Exploring Teaching as a Career

Science and Mathematics Education Minor

Total: 5 courses

18 units

CaliforniaTeach 1*

ED 3A (Math) OR

ED 4A (Science)

CaliforniaTeach 2*

ED 130 (Math) OR

ED 131 (Science)

CaliforniaTeach 2*

ED 130 (Math) OR

ED 131 (Science)

Choose 2:

ED 111

ED 123

ED 125

Choose 1:

ED 133

ENV S 166FP

GEOG 135S

EEMB 127

MATH 181A

Choose 1 (Field Experience Course):

CHEM 102

EEMB 189

ENV S 127

MATH 181B

PHYS 160J**

PHYS 160K

Course Number

Units

Course Description

ED 130:

California Teach 2 in Mathematics

(formerly ED 3B)

2

This course is an introduction to mathematics learning and development in grades 7-12. It examines how adolescents learn, think about, and do mathematics in classrooms. Through observations and interviews, undergraduates also study interactions between teaching and learning in classroom settings. The course includes 30 hours of field experience in a 7-12 classroom.

ED 131:

California Teach 2 in Science

(formerly ED 4B)

2

This course is an introduction to science learning and development in grades 7-12. It examines how adolescents learn, think about, and do science in classrooms. Through observations and interviews, undergraduates also study interactions between teaching and learning in classroom settings. The course includes 30 hours of field experience in a 7-12 classroom.

Course Number

Units

Course Description

ED 111:

Introduction to Child and Adolescent Development

4

This course is an introduction to the development of children from infancy to adolescence. It examines developmental changes and basic developmental theories (e.g., Piaget and Vygotsky) in four general areas: cognitive, social, language, and physical development.

ED 123:

Culture, Development, and Education

4

This course examines culturally constructed beliefs, attitudes, and values. It explores how culture shapes human development, behavior, and interpersonal relations in culturally pluralistic environments, with an emphasis on educational settings.

ED 125:

Social Foundations of Education

4

This course explores the relationship between school and society. Undergraduates will examine the social and political influences on education historically and currently, as well as schools as complex organizations and their unique roles in society.

Course Number

Units

Course Description

ED 133:

Physics and Everyday Thinking

4

This course is designed to help students develop ideas about physics content, the nature of scientific inquiry, and the learning of science through inquiry-based activities.

ENV S 166FP: 

Small-Scale Food Production

5

This course examines the biological, ecological, social, and economic principles of small food production and their practical application.  It includes each student cultivating a garden plot, lab exercises, and field trips to local farms and gardens.

GEO 135S:

Mock Environmental Summit

4

This course is a mock summit in which students act as representatives of different countries participating in environmental treaty negotiations. Students work in teams of four or five to prepare a presentation and discussion of environmental issues of concern to the world (e.g., energy, greenhouse gasses, etc.)  This course is taught in the summer during an intensive 3-week period.

EEMB 127:

Plant Biology and Biodiversity

MATH 181A:

Advanced Problem Solving in Mathematical, Historical, and Pedagogical Contexts

(cross-listed as ED 134)

4

This course is designed for prospective teachers. It examines problem solving, problems in number theory, dynamical systems, and other mathematics topics, including investigations of mathematics and its historical contexts. The differences between formal mathematics and the process of doing mathematics are also explored. The course includes 30 hours of field experience in a mathematics classroom.

Note: The above is the current course catalog description. This description will be updated to reflect recent revisions to the course.

Course Number

Units

Course Description

CHEM 102:

Chemistry in the Community: The Process of Learning and Teaching Science

4

Undergraduates work with fifth graders to teach hands-on physical science activities in our chemistry labs. They also work with teachers in the classroom to implement science lesson plans. They observe how students learn science and share their experiences with one another.

ENV S 127: 

Concepts of Environmental Education and Practicum

This course provides a conceptual introduction to Environmental Education (EE) through study and research of EE history, learner characteristics, models of excellence, and professional networks.  Students utilize sound education principles and hands-on experiences to plan, implement, and evaluate a quality EE experience for others.

EEMB 189:

Biodiversity and Ecological Restoration: Education Practicum

4

This course blends the science of biodiversity and ecological restoration with teaching and curriculum development for grades K-12. Each week will focus on a different sub-topic and will include a lecture and a lab. The following topics will be covered: science education, phenology, local biodiversity, including plant and animal identification, and the watershed concept from coastal water to the near shore marine environment (REEF). Students will also mentor 5th grade students in CCBER’s award winning Kids in Nature Program and other school groups.

PHY 160J:

Physics Outreach

2

Undergraduates actively participate in the design, set up, and presentation of physics demonstrations and experiments to K-12 students in local schools (the Physics Circus). Undergraduates must participate in at least 4 Circus events, and must revise or create one activity for evaluation by Physics Circus faculty and participants.

Note: This course must be taken for two quarters (does not need to be consecutive) for a total of 4 units for the minor.

PHY 160K:

Science for the Public

4

Undergraduates help K-8 students and their parents learn physical science. Undergraduates will both participate in a weekly after school science club and help run once-a-quarter family nights. They will also attend a 2-hour per week seminar to plan activities and reflect on their experiences.

MATH 181B:

Advanced Problem Solving in Mathematical, Historical, and Pedagogical Contexts

(to be cross-listed as ED 135)

This course is the second in a series of courses designed for prospective teachers. It examines problem solving, problems in number theory, dynamical systems, and other mathematics topics, including investigations of mathematics and its historical contexts. The differences between formal mathematics and the process of doing mathematics are also explored. The course includes 30 hours of field experience in a mathematics classroom.

Note: The above is the current course catalog description. This description will be updated to reflect recent revisions to the course.

Course Number

Units

Course Description

ED 3A and 4A: California Teach 1 in Mathematics or Science

2

This course is an introduction to mathematics or science learning and development in grades K-8. The course examines how adolescents learn, think about, and do mathematics or science in classrooms. Through observations and interviews, undergraduates also study interactions between teaching and learning in classroom settings. The course includes 30 hours of field experience in an elementary or junior high school classroom.