Why study 6-8 Middle Grades Science
The employment demands for middle school science to be a core part of middle school
learning is based on only 35% of middle grade students have access to daily science
instruction. Middle school science instruction can support: (a) development of a knowledgeable
citizenry, (b) meaningful learning
of language and mathematics, (c) wonderment about how the natural world works, and
(d) preparation for STEM-related careers. The 6-8 Middle School (Science) Licensure
Program at APSU provides comprehensive coursework that integrates courses in the general
education core, the major, and the
professional education courses to prepare you for teacher licensure. This program
promotes skills and knowledge using the 5E Model (Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate,
and Evaluate), cross-subject integration, engage students’ to use existing engineer
design knowledge, focus on instruction at the
personal and cultural levels, as well as develop scientific literacy in the 6-8 classroom.
Faculty in the 6-8 Licensure Program are experienced, reflective practitioners in both academic subject and theoretical concepts. Their strong analytical, observational, and problem-solving skills guide their diverse pedagogical instruction that help students learn appropriate teaching styles, feedback, and assessment.
Students learn the required skills of a good teacher such as discipline, autonomy, communication, collaboration, adaptability, and empathy. They build on these fundamental skills to value real-world learning, diversity, and active learning. Students who have interdisciplinary interests will benefit from this program, especially those who have interests in one or more of the following areas: physical science, chemistry, biology, STEM, and Earth and space science.
This program is part of the degree programs offered by the nationally recognized Eriksson College of Education at Austin Peay State University. The Eriksson College of Education has specialized accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). This program prepares you for passing the edTPA as part of licensure.
What will I learn
- Introduced to the foundations of education.
- Understanding of diverse populations in today's classroom
- Learn appropriate classroom management, strategies, and methods that support the diverse learner.
- Learn how to write and organize a lesson plan based on the appropriate grade level and state science standard.
- How to engage students prior to academic knowledge, science literacy, academic language, and the 5E instructional model.
- Plan for instruction that focuses on developing students' thinking skills, explanation, synthesis and evaluation in addition to skills facts and procedures.
- Students will learn how to design and implement formative and summative assessment of learning that informs teaching practice.
Sample Course Plan and General Education Requirements
Education: 6-8 Middle Grades (Science) Sample 4 Year Plan
Professional Licensure Disclosure
Students should be aware that licensure and certification requirements vary from state to state and are subject to change. Licensing agencies or boards also may have requirements in addition to an earned degree. APSU recommends that students who are not Tennessee residents or who plan to seek licensure or certification outside the state of Tennessee contact the appropriate licensing agency or board before they enroll in an academic program designed to lead to licensure or certification and discuss their plans with an advisor.
Please visit the Professional Licensure Disclosure webpage to review specific licensure information for your state and academic program.