SCIENCE EDUCATION (6-12)

 

Mission Statement

 

UNF graduates from the B.A.E program in Science Education will be exposed to disciplinary and interdisciplinary science content, as well as inquiry-based pedagogy. The core learning objectives of the Science Education program conform to current standards for science teacher preparation at the national (National Science Teachers Association and the Association for Science Teacher Education) and state (Subject Matter Content Standards for Florida Teachers and Florida Educator Accomplished Practices)levels.

 

Student Learning Outcomes

 

UNF Science Education graduates will be able to:

 

Content/Discipline Knowledge & Skills

• Understand and apply general and specific teaching, management and assessment skills, and thinking processes related to teaching biology, chemistry, or physics to diverse groups of students.
  
  
• Demonstrate both a specific and broad-based knowledge base in the sciences, with workable knowledge of mathematics/statistics, technology, and reading to promote science literacy.
  
  
• Acquire knowledge, skills, and dispositions to relate the teaching of science to other areas of the curriculum and to use appropriate resources, including informal science centers and the community.
  
  
• Plan for continued professional development in science and science teaching and the ability to model autonomous learning and the characteristics of science to students.
  
• Be proficient in practicing inquiry, including the basic and integrated processes of science which provide the framework for performing scientific investigations, interpreting findings, and communicating results in written and graphic form.
• Develop positive attitudes toward science and be motivated toward lifelong, autonomous learning.
  
  
• Demonstrate understanding of concepts and principles of behaviorism, social cognitive theory, information processing, constructivist views of learning, and motivation.
  
  
• Develop knowledge and skills to design, assess, and implement instruction that is respectful of special needs learners and speakers of other languages.
  
   

Critical Thinking Skills

• Analyze science curricula in a K-20 science continuum.
  
  
• Employ decision-making skills, such as cost benefit analysis, to solve science-related societal problems.
  
  
• Apply reading in content area strategies to science teaching and learning.
  
  
• Plan for effective instruction.
  
  
• Select and analyze methods and materials appropriate for teaching science in diverse learning situations.
  
  

Communication Skills

• Establish relationships among science, technology and society, using community-based examples as well as global applications
  
  
• Use verbal, non-verbal, and written communication skills to convey appropriate science knowledge, skills and dispositions effectively in diverse contexts, including those which are multicultural and multilingual in nature
  
  
• Use communication, classroom management, and reflection skills appropriately to promote inquiry-based science teaching
  
  
• Engage in analyzing professional literature in the sciences and science education, including research in science education, and communicate it to peers, candidates, and the community

 

 

Curriculum Map
Click on the image below to see in which Science Education courses these Student Learning Outcomes are addressed:

Biology Education	Chemestry	Physics

 

Assessment Approaches

UNF graduates of the B.A.E program in Science Education will demonstrate mastery of content knowledge and teaching skills through proficiency on course embedded assessments, activities, and critical task assessments in core, major, and clinical experiences at a proficiency level expected of a teacher candidate. It is expected that teacher candidates apply knowledge throughout the program by demonstrating understanding, competence, and effective implementation. Assessment strategies include:

        Assignments and formal assessments to demonstrate knowledge;

        Successful completion of critical tasks;

• Class discussions, reflections, and critiques that provide a dynamic forum for developing ideas and demonstrating knowledge; and
  
  
• Development of meaningful learning experiences that address learning and performance modes based on principles of effective instruction.

 

Career Opportunities

 

For information on the many career opportunities available to Science Education majors, go to What Can You Do with a Middle and Secondary Education Major at http://www.unf.edu/dept/cdc/majors/middlesecondary.html

 

For More Information

 

To learn more about the UNF Education Department and majoring in Science Education, go to http://www.unf.edu/coehs/degrees/ci/bach.htm

 

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