SEMS 110 Introduction to STEM Teaching I: Inquiry Approaches to Teaching (1 unit)
A first exploration into teaching as a career, emphasizing inquiry-based science and constructivist mathematics. Field experience with upper elementary grades includes two classroom observations and three teaching experiences.
A second exploration into teaching as a career, focusing on the development of 5E lesson plans aligned to district curricula; attributes of adolescent students; utilization of technology; and formal and informal methods of assessment. Middle school field experience in either mathematics or science includes classroom observations and three teaching experiences.
Prerequisite: SEMS 110.
SEMS 230 Knowing and Learning (3 units)
The goal of this course is for prospective mathematics and science teachers to construct the model of knowing and learning that they will take with them into their classroom. This course focuses on issues of what it means to know and learn science and mathematics: What are the standards for knowing? How are knowing and learning structured? How does what we know change and develop?
Prerequisite: SEMS 120 (which may be taken concurrently).
SEMS 240 Classroom Interactions (3 units)
Centered around a close examination of the interplay between teachers, students, and content, and how such interactions enable students to develop deep conceptual understanding, students design and implement instructional activities informed by their understanding of knowing and learning mathematics and science. Focus is given to building awareness and understanding of equity issues and their effects on learning and developing strategies for teaching students of diverse backgrounds equitably.
Prerequisite: SEMS 230.
SEMS 250 Perspectives on Science and Mathematics (3 units)
Exploration of topics and episodes in the history of science and mathematics, illustrating how knowledge has often emerged through torturous struggles, against obstinate resistance, and within cultural, religious, and social structures. Students are brought to understand that science and mathematics is not merely a body of facts, theories, and techniques; it involves diverse processes by which it is continually generated and reformulated.
Prerequisite: SEMS 230, and either MATH 115 or MATH 119 or MATH 211 (which may be taken concurrently) or MATH 273 (which may be taken concurrently).
MATH 290 Functions and Modeling (3 units)
Engagement in explorations of mathematics to broaden and deepen content knowledge, emphasizing concepts needed to teach secondary mathematics at various levels. The course consists of 3 instructional units: (1) regressions in modeling; (2) functions, rates, and patterns; and (3) functions in other systems. Intended for students pursuing certification in secondary mathematics education.
Prerequisite: MATH 273 (which may be taken concurrently).
SEMS 360 Research Methods (3 units)
Statistical tools and the scientific method are developed to enable students to solve four independent scientific problems in a laboratory setting. Scientific writing skills are developed and awareness is gained on how scientists communicate with each other through peer-reviewed scientific literature.
Prerequisite: SEMS 230, and either MATH 115 or MATH 119 or MATH 211 (which may be taken concurrently) or MATH 273 (which may be taken concurrently).
SEMS 470 Project-Based Instruction (3 units)
This course has three essential components: A theory driven perspective about how people learn and how project-based instruction may be among our most informed classroom learning environments; a technological component that will assist students in developing their own project-based unit; a field experience of observation and teaching of well implemented project-based instruction in local schools.
Prerequisites: SEMS 230, SEMS 240, SEMS 250, and SEMS 360.
Capstone field experience focusing on teaching strategies, classroom management, and effective middle school and high school dynamics.
Prerequisites: SEMS 470, SCIE 430 (must be taken concurrently); SCIE 380 recommended.
MATH 426 Student Teaching in Secondary Education – Mathematics (12 units)
Capstone field experience focusing on teaching strategies, classroom management, and effective middle school and high school dynamics.
Prerequisites: SEMS 470, MATH 430 (must be taken concurrently); MATH 423 recommended.
SCIE 430 Seminar in Student Teaching – Science (1 unit)
Seminar for current student interns to discuss topics from the classroom experience and current issues.
Prerequisites: SEMS 470, SCIE 393 (must be taken concurrently); SCIE 380 recommended.
MATH 430 Seminar in Student Teaching – Mathematics (1 unit)
Seminar for current student interns to discuss topics from the classroom experience and current issues.
Prerequisites: SEMS 470, MATH 426 (must be taken concurrently); MATH 423 recommended.
SCED 460 Using Reading and Writing in the Secondary Schools (4 units)
Developmental reading and writing assessment; vocabulary building, comprehension; special needs adaptations; clinical practice.
SCED 461 Teaching Reading in the Secondary Content Areas (3 units)
Application and assessment of reading strategies and instructional frameworks in secondary content classrooms.
Prerequisite: SCED 460.
SEMS 498 Internship in Secondary Education in Mathematics and Science (2 units)
Clinical experience in a professional development school the term immediately prior to or following full-time internship; focus on classroom management, technology utilization and reflective practices.
Prerequisites: SEMS 230 and SEMS 240.
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