Science Education Program BECOMING A SCIENCE TEACHER: Majoring in the Natural Sciences.

Science Education ProgramScience Education Program

BECOMING A SCIENCE TEACHER: Majoring in the Natural Sciences

Science Education Program

Presentation Contents

• California Science Credential Requirements – Subject Matter Competency, Science Credential Options

• Undergraduate Degrees in the Natural Sciences– Biology, Chemistry/Biochemistry, Geological Sciences, Physics– Minor in Natural Science

• Your Next Steps– Plan for College, Learn about CSUF, Prepare to be a Science

Major, Prepare to be a Science Teacher

• Additional Resources

Be a Science Teacher Presentation 2


CALIFORNIA SCIENCE CREDENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

• To earn a secondary science teaching credential, candidates must – demonstrate subject matter competency and

– complete a program of professional preparation.

• The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing authorizes nine different science credentials for teaching in grades 7-12.

– Each credential requires demonstration of subject matter competence through completion of specific undergraduate or graduate degrees OR successful passage of several subtests of the California Science Examination for Teachers (CSET) in Science.

– Candidates with a regular credential in a science area are authorized to teach in their specific discipline as well as general and integrated science, including middle school science.

– Candidates with a Specialized credential in a science area are authorized to teach only in their specific discipline.

• The most common route to subject matter competency is a major in a specific discipline and passage of the appropriate CSETs.


Majors and Minors in Science Presentation 4


Undergraduate Degrees in the Natural Sciences

College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics

California State University Fullerton

5Be a Science Teacher Presentation


College of Natural Sciences

and Mathematics• Includes 91 full-time faculty members• Supports1,400 students majoring in NSM programs• Each year, graduates about 350 students with baccalaureate

degrees and 50 students with master's degrees, who find employment in neighboring communities and provide tremendous resources for Orange County and beyond

• Each year, certifies more than 25 secondary science teachers and prepares over 300 multiple subject candidates in science content through specially designed courses for future elementary teachers

Majoring in the Natural Sciences 6


Typical Undergraduate Student

• The average California State University Fullerton student:– Is 23.7 years old – Works more than 20 hours per week – Takes about 11 units per semester – Completes a bachelor's degree in 6+ years



BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE

• Degrees– Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Biological Science – Master of Science (M.S.) in Biology

• Upper Division Areas of Concentration– Biodiversity, Ecology, and Conservation Biology - study of biological

organisms, their responses to environment on evolutionary and ecological time scales, and conservation.

– Cell and Developmental Biology - study of the structural and functional dynamics of cells as they apply to the specialized fields of immunology, microbiology, neurobiology, physiology, and developmental biology.

– Marine Biology - study of marine organisms and their coastal and oceanic habitats and conservation, environmental and evolutionary issues related to these organisms and their habitats.

– Molecular Biology and Biotechnology - study of genetics, molecular biology, and biotechnology and their applications to medicine, agriculture and the environment.



What Students Gain from Their Experience as a Biology Major

– Skills in experimental design, hypothesis testing, critical thinking, problem solving, observation, data collection and record keeping, data analysis and interpretation, use of laboratory and field instrumentation and techniques, information retrieval and evaluation, written and oral communication, and working as part of a team. In this context, students will learn to question and evaluate biological ideas.

– A positive attitude toward biology, an appreciation for the value of living systems and bioethics, a desire for life-long learning, and an realization that scientific investigations involve creativity, ingenuity, and imagination.

– Mastery of biological principles and concepts and their interrelationships, and an understanding of the unifying role in biology of evolution and biodiversity, and the dynamics of biological systems.



Undergraduate Research Opportunities in Biology

• Minority Access to Research Careers (MARC) - The MARC training program offers an extraordinary opportunity for minority students seeking careers in biomedical research. The goals of the program are to provide first-rate research training of undergraduate participants, to place undergraduates into respected graduate programs and ensure their success in those programs.

• Minority Health and Health Disparities International Research Training Program (MHIRT) - MHIRT students will travel with their CSU faculty mentor to a foreign site and spend ten weeks conducting research in the laboratory of a foreign research advisor.

• Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) Research Scholars Program- Supported by the HHMI, this provides support for CSUF and community college undergraduates, as well as some cohorts of high school teachers and their students with research experiences, to promote interest in biomedical research careers.

• Southern California Ecosystems Research Program (SCERP) - SCERP provides research opportunities, funding for travel, and career planning for undergraduates interested in ecology and environmental biology.



• Degree Options– Bachelor of Science in Chemistry – for students who intend to become

practicing laboratory chemists,

– Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry – for students who want to enter the health professions, biochemistry, pharmaceutical or medicinal chemistry, or biotechnology

– Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry – for students who wish to use chemistry in careers that include sales, marketing or management in a chemistry-related industry; forensics; patent law; technical writing; art conservation; and high school teaching

– Master of Science in Chemistry - for students wishing to develop into analytical, organic, physical, inorganic chemists and biochemists


CHEMISTRY AND BIOCHEMISTRY


• Emphases– Environmental Chemistry – for students who are interested in careers relating

to research or work dealing with air and water chemistry, hazardous materials, as well as the toxicology of environmental pollutants from industry and agriculture and their remediation.

– Biotechnology – for students wanting to work in pharmaceutical and related industries or who want to enter the health professions, biochemistry, pharmaceutical or medicinal chemistry, or fields using biotechnology


CHEMISTRY AND BIOCHEMISTRY


Undergraduate Research Opportunities in Chemistry

• Research for Undergraduate Degrees - All undergraduates are required to perform significant research to obtain their bachelor’s degrees in chemistry or biochemistry.

• Summer Research Experiences for undergraduates (REU) - The National Science Foundation supports a ten-week summer undergraduate research program at CSUF, to provide chemistry and biochemistry research experience and encourage students to pursue research careers in chemistry and biochemistry.

• Minority Access to Research Careers (MARC) - This program offers an extraordinary opportunity for minority students seeking careers in biomedical research, the goals being to provide first-rate research training of undergraduates, their placement into respected graduate programs and ensuring their success in those programs.

• Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) Research Scholars Program- Supported by the HHMI, this provides support for CSUF and community college undergraduates, as well as some cohorts of high school teachers and their students with research experiences, to promote interest in biomedical research

careers. • Minority Health and Health Disparities International Research Training Program

(MHIRT) - MHIRT students travel with CSU faculty mentor to a foreign site and spend ten weeks conducting research in the laboratory of a foreign research advisor.



W.M. Keck Foundation Center for Molecular Structure

http://chemsrvr2.fullerton.edu/CMOLS/index.htm

• The W.M. Keck Foundation Center for

Molecular Structure (CMolS), houses the first comprehensive x-ray crystallographic facility located at a predominantly undergraduate institution.

• CMolS provides faculty and students

throughout the CSU the opportunity for joint research and teaching activities directed at the determination and critical analysis of molecule structures.





Health Professions Resources

• Health Professions Advisement Office– University Hall 223, (714)278-3980 – Advisement for careers in medicine, dentistry, optometry, physician

assistant, pharmacy and other related fields – Assistance with applications to health professions programs

• Article: Health Professions Trains Future Medical Pros– www.fullerton.edu/50/titan_pride/programs/

• Organization: Student Health Professions Association (SHPA)– nsm.fullerton.edu/shpa/php_advising_office.htm

Majoring in the atural Sciences 15

http://www.fullerton.edu/50/titan_pride/programs/

http://nsm.fullerton.edu/shpa/php_advising_office.htm


GEOLOGICAL SCIENCES


Geology is the study of the Earth, its physical nature, chemical composition and dynamics of the earth. In addition to understanding the way the earth works and its relationship to the solar system, geological scientists search for energy, mineral and water resources, evaluate and mitigate man-made environmental hazards, and evaluate hazards from natural disasters such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides, coastal erosion and floods.

Degree Options•Bachelor of Science in Geology•Minor in Geology•Master of Science in Geology

Career Options Include•Environmental Consulting•Geotechnical Engineering•Water Resource Management•Petroleum•Mining & Mineral Exploration•K-12 Teaching

And many more!


Summer Internships in GeologyInternships are designed to educate CSUF geology majors about career options in the geological sciences. Eligibility requirements are such that most geology majors will be eligible at the end of their sophomore year. Interns are paid by the employer and do not receive course credit. Interns are awarded a $1,000 scholarship upon the successful completion of the summer internship. Internship organizations include the following:

•Brown and Caldwell - environmental engineering and consulting firm

•Geosyntec- specialized consulting and engineering firm

•GEOVision - high-quality geophysical data acquisition, analysis, and imaging services

•The Reynolds Group - environmental consulting company

•Worley Parsons - engineering firm serving hydrocarbons, power, infrastructure, and minerals & metals sectors

•Rock Springs Mineral Processing - bentonite mining and distribution company

•And More!Be a Science Teacher Presentation 17

Science Education Program Geology Undergraduate Research Opportunities

• All Geology Majors complete an Undergraduate Thesis - an original research project under the direct supervision of a faculty member

• Theses frequently involve field-based research, although many students also pursue theoretical projects

• Many theses are published in major research journals, and some have even developed into graduate (MS or PhD) theses

• Pedagogical research theses are welcome!


What is Geology Field Camp?

• A long-standing tradition in the education of a geologist.

• 5-week long field-intensive mapping course• Synthesis of classroom, laboratory, and field-

based training to solving a variety of complex geological problems in the field

• Geology students develop and refine many skills that are necessary for future employment including:

• Collecting geologic data in the field• Interpreting important geologic structures• Performing geologic mapping and geologic report

writing in an accurate, professional, and timely manner


Dillon, MT

Fullerton, CAFullerton, CA

Dillon, MT

Yellowstone NPYellowstone NP

Bryce and Zion NPBryce and Zion NP

Road Log

Getting there is only part of the fun!


PHYSICS• Degree Options

– Bachelor of Science in Physics - excellent preparation either for graduate study in physics and related areas, or for entry-level positions in industry or government.

– BS Physics with Business Emphasis - provides training in entrepreneurship to undergraduate physics majors

– Master of Science in Physics



Dan Black Program in Physics & Business

• Special emphasis provides undergraduate physics majors with training and experience needed to succeed in today's world of high-technology business.

• Coursework sequence includes core physics courses and accounting, finance, marketing, management, and business communication.

• Students in capstone course develop plans to start new business and are guided through this process by a program advisory board that includes business leaders and entrepreneurs from southern California's “Tech Coast.”



Dr. Robert W. Kedzie Memorial Tutorial Center

The Physics Department at California State University, Fullerton operates a tutorial center that is open to all students enrolled in any physics course offered by the department. The center is located in McCarthy Hall (MH-600). It is staffed by faculty members and volunteers beginning with the second week of classes each semester.



MINOR IN NATURAL SCIENCE

• CSUF offers a Minor in Natural Sciences that should be considered by all prospective elementary teachers as well as potential middle school science teachers.

• By completing the minor, future teachers:– Gain additional preparation in science content areas;– Learn about important and current concepts and issues in science; and– Prepare for teaching earth, life, and physical science in middle schools.

• The minor readily combines with any major when the student carefully selects the appropriate lower division general education classes. Assuming efficient lower division GE science selections, the minor may require only 9-11 units of additional coursework.



Lower Division Courses

Take at least 3 units from each group for a total of 9-11 units

Must have an * course from Life Science and a second one from either

Physical Sciences or Earth/Astronomical Sciences.

Life Science3 Units Minimum

Biology 101, 101L*, 102 or equivalent

Life Science3 Units Minimum

Biology 101, 101L*, 102 or equivalent

Earth/Astronomical Sciences3 Units Minimum

Geology 101, 101L*, 102*, or equivalent. Physics 120

Earth/Astronomical Sciences3 Units Minimum

Geology 101, 101L*, 102*, or equivalent. Physics 120

Physical Sciences3 Units Minimum

Chemistry 100, 100L*, 105, 111, 115 or 120A*, 120B*,

Physics/Chem 102*Physics 101, 101L*, 115, 211*, 212*

Physical Sciences3 Units Minimum

Chemistry 100, 100L*, 105, 111, 115 or 120A*, 120B*,

Physics/Chem 102*Physics 101, 101L*, 115, 211*, 212*

Natural Sciences Minor Requirements

Upper Division Courses

12 Units Total: At least 2 units from three course groups: Teacher Education Core,

Biology, Chemistry, Geology, and Physics. Natural Sciences Minor advisor must

approve course election.

Teacher Education Core CoursesGroup 1

Biology 453, Geology 410

Teacher Education Core CoursesGroup 1

Biology 453, Geology 410

Biological Science CoursesGroup 2

Biology 300, 305, 306, 310, 311, 318, 319, 330, 352, 360, 409, 453

Biological Science CoursesGroup 2

Biology 300, 305, 306, 310, 311, 318, 319, 330, 352, 360, 409, 453

Chemistry/Biochemistry CoursesChemistry 303 A, B, C, 311, and 313 A,

B, C

Chemistry/Biochemistry CoursesChemistry 303 A, B, C, 311, and 313 A,

B, C

Geological Sciences CoursesGeology 310T, 410, 420

Geological Sciences CoursesGeology 310T, 410, 420

Physics CoursesPhysics 301

Physics CoursesPhysics 301

See www.assist.org to identify community college and lower division courses that

articulate with Cal State Fullerton courses.


Natural Sciences Minor as a Stepping Stone to Middle School Science

There are two credential pathways to middle school science teaching:• Candidates may earn a Multiple Subject Credential and add the Foundational Level

General Science Credential by passage of #119 and #120 CSET Subtests AND successful completion of EDSC 542S Advanced Methods of Teaching Middle School Science (offered each summer)

• Candidates earn a Single Subject Credential in Foundational Level General Science by completing the single subject credential program.

The Minor in Natural Sciences helps prepare candidates for CSET subtests: • #119 Subtest I General Science: Astronomy; Dynamic Processes of the Earth; Earth

Resources; Waves; Forces and Motion; Electricity and Magnetism• #120 Subtest II General Science: Ecology; Genetics and Evolution; Molecular Biology and

Biochemistry; Cell and Organismal Biology; Heat Transfer and Thermodynamics; Structure/Properties of Matter



Special Information and Support for Community College Transfer Students

• University Resources – Information for Transfer Students

www.fullerton.edu/explore/transfer/index.htm – Mandatory Orientation for Transfer Students

www.fullerton.edu/orientation/

• Center for Careers in Teaching Resources– Community College Student Information

www.fullerton.edu/cct/CC/ccindex.htm

• College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics– Each department provides one-on-one advisement for transfer

students.Majoring in the Natural Sciences 27


Your Next Steps: Plan for College

• Create an account at www.csumentor.org and complete the High School Planner

• View timeline of preparation (by grade level) at www.fullerton.edu/explore/freshmen/12thgrade.htm

• Meet admission requirements www.fullerton.edu/explore/freshmen/qualify.htm Be a Science Teacher Presentation 28


Your Next Steps:

Learn About CSUF• Return for a campus tour – register at

www.fullerton.edu/deanofstudents/nsp/tourscontent.htm

• Visit the Student Information and Referral Center (SIRC) - University Hall 178 - (714) 278-2501

• Learn more about Cal State Fullerton at our Website: www.fullerton.edu/prospective.htm



Your Next Steps: Prepare to be a Science Major

• Review the View Sheet for your major (you may also download these at www.fullerton.edu/explore/freshmen/majors.htm).

• Make an appointment to tour the department facilities and receive early advisement:

– Biological Sciences – 714-278-3614– Chemistry/Biochemistry – 714-278-3621– Geological Sciences – 714-278-3882 – Physics – 714-278-3366

• Be a successful science student!– Find resources for time management at http://nsm.fullerton.edu/25-35.asp.



Your Next Steps: Prepare to be a Science Teacher

• Complete your undergraduate degree in a science field.• Visit the Center for Careers in Teaching – see www.fullerton.edu/cct • Attend a Single Subject Credential Program overview – the

schedule is found at ed.fullerton.edu/adtep/EDSCoverviews.htm • Keep informed about science education opportunities by joining our

Science Education Electronic Network – email your request to [email protected]

• Stay involved in teaching by volunteering at your local schools!• Join your national organization (see following slides) and the

California Science Teachers Association (see www.cascience.org)



GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA

• Education and Teacher Resources Website

• Why Earth Science brochure• Nature of Science and Scientific Method• Understanding Climate Change

presentations and videos



AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES

• Resources for Teaching and Learning

• The Butterfly Project• Actionbioscience.org



More Resources for Biology/Life Science Teachers

• American Society for Cell Biology BioEducate Resources http://bioeducate.ascb.org/

• Society for Neuroscience• Neuroscience Education Resources Virtual

Encyclopedia (NERVE) for the K-12 Teacher www.ndgo.net/sfn/nerve/Majoring in the Natural Sciences 34


AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY

• Website for Educators and Students• Curriculum Materials• Student Activities• ACS High School Student Clubs

– Your Virtual Chemistry Club• Public Service Announcement



AMERICAN PHYSICS SOCIETY

• Website for Students and Educators

• Color Me Physics Coloring Book• Physics to Go



CSTA


www.cascience.org

• CSTA represents science educators statewide—in every science discipline at every grade level, Kindergarten through University.

• CSTA demonstrates leadership in science education in the state by organizing and participating in statewide reform initiatives, and provides leadership opportunities for members who wish to serve on state advisory committees, including framework, standards, and textbook committees.

• CSTA works to ensure that the interests of science educators are represented at the state level, with legislators and state education policy-makers


NSTANSTA’s Guiding Principles• Model excellence; • Champion science literacy; • Value scientific excellence; • Embrace diversity, equity, and respect; • Enhance teaching and learning through research; • Collaborate with partners; and • Exemplify a dynamic professional organization.

The National Science Teachers Association (NSTA), founded in 1944 and headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, is the largest organization in the world committed to promoting excellence and innovation in science teaching and learning for all. NSTA's membership of 60,000 includes science teachers, science supervisors, administrators, scientists, business and industry representatives, and others involved in and committed to science education.


www.nsta.org


NSTA CAREER CENTER

• There are many things you can do to prepare for a career as a science teacher before you enter the classroom. Whether you are still a student or you are an adult seeking to enter the field, now is the time for you to begin building skills related to teaching, management, and organization.

• See suggestions and resources at: http://careers.nsta.org/advice_planning.asp


ADVISEMENT RESOURCES

• Center for Careers in Teaching www.fullerton.edu/cct/

• Science Education Programshttp://nsm.fullerton.edu/scied

• Science Education Office McCarthy Hall 527, 714-278-2703

• Science Education Program DirectorDr. Vikki Costa ([email protected] )



ADDITIONAL INFORMATION• Why Teach?

– http://www.recruitingteachers.org/channels/clearinghouse/whyteach/default1.htm • I love Teaching

– http://www.iloveteaching.com - designed to encourage new teachers• New Teacher.com

– http://www.new-teacher.com -designed to inspire those considering teaching).• Occupational Outlook Handbook – Information on Teaching

– http://stats.bls.gov/oco/ocos069.htm - the site offers extensive information on the nature of teaching, the employment picture, working conditions, and the job outlook

• Career Planning for Teachers– http://careerplanning.about.com/library/weekly/aa030901d.htm - describes the nature

of teaching• Status of the American Public School Teacher

– http://www.nea.org/edstats/images/status.pdf - snapshot of the profession today in a historical perspective


YEAR OF SCIENCE 2009


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Science Education Program BECOMING A SCIENCE TEACHER: Majoring in the Natural Sciences.

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