Secondary Integrated Science Education Major
As a secondary integrated science education major, you will learn basic principles from life, earth and physical sciences. You will gain a working knowledge of anatomy and physiology, evolution, ecology, genetics, organic and inorganic chemistry, astronomy, geology, hydrology, weather and climate, forces and motion and electricity and magnetism. While learning science content, you will also learn about the history, philosophy and policies of teaching in the American school system. You will explore the psychology and development of children and young adults. You will have opportunities to shadow experienced teachers and observe their classrooms, to learn how to develop and teach lessons, and how to design, implement and assess instruction. The program culminates with a semester-long internship in which you teach science in a local school under the supervision of a mentor. This program prepares you for the Michigan DI (Integrated Science) endorsement, allowing you to teach biology, chemistry, earth science, environmental science, physical science, life science and physics in grades 6-12./p>
You should major in earth science education if...
- You have a broad interest in science subjects such as astronomy, biology, chemistry, climate and weather, environmental science, geology, oceanography and physics.
- You want to inspire children or other adults to learn about these subjects.
- You want a career teaching science subjects in middle or high school.
- You have a first major in biology, chemistry, earth science or physics education and are looking to complement this with a program that is highly desired on the job market.
Program overview
The secondary integrated science education major will introduce you to basic areas of science from biology, earth science, chemistry and physics. Basic coursework in math supports the classes you take in this program. While completing the science content classes, you will also take classes in education theory and policy, development of children and design and implementation of instruction. You will work with practicing teachers in middle or high school classrooms throughout this program. This major is only available to students with a first major in biology, chemistry, earth science or physics education. Any courses applied to your first major are waived from this program.
- Program requirements: To learn more about specific program requirements, consult the most recent academic catalog.
- Course listings: To see which courses will be offered when, check out the WMU course listings. You can also read course descriptions for geosciences classes here.
- Professional development: Students in the Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences are encouraged to gain valuable professional, research and field experience through joining our highly active student organizations.