Assistant Professor
Ian J. Quitadamo, biological sciences and science education.

Department Information

The primary function of the science education program is preparing people to teach science. Coursework in science pedagogy is offered for students in the teacher preparation programs as well as for teachers in the schools. The science education program works with science departments in the design and operation of degree programs for students who are preparing to teach in the secondary schools. We believe that students learn via the active construction of knowledge. To facilitate that process, all of our instruction follows the learning cycle model.

Our program seeks to help students become facilitators of learning in a diverse world. To that end, the science education program has the following goals. An effective science teacher:

Exhibits a breadth and depth of understanding of natural sciences necessary for their grade level endorsement as summarized in the Washington State Academic Learning Requirements for Science
Demonstrates critical thinking skills by:

a.    developing age-appropriate lessons using auditory, visual and
       kinesthetic components
b.    developing age-appropriate lessons which relate science and
       technology to the everyday lives of students based on students’
       needs, interests and abilities
c.    selecting appropriate modeling, discussion and laboratory exercises to
       help students learn science
d.    problem solving in science

Demonstrates competence in the appropriate uses of educational technology which support science learning
Analyzes and evaluates her or his own teaching behavior and effectiveness and implements change based on these observations
Fosters a positive attitude toward teaching and learning science, toward continual professional development in the sciences, and can compare and contrast science with other ways of knowing.

Students seeking endorsement for certification to teach a specialized science at the high school level must satisfactorily complete the teaching major within the specific science department. Students desiring to become middle or junior high school specialized teachers of science must obtain a teaching major in one or more of the following areas: biology, chemistry, Earth sciences or physics. All students are advised to work toward a second major or minor endorsement.

All students enrolled in science majors leading to certification are required to have an approved schedule on file with a science education advisor as early as possible and before endorsement for student teaching.