Western Washington University · Bellingham, Washington
General Science—Middle Level, BAE
What Is the Study of General Science—Middle Level?
The Science, Mathematics and Technology Education Program is a visionary and practical program designed to enrich the training and education of K-12 pre-service teachers and, through them, their students. From a collaboration of the disciplines of Chemistry, Geology, Biology, Physics/ Astronomy, Mathematics and Engineering Technology, the Science, Mathematics and Technology Education Program (SMATE) offers an opportunity for teachers and future teachers to gain specific skills and broaden talents within their chosen discipline.
This program is designed to prepare future teachers at the middle school and secondary level with an emphasis in Science. This major must be accompanied by the professional preparation program in secondary education offered through Woodring College of Education.
Why Should I Consider this Major?
If you want a broad base of knowledge in the field of science to prepare you for teaching any science subject at the secondary level, this major will provide it. You will take a range of introductory courses from different areas of science, including Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Geology, along with an in-depth on a single subject such as Biology or Chemistry.
How to Declare:
Consult with an advisor in the Science, Mathematics and Technology Education Department for direction on declaring a General Science major.
Applying to the Secondary Education Professional Program:
Admission to both Western Washington University and Secondary Education is required before a teacher candidate may begin taking courses in education. Post-baccalaureate teacher candidates must apply to WWU and Secondary Education for the same quarter.
Requirements include:
- Undergraduate teacher candidates should have completed all GUR’s and 60-80% of their major endorsement credits. Those with less that 60% should contact a secondary faculty advisor before applying.
- Post baccalaureate teacher candidates should have a degree in their academic major.
- Cumulative grade point average of 2.75 or higher overall or for the last 45 credits WEST-B test scores. This test is offered 6 or 7 times a year at various sites in the State. For details on registration and fees refer to the WEST-B website www.west.nesinc.com.
- Two letters of recommendation addressing your potential for success in teacher education. One letter must be from someone who can attest to your academic ability and knowledge in your academic major (ie: professor).
- Completion of an English composition course with a grade of B or higher
Application materials: Miller Hall 105 and printable from www.wce.wwu.edu/Admiss See Also: Secondary Education Professional Program Guide.
Coursework
Requirements
- One course from:
- ASTR 103 - Introduction to Astronomy
- ASTR 113 - Sun, Moon, and Planets
- BIOL 204 - Introduction to Evolution, Ecology and Biodiversity
- BIOL 205 - Introduction to Cellular and Molecular Biology
- BIOL 206 - Introduction to Organismal Biology
- CHEM 121 - General Chemistry I
- CHEM 122 - General Chemistry II
- CHEM 123 - General Chemistry III
- GEOL 211 - Physical Geology
- GEOL 212 - Historical Geology
- GEOL 252 - The Earth and Its Weather
- MATH 115 - Precalculus II
- PHYS 101 - Physics Analysis
- PHYS 102 - Physics and Contemporary Issues
- PHYS 104 - Physics Applications
- SCED 201 - Matter and Energy in Physical Systems
- SCED 202 - Matter and Energy in Earth Systems
- SCED 203 - Matter and Energy in Life Systems
- SCED 204 - Matter and Energy in Chemical Systems
- SCED 370 - Science and Society
- SEC 450 - Introduction to Middle Schools
- Plus 1 course at the 300-level for 4 credits
Elementary Education Professional Program Requirements
103-104 credits
Students must earn a grade of C (2.0) or better in the elementary education professional program and in all courses required for the endorsement.
Professional Studies Core (25 credits)
- EDUC 301 - Educational Psychology I: Development and Individual Differences
- EDUC 302 - Educational Psychology II: Motivation, Learning and Assessment
- EDUC 310 - Education, Culture, and Equity
- ELED 370 - Introduction to Teaching
- IT 344 - Basic Instructional Technology Skills
- IT 442 - Classroom Use of Instructional Technology (Elementary)
- SPED 364 - Teaching Each Student
Elementary Program — Methods, Curriculum Content, and Field Experiences (78-79 credits)
- One course from:
- ART 398 - Integrated Arts for Elementary Educators
- DNC 398 - Integrated Arts for Elementary Educators
- MUS 398 - Integrated Arts for Elementary Educators
- THTR 398 - Integrated Arts for Elementary Educators
- One course from:
- ART 380 - Art Educating the Child
- DNC 433 - Creative Movement for Educators With Lab
- MUS 361 - Music for Elementary Teachers
- THTR 350 - Theatre for Youth
- THTR 351 - Creativity Across the Curriculum
- ELED 425 - Social Studies for the Elementary School
- ELED 470 - Developing Teaching
- ELED 471 - Documenting Teaching
- ELED 480 - Literacy: Beginning Communicators
- ELED 481 - Literacy: Fluent Communicators
- ELED 491 - September Experience
- ELED 492 - Practicum: Experience in Literacy Methods
- ELED 494 - Internship - Elementary
- HLED 455 - Health Education Grades K-8
- MATH 381 - Teaching K-8 Mathematics I
- MATH 382 - Teaching K-8 Mathematics II
- MATH 383 - Teaching K-8 Mathematics III
- MATH 491 - Internship Seminar - Teaching K-8 Mathematics
- PE 345 - Physical Education for Elementary School
- SCED 480 - Science Methods and Curriculum for the Elementary School
- SCED 490 - Laboratory/Field Experience in Elementary Science
GURs:
QSR: MATH 240, 381 & 382
LSCI: CHEM 121, 122, 123, 251; BIOL 204, 205, 206; GEOL 211, 212, 252; PHYS 101, 104
SCI: PHYS 102; ASTR 103, 113
Sample Careers
- Secondary Education Teacher
Department
Contact
General Science Education Advisor:
Pinky Nelson
SL 250D
360-650-3637
George.Nelson@wwu.edu
Secondary Education Website:
Secondary Education Professional Program Information Program Manager:
Patricia Roberts
MH 401C; 360-650-3327
Patricia.Roberts@wwu.edu
Secondary Education Program Coordinator:
Debbie Gramm
MH 401A; 360-650-3327
Debbie.Gramm@wwu.edu
Teacher Education Admissions
MH 150
360-650-3313
www.wce.wwu.edu/admiss