Center for Science Education Pre-Professional Programs 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 provides 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, we offer two associate of applied science degrees and an associate of science. We also offer a Certificate of Skill Proficiency in Chemistry and a Certificate for BioTechnician. Students planning to major or minor in the School of Natural Sciences should contact the appropriate department for assistance in planning their program. The details of the requirements for all majors and minors are listed with the respective departments. Students completing the teaching majors, minors, or emphasis will also work closely with the Center for Science Education and the School of Education. CENTER FOR SCIENCE EDUCATION Director: Michael I. Cousens Location: Science Lab 403M Telephone: 626-6160 Effective science education of the citizenry requires rich and active experiences with the content 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 (School 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 • 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 (School 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. 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. 170 171 MUSEUM Location: Lind Lecture Hall 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 Cougar/Eagle Diorama, 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. PLANETARIUM Location: Lind Lecture Hall, LL203 Telephone: 626-6206 The Planetarium, featuring a 30-foot hemispherical dome, is used for instruction in undergraduate astronomy classes. It is also a science education facility featuring programs of interest to elementary students, secondary students, and the general public. For the general public, a program featuring some topic of current interest in astronomy is given one evening a week. Any teacher wishing instructional materials or wanting to set up an appointment for a class visit should contact the Director of the Planetarium, 626-6163, or the Director of the Center for Science Education, 626-6160. PRE-MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL PROGRAMS Emphases: Pre-Dentistry Pre-Medicine Pre-Optometry Pre-Pharmacy Pre-Veterminary Medicine General Requirements: Students pursuing one of the following programs should satisfy the pre-professional requirements while completing an appropriate major or minor within the School of Natural Sciences. Students should work closely with both their pre- professional adviser and their academic major adviser. Since the course loads are typically heavy, and the requirements and application procedures vary among the programs, students should plan their academic strategies early and with full information. Student Services Interdisc. Programs Allied Health Sciences Arts& Humanities Business & Economics Education Natural Adviser: Sciences Gloria Z. Wurst SL409M, 626-6169 David S. Havertz SL405, 626-6171 Emron A. Jensen SL406, 626-6167 Social Sciences Technology Continuini Education