Natural Science Education Museum of Natural Science General Information Liberal Arts Programs (majors and minors) allow students to pursue in-depth study in the natural science discipline of one's choice. They also allow one to experience a more diverse education through broader study outside of the natural sciences. Liberal arts graduates are able to find employment in a variety of entry-level positions directly related to their major discipline. They are also able to move into graduate school or professional programs. Liberal arts graduates have the education for significant career ladder movement in their discipline fields. They also have the background to exercise unique job mobility to become entrepreneurs and pioneer new career directions. Pre-Professional Programs are designed for students interested in specific professional careers requiring additional education at professional schools elsewhere. Weber State has an excellent record of graduates being admitted into professional school programs. Professional Teacher Preparation Programs are designed to meet the needs of students seeking certification to teach in elementary and secondary schools. The Center for Science Education coordinates with the College of Education to provide opportunities for students to investigate science teaching careers. Career opportunities for teachers with majors or minors in natural science disciplines are excellent. Technical Education Programs are offered to meet the needs of individuals seeking vocational and technical preparation required for skilled job-entry or reentry employment, as well as for career updating and occupational enhancement. Currently two associate of applied science degrees and an associate of science degree are offered. A Certificate of Skill Proficiency in Chemistry is also offered. Students planning to major or minor in the College of Science should contact the appropriate department for assistance in planning their program. The details of the requirements for all majors and minors are listed within the respective departments. Students completing the teaching majors, minors, or emphasis will also work closely with the Center for Science Education and the College of Education. CENTER FOR SCIENCE EDUCATION Director: Richard N. Vineyard Location: Science Lab 403M Telephone Contact: Lisa Pugmire 626-6160 Effective science education of the citizenry requires rich and active experiences with the concepts and methods of science throughout life. To this end the Center for Science Education seeks to share the resources and expertise of the faculties at Weber State with the surrounding schools and community. The Center for Science Education offers Natural Science Education electives for the Masters of Education program (College of Education). NSE 610 through NSE 650 are especially appropriate for enhancing content, understanding, and pedagogy for teachers of grades K-6. NSE 650 through NSE 690 are designed for teachers of grades 7-12. Masters students may also obtain elective credit by registering for 503 level courses through science department chairs. Representative activities of the Center include: • Supporting the Ott Planetarium and Weber State Museum of Natural Sciences • Informing students of the opportunities available in science education • Coordinating formal and informal workshops for area teachers • Sponsoring programs by which area K-12 students and their teachers visit the campus and utilize its resources • Sponsoring pre-student teaching opportunities for Weber State science students to lead activities in area schools • Seeking outside funding for teacher enhancement programs and to conduct research in science teaching • Organizing and participation in state level activities regarding curriculum, certification, and teacher performance • Administering science electives for the Masters of Education Program NATURAL SCIENCE EDUCATION (Master of Education Courses) m The Center for Science Education offers Natural Science Education electives for the Masters of Education program (College of Education). NSE 610 through NSE 650 are especially appropriate for enhancing content, understanding, and pedagogy for teachers of grades K-6. NSE 650 through NSE 690 are designed for teachers of grades 7-12. Masters students may also obtain elective credit by registering for 503 level courses through science department chairs. 610S Life Science for Elementary Teachers (5) This course provides a background in concepts relating to living organisms and the interactions among them and their environment. The flexibility of these concepts is examined in light of research activities. 620S Physical Science for Elementary Teachers (5) Basic concepts of the physical sciences (chemistry and physics) are covered. The importance of the scientific method and the design of experiments is addressed as well as basic facts and discoveries. Hands-on laboratory activities are an important part of the course. 630S Earth Science for Elementary Teachers (5) A background in basic concepts relating to the formation, development, and history of the earth is provided. General concepts of the structure, composition, and modification of the planet (atmosphere, lithosphere, and hydrosphere) are investigated through laboratory activities applicable to elementary classrooms. Activities emphasize inquiry and appropriate activities for developing content, process skills, laboratory skills, and positive attitudes toward science. 216 650S Understanding Science (3) This course examines the definition of science, the process of science, and the role of science in society. 660S Life Science for Secondary Teachers (5) This course examines basic concepts relating to living organisms, interactions among them, and relationships with their environment. Concepts of structure, function, ecology, behavior, and evolution will be investigated through laboratory activities applicable to secondary classrooms. Content relates to current areas of public concern and advances in the life sciences. 670S Physics for Secondary Teachers (5) A backround in the basic concepts of physics is provided. Topics include laws of motion, gravity, energy, light, heat, sound, electricity, magnetism, atomic and nuclear physics, radioactivity, and relativity. Laboratories investigate concepts applicable to secondary classrooms. Activities associate science content with appropriate activities designed to develop process skills, laboratory skills, and positive attitudes toward science. 680S Chemistry for Secondary Teachers (5) A background in the basic concepts related to matter, its properties, and its reactions is provided. Laboratories investigate concepts applicable to secondary classrooms. Activities associate science content with appropriate activities designed to develop process skills, laboratory skills, and positive attitudes toward science. 690S Earth Science for Secondary Teachers (5) A background in basic concepts relating to the information, development, and history of the earth is provided. General concepts of the structure, composition, and modification of the planet (atmosphere, lithosphere, and hydrosphere) are investigated through laboratory activities applicable to secondary classrooms. Activities emphasize inquiry and appropriate activities for developing content, process skills, laboratory skills, and positive attitudes toward science. CENTER FOR ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES Directors: Barbara Wachocki, Environmental Science and Technology; Dianne Siegfried, Administration and Community Outreach Location: Science Lab Building, Rm 303M Telephone: 626-7559 The Center for Environmental Services operates in the College of Science but involves all environmentally relevant departments and colleges of Weber State University. The Center seeks to respond to needs of industries in the Northern Wasatch Front of Utah to address various environmental management issues. Two advisory groups, a University policy advisory board and a community advisory board for coordination, govern the Center's activities. Four kinds of services are offered by the Environmental Center: • Conduct cooperative research for industry regarding environmental concerns and standards. • Conduct cooperative studies with industry regarding environmental acceptability of products and manufacturing processes. 217 Create an intern program for students and teachers with participating businesses to study environmental management trends and issues. Assist with the integration of current environmental management concepts into existing WSU curricula. CENTER FOR CHEMICAL TECHNOLOGY Directory: Edward B. Walker Location: Science Lab Building, Rm 503M Telephone: 626-6162 The Center for Chemical Technology was awarded the status of a Center of Excellence by the Utah Department of Economic Development, Centers of Excellence program. The mission of the Center is to conduct applied research on chemical problems leading directly to new and/or enhanced product innovations. Faculty of various science departments are encouraged to participate in research projects of the Center as appropriate. Students in the College of Science are employed in Center projects where they gain valuable work experience as well as earn money to assist in their educational expenses. Over twenty Utah companies currently have benefitted from various types of assistance from the Center. Furthermore, the Center attempts to bring Utah companies with diversified chemical interests together to form alliances that are mutually beneficial to them and to the State of Utah. MUSEUM Director: Keith Harrison Location: Lind Lecture Hall 104 Telephone: 626-6653 The Museum of Natural Science is an educational facility available to students in elementary and secondary schools, college students, and members of the community. Exhibits of interest include Plate Tectonics, Valley Glaciation, Continental Glaciation, The World of Neanderthal Man, the Grand Canyon District, Edward S. Curtis Indian Photographs, the Ichthyosaur, Dimentrodon, Allosaurus, Sabertooth Tiger, Petroglyphs, sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic rocks, minerals, fossils, and geological models. Teachers wishing instructional materials and/or activities concerning the Museum's exhibits should contact the Director of the Museum of Natural Science, 626-6653. The Museum is open to the public from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, except on holidays. Student group visits are encouraged in the afternoon. Student Services Interdisc. Programs Applied Science & Technology Arts& Humanities Business & Economics Education Health Professions Science Social & Behavioral Sciences Continuing Education