The Science Education: Earth & Environmental Science concentration (BS) degree is one of five undergraduate degree options in the Science Education program in the Department of STEM Education.
This degree program prepares teacher-leaders to have a deep understanding of the pedagogical strategies to teach high school Earth and Environmental Science. Students complete courses focused on Earth and Environmental Sciences and Science education, obtain relevant pedagogical experiences while immersed in rich field experiences in science classrooms, and emphasize teaching science with technology. Upon successful completion of the program, students are recommended for an initial North Carolina teaching license in grades 9-12. They will be able to seek employment opportunities in education and make a positive difference in their communities.
The goals and objectives of the BS degree in Science Education are:
- To enable and ensure that each prospective teacher enriches his/her life through a comprehensive university education
- To develop the professional qualities and academic background needed to teach science to all student levels in the grade for which the teacher is certified
- To develop a general knowledge foundation upon which specialized professional knowledge is built, and upon which a well-rounded university education is the base
Coursework for the degree is divided into four types of knowledge:
- General pedagogical knowledge – the nature of learners and general principles of instruction
- Content-area knowledge – knowledge of the natural sciences
- Pedagogical content knowledge – principles of curriculum, instruction and assessment directly related to the natural sciences
- Context knowledge – understanding the culture of the school, community and society in which educational institutions exist and function
Students in this program also have the opportunity to participate in:
- Undergraduate research
- The student chapter of the NC Science Teachers Association (NSTA), and other high impact experiences such as Passport to Success, SAY Village, and study abroad
- Outreach and tutoring in local schools
For more information about this program, visit our website.