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I wanted to call to the attention of readers of the Elementary Science Forums two pieces in the most current issue of the Journal of College Science Teaching. I have added this below. Two pieces are opinions discussing the need for STEM class tailored to the needs of future elementary teachers. The third article proposes a the development of a STEM certificate. Have taught science classes for pre certification elementary teachers I was quite interested in this topic. In the classes I taught we used the Hewitt text advocated in the Darling article. Each class began with an inquiry based activity. Concepts and relevant content were then discussed. Class periods were 2.5 hours giving us ample time for activities and content discussion. At the end of the semester students typically began student teaching with a portfolio of ten or more inquiry based lessons. A forth article in this series looks at an online class in Science Education. I was especially intrigued by this option as it might offer PD opportunities for teachers who are already working and wanting to improve there STEM content knowledge. I would appreciate learning what you experiences have been in this area. I still have access to the content I used for this class and would consider moving it (albeit slowly) to an open platform such as Blackboard Course Sites should there be interest.

Science Education for Elementary Teachers Collection (3 items)

Point of View: College Science for Preservice Elementary Teachers: What Is the Best Approach?

- Journal Article

Graduating STEM Competent and Confident Teachers: The Creation of a STEM Certificate for Elementary Education Majors

- Journal Article

Fostering Science Education in an Online Environment: Are We There Yet?

- Journal Article

Pamela, Thank you for posting links to those articles. I've saved them in my library. I earned my MA in 2011 and a STEM certificate was not available through the university that I attended. I believe such a certificate would be beneficial for a pre-service teacher. Would courses teach pre-service elementary education teachers to develop inquiry-based lessons while integrating Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math? How would you suggest a new teacher use these types of lessons in her classroom if she is required to use the curriculum that the school has chosen to use? As a new teacher, it would be very helpful to learn how other teachers have done this to keep science lessons "cutting-edge" and prepare students to be college and career ready upon graduation. Any advice is greatly appreciated! Joy Agard

Hi Pam and Joy, I also think that it is very important to ensure our pre-service teachers are prepared to teach STEM. While I think a certificate in STEM is a great idea, I think that we really need to ensure we are providing all elementary level teacher some STEM training. As "Jacks of All Trades" elementary teachers are responsible for teaching math, English, reading, science, and social studies. Many elementary teachers may be unfamiliar with some of the engineering concepts that the new STEM initiatives expect them to teach. While I think it is a fantastic idea to have teachers who are "STEM Specialists", I think it is equally important to ensure ALL teachers have at least an introduction to STEM. Maureen

This discussion leads to the question ..self contained elementary classrooms or departmentalized classes beginning in primary school. There is often lots of disagreement about the "correct" configuration of elementary schools. Can you tell us about the structure of your school? What are its advantages and disadvantages? Kathy

Hi Kathy! Great question! I've only taught at schools that have self-contained classrooms, but I see benefits to both self-contained and departmentalized elementary set-up. Departmentalized classrooms enable grade-level teachers to specialize in their best subject areas. For instance, I'm strong in math and science, but not as strong in language arts and spelling. Many times I wonder if my students would be better served if I taught only math and science and another teacher, who is strong in language arts and spelling, taught those subjects. I personally really like the stand alone classroom because I love teaching cross-curriucular lesson, where a common weaves its way throughout our day. I'd be worried that if my elementary students started switching classes, we might lose some of the "a-ha" moments where my kids see everything come together. I'm curious to learn the perspective of other elementary teachers. Maureen

Joy, I also would like to respond to your comments. I teach pre-service elementary science methods course. Much of the course is devoted to modeling inquiry. Students engage in inquiry-oriented investigations, as well as practice writing and teaching inquiry via 5E lesson plans. There is an article from the Learning Center that I have my students read titled “Methods and Strategies: Inquirize Your Teaching” which identifies ways to make hands-on activities more inquiry-oriented. You may find this helpful as you try to modify science lessons to be more inquiry-like. As the impact of the NGSS is eminent, I’ve also been including engineering-type lessons in my classes. There is a wealth of information in the Learning Center on engineering and STEM teaching. Science Scope had a series of engineering lessons written in the 5E format entitled “Everyday Engineering.” Search for Everyday Engineering. There are also NSTA Collections on Teaching STEM. Here is the URL for the Teaching STEM Elementary collection. learningcenter.nsta.org/my_learning_center/my_library.aspx?cid=qZPkOmPgozU_E Kathy

I like the idea of specialists in STEM, but not every district can afford the extra personnel, so I tend to sway to the every elementary teacher needs to be a STEM teacher side. :-) Currently in IL, pre-service elementary teachers are only required to have 12 hours in science to teach. Considering that most courses are four (4) credit hours, that means each new teacher is only required to take 3 sciences. A general associates degree at my local jr. college requires two sciences (7-8 credit hours), and yet the state only require one additional course from an educator, who could potentially teaching the content. A final thought, perhaps requiring a STEM course would help pre-service teachers see the integration of science with technology and math (and reading too), which would enable a more integrated approach to teaching and learning. Thoughts?

Susanne said "Currently in IL, pre-service elementary teachers are only required to have 12 hours in science to teach. Considering that most courses are four (4) credit hours, that means each new teacher is only required to take 3 sciences." My response is WOW!! I think an elementary teacher only has to take 1 course in science to meet our licensing requirements. I will follow up bit more with you later. I do agree that there are many schools who cannot afford science specialists so I think preservice teachers need more work in science. Kathy

Kathy and Susanne, Thanks for your comments about the number of science courses that they typically elementary school teacher is required to take to earn a certificate. I agree that it's difficult of teachers, who do not have a strong science background, to teach science content. Additionally, it's really difficult for teachers to see the connections between science and other subject areas when they don't have a strong science background. Creating an "Intro to STEM" course is a great idea and would be a great addition to any Elementary Teacher Prep program. Maureen

I'm wondering how elementary science might evolve over the next few years in light of the NGSS and science being added to annual progress measures for schools/districts. As it stands now, not only do many elementary teachers lack core science knowledge, but they also need access to materials and other resources that many districts aren't providing (at least not yet).

The NASA Endeavor Fellow program offers STEM certification through Teachers College at Columbia University. Teachers at all grade levels are accepted. It is a wonderful program, delivered online. http://www.us-satellite.net/endeavor/

Hi Chris, Thanks so much for providing a link to the Endeavor STEM teacher's program! I took a few minutes to look at the website and it looks like a fantastic opportunity. Did you have the opportunity to complete this program? If so, can you tell us a little about the program? Thanks! Maureen

Yes, I did complete the program several years ago. You take one course a semester, 3 times a year. They start you out with an introductory course, and you finish up by doing an Action Research project. For the rest of my work I focused on math, physics, and reading - areas that were weak in my university coursework years ago (I am a bio/earth sci double major and english minor) There are also opportunities to do summer internships. I did a short one at Goddard Space Flight Center.