Concepts in Earth and Space Sciences: Role in the Program Page
prepared for SERC by Ann Bykerk-Kauffman of California State
University - Chico. A discussion of the design and
implementation of an earth and space science content course
serving pre-service teachers at California State University -
Chico, created by Ann Bykerk-Kauffman. A description of this
course and its goals is available. What Role Does this Course
Play in Teacher Preparation? Most students at CSU Chico who are
preparing for a career in elementary school teaching choose to
major in Liberal Studies, a program specifically designed for
this group. Concepts in Earth and Space Sciences is a required
upper-division course in the Liberal Studies major. Although
this course is not a "science methods" course, it does serve as
a model of how science can by taught by hands-on inquiry and
guided discovery. After completing this course, during the fifth
"credential year," students take a separate science methods
course. The main role of this course is t