Western Washington University · Bellingham, Washington
Earth Science—Elementary Education, BAEd
What Is the Earth Science-Elementary Major?
A geoscientist is someone who studies the Earth’s physical makeup and history. Geology is the science that provides the key to finding new sources of useful Earth materials and to understanding Earth processes that affect our lives. Geoscientists provide basic information to society for solving problems and establishing policy for resource management, environmental protection, public health, safety and welfare.
Geoscientists are curious about the Earth. How was it formed? How is it changing? What effects will shrinking glaciers have on the oceans and climate? How do islands form? What makes a continent move? Why did the dinosaurs become extinct? What makes a mountain?
Geoscientists are concerned about the Earth. Is there a global warming trend? How and where should we dispose industrial wastes? How can we fill society’s growing demands for energy and conserve natural resources for future generations.
This major satisfies the academic major requirement for teacher certification with an endorsement in elementary education and must be accompanied by the professional preparation program in Elementary Education offered through Woodring College of Education.
Why Should I Consider this Major?
Do you like to know why and how things work? Do you enjoy the outdoors? Are you concerned about the environment? Are you interested in travel? Do you like to analyze things? Are science and nature among your favorite subjects? Have you ever wondered why the Earth appears as it does? If you answer “yes” to most of these questions the geosciences may be the career for you.
How to Declare:
You may declare your Geology major upon completion of GEOL 211. Come to the Geology office, ES 240, to declare your major. You will be assigned a Geology faculty advisor at that time.
You will need to refer to Woodring College of Education for declaration of Elementary Education.
Applying to the Elementary Education Professional Program:
Admission to the Elementary Education Professional Program is required before a student may begin taking courses in the Professional Sequence. Requirements for consideration of an application include:
- Completion of a minimum of 45 credits (most or all GURs complete)
- Cumulative grade point average of 2.75 or higher overall or for the last 45 credits
- Acceptable WEST-B scores. This test is offered 6 times a year at various sites in the state. Visit the WEST-B website at www.west.nesinc.com for more information.
- Completion of an English composition course with grade of B- or higher
- Completed application
Meeting the above criteria makes the applicant eligible for admission, but does not guarantee admission. For further information, visit Teacher Education Admissions, Miller Hall 214, 360-650-3313 or visit the web site at www.wce.wwu.edu/admiss. See also: Elementary Education Professional Program Guide
Coursework
- CHEM 121 - General Chemistry I
- GEOL 212 - Historical Geology
- GEOL 213 - GIS in Geology
- GEOL 252 - The Earth and Its Weather
- GEOL 310 - Geomorphology
- GEOL 340 - Geological Oceanography
- MATH 114 - Precalculus I
- 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
- SCED 480 - Science Methods and Curriculum for the Elementary School
- SCED 490 - Laboratory/Field Experience in Elementary Science
- One course from:
- GEOL 211 - Physical Geology
- GEOL 211A - Physical Geology Review
- Choose either:
- GEOL 311 - Earth Materials OR
- GEOL 306 - Mineralogy AND
- GEOL 406 - Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology
- One course from:
- PHYS 101 - Physics Analysis
- PHYS 104 - Physics Applications
- One course from:
- ASTR 103 - Introduction to Astronomy
- ASTR 113 - Sun, Moon, and Planets
- Electives (choose two of the following):
- GEOL 214 - Environmental Geology
- GEOL 303 - Dinosaurs and Their Environment
- GEOL 308 - Earthquakes
- GEOL 309 - Volcanology
- GEOL 316 - Research in Marine Paleontology
- GEOL 372 - Watershed Hydrology
- GEOL 414 - Geology of Washington
- GEOL 415 - Stratigraphy and Sedimentation
- GEOL 430 - Image Interpretation
- GEOL 440 - Glacial Geology
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
- I T 344 - Basic Instructional Technology Skills
- I T 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 & Curriculum for the Elementary School
- SCED 490 - Laboratory/Field Experience in Elementary Science
GURs:
These courses are offered within this major and may be used to satisfy GUR or Writing Proficiency Requirements.
- QSR: MATH 124 or higher
- LSCI: GEOL 211, 212; CHEM 121; PHYS 115, 121, 122
- SCI: PHYS 114
- WP: Three Writing Proficiency points are required for graduation (noted as WP1, 2, and 3). Check Classfinder or Online Timetable for departmental offerings each quarter.
Sample Careers
- Elementary Teacher
Department
Contact
Department Chair:
Bernie Housen
ES 240A, 360-650-3581
Bernie.Housen@wwu.edu
Undergraduate Advisor:
Vicki Critchlow
ES 240, 360-650-3582
critch@geol.wwu.edu
Education Advisors:
Scott Linneman
ES 340, 360-650-7207
Scott.Linneman@wwu.edu
Susan DeBari
ES237, 360-650-3588
debari@geol.wwu.edu