Concordia College -- Science Teacher Preparation

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Science Teacher Preparation

See also Education

An Interdisciplinary Program

A variety of options is available for those interested in teaching science in the elementary, middle or secondary schools. A multidisciplinary committee acts as an advisory body for the various programs in science education.

Committee

Ronald L. Nellermoe, Chair
Cherie R. Hatlem
Pamela S. Mork
Michael D. Wohlfeil

Science Teaching Grades 7-12 and Grades 5-9

Students wishing to teach science in grades 7-12 and grades 5-9 must complete one of the following options and complete the secondary education requirements as described in the Education section of the catalog, including the science methods course (Education 385), and student teaching in each area of science for which licensure is sought. Students majoring in a science must meet specific departmental major requirements.

A. Options in life science (grades 7-12)

To be licensed in life science (grades 7-12), students must complete the broadening courses and either a major or minor in biology. Students who choose a minor in biology must complete a teaching major in another area.
1. Broadening courses in science:
   a. Biology 121
   b. Biology 122
   c. Two course credits from Chemistry 127-128 or 129; 142; 230 or 231; Physics 111, 112, 128, or 211
   d. Two course credits from Earth Science 105, 107, 302
2. The candidate may have either a major or minor in biology:
   a. Major in biology: six course credits in biology beyond the broadening courses
    1) Required course: Biology 224
    2) Five 300- or 400-level course credits, with a minimum of three from Biology 309, 311, 313, 324, 405, 407
   b. Minor in biology: three course credits in biology beyond the broadening courses
    1) Required course: Biology 224
    2) Two additional course credits from Biology 309, 311, 313, 324, 405, 407

B. Options in physical science (grades 7-12)

To be licensed in physical science (grades 7-12), students must complete one of the following options, which include three options for a major in physical science and two options for a minor in physical science. Students who choose a minor in physical science must complete a teaching major in another area. Students may choose any of the options listed below: 1a, 1b, 1c, 2a, 2b.
1. Physical science major
   a. Physics concentration -- 14 course credits from among the following:
    1) Mathematics 121, 122
    2) Physics 111 and 112 or 128 and 211; 224, and five courses from Physics 226, 314, 315, 316, 317, 380, 429, 480
    3) Chemistry 127-128 or 129, 230 or 231, 341 and 342, or 351
   b. Chemistry concentration -- 14.25 courses from among the following:
    1) Mathematics 121, 122
    2) Chemistry 127-128 or 129, 230 or 231, 341 and 342, 351, 402 and two additional chemistry courses
    3) Physics 111 and 112 or 128 and 211; 224, 226
   c. Physical science major, 14 courses from among the following:
    1) Mathematics 121, 122
    2) Physics 111 and 112 or 128 and 211; 224, 226 and two additional physics courses
    3) Chemistry 127-128 or 129, 230 or 231, 341, 342, or 351 and one additional chemistry course
2. Physical science minor
   a. Physical science minor in physics -- five courses from among the following:
    1) One from Mathematics 121 or Biology 121 or 122
    2) Physics 111 and 112 or 128 and 211; 224; and 226
   b. Physical science minor in chemistry -- five courses from among the following:
    1) One from Mathematics 121 or Biology 121 or 122
    2) Chemistry 127-128 or 129; plus 341-342 or 351-352; and 230 or 231; or 373

C. Options in earth science (grades 7-12)

To be licensed in earth science (grades 7-12), students must complete the broadening courses and the earth science courses listed in 2 below. This is a minor in earth science. Students who choose the minor in earth science must complete a teaching major in another area.
1. Broadening courses
   a. Biology 121 and 122
   b. Two courses from the following: Chemistry 127-128 or 129; 142; 230 or 231; Physics 111, 112, 128, or 211
   c. Earth Science 105 and 107
2. Additional courses
   a. Earth Science 302
   b. Two additional courses (eight semester hours) in earth science

D. Options in science (middle school, grades 5-9)

To be licensed in science grades 5-9, students must complete the broadening courses and all additional courses listed in 2 below.
1. Broadening courses
   a. Biology 121 and 122
   b. Two courses from Chemistry 127-128 or 129; 142; 230 or 231; Physics 111, 112, 128 or 211
   c. Two courses from Earth Science 105, 107 or 302
2. Additional courses
   a. Two additional biology courses
   b. Two additional physical science courses: Recommended are Chemistry 127-128 or 129; 142; 230 or 231; Physics 111, 112, 128 or 211
   c. Two additional earth science courses (eight semester hours): Recommended courses are Earth Science 105, 107, 302 and courses in earth science from Tri-College