Minor in Science Education

The minor in science education provides a broad background in the physical and natural sciences for teacher candidates.

The specified courses in this minor encompass the K-8 science curriculum content. In addition, students complete a methods course that requires them to draw common themes from across the sciences and to apply them in a classroom context.

Minor Requirements

  • Students must be admitted to a teacher education program
  • Minimum of five courses
    • One course from each of the science subject areas plus a methods course is required
  • All courses must be completed with a grade of C- (1.7) or higher and a 2.75 minor GPA
  • At least three courses must be completed at Elmhurst University

One course in each of the following categories is required. 

  • BIO 100 Principles of Biology
  • BIO 104 Human Biology
  • BIO 105 Environmental Biology
  • *BID 100 (BIO/CHM) Water and Energy: Resources for a Sustainable Future
  • *BID 103 (BIO/GEO) Ocean Studies
    or *BID 106 (BIO/CHM)Forensic Science
  • CHM 100 Chemistry in the Natural World
  • CHM 105 Chemistry of Color
  • CHM 110 Chemistry and Issues in the Environment
  • CHM 113 Energy, Climate Change and Sustainability
  • *CHM/PHY 107 Physical Science Concepts for K-8 Teachers (Spring Term)
  • *BID 100 (BIO/CHM) Water and Energy
    or *BID 106 (BIO/CHM) Forensic Science
  • GEO 102 Earth System Science
  • GEO 105 Introduction to Atmospheric Science
    or *BID 103 (BIO/ GEO) Ocean Studies
  • PHY 101 Physical Science (Spring Term)
  • PHY 212 Introduction to Astronomy or CHM/PHY 107 Physical Science Concepts for K-8 Teachers (Spring Term)
  • SEC 463 Natural Science: Special Methods (6-12) (Fall Term)

*A bidisciplinary (BID) or cross-listed course can only fulfill the requirements for one category. For example, you can only use BID 106 (BIO/CHM Forensic Science) for either the required biology course or the required chemistry course (not for both).

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