Western Washington University · Bellingham, Washington
General Science—Elementary Education, BAEd
What Is the Study of General Science-Elementary?
The Science, Mathematics and Technology Education Program (SMATE) 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, Chemistry, Geology, Biology, Physics/ Astronomy, Mathematics and Engineering Technology, the Science, Mathematics and Technology Education Program 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 elementary and middle school level with an emphasis in Science.
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?
If you want a broad base of knowledge in the field of science to prepare you for teaching at the elementary 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. Other Science majors focus on a single subject such as Biology or Chemistry (see WWU Catalog).
Completion of this program results in a highly qualified status for elementary or middle school science under the federal NCLB guidelines.
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 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
Requirements
- One course from:
- ASTR 103 - Introduction to Astronomy
- ASTR 113 - Sun, Moon, and Planets
- BIOL 204 - Introduction to Evolution, Ecology and Biodiversity
- CHEM 121 - General Chemistry I
- GEOL 211A - Physical Geology Review
- GEOL 212 - Historical Geology
- GEOL 311 - Earth Materials
- 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
- One course from:
- PHYS 101 - Physics Analysis
- PHYS 104 - Physics Applications
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:
The courses below satisfy GUR requirements and may also be used to fulfill major requirements.
QSR: MATH 114, 381 & 382
LSCI: BIOL 204; CHEM 121; GEOL 212; SCED 201, 202, 203, 204; PHYS 101, 104
SCI: ASTR 103, 113
Sample Careers
- Elementary Teacher
Department
Contact
Director and Advisor:
George Nelson
SL 250D, 360-650-3637
George.Nelson@wwu.edu
Elementary Education Professional Program Information
Miller Hall 300(360) 650-3336
www.wce.wwu.edu/Depts/ELED/
Teacher Education Admissions
MH 150
360-650-3313
www.wce.wwu.edu/admiss
Elementary Education Professional Program Advisor and Program Manager:
Ellen Kreider
MH 301D
360-650-7948
Ellen.Kreider@wwu.edu