The Master in Science Education (M.S.E.), developed in collaboration with Lawrence Technological University, is designed for certified teachers who wish to strengthen their competencies in the teaching of science at the elementary and middle school levels. Unique in its approach to teacher education, the M.S.E. emphasizes both science content and science teaching methods in each course. All courses have been developed with the advice and counsel of master teachers to insure that both science content and methods are congruent with and supportive of elementary and middle school classrooms.

Course instruction emphasizes content and models the methods of teaching and learning that are an integral part of the science classroom. M.S.E. classes are constructivist in nature, inquiry-driven, and project-based. Both the pedagogy and the content of each course are explored, discussed, and practiced. Participating educators will:

• work in small groups;
• perform investigations;
• discuss concepts and results;
• keep journals;
• develop unit plans; and
• design lesson plans.

Teachers will be encouraged to use the technology available in the schools to access data and perform investigations using computers. In addition, teachers will learn how to effectively utilize inexpensive, readily available materials. Opportunities for exploring local resources such as the Baldwin Observatory at Aquinas College, John Ball Zoological Garden, Blandford Nature Center and Frederik Meijer Gardens will provide additional and continuing resources for educators to use in their own classrooms.

All course objectives are aligned with the Michigan Curriculum Framework. Teachers enrolled in the M.S.E. program will learn methods needed to prepare students for success in learning science. In addition, their students will be better prepared to pursue scientific careers and to meet the demands of the rapidly changing information age.