Dec 03, 2024  
2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog

Physical Sciences and Secondary Education, BS


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Physical Sciences and Secondary Education (PSSE) combines broad training in the physical, chemical and environmental sciences with a minor in Secondary Education.  Students choose one of two tracks: Chemistry or Environmental.  This program prepares graduates to teach a variety of high school sciences: chemistry, physics, environmental science, general science and/or earth science (depending on course selections and student interests).  Additionally, students take a series of education courses for the secondary education minor, and successfully complete a semester of student teaching in their senior year.

The PSSE Program Outcomes include:

  • Students will be able to apply instructional and management strategies related to teaching effectiveness, curriculum, learning outcomes and assessments, and orchestration of the learning environment with a focus on facilitating respectful and inquisitive classroom dynamics.
  • Students will be able to explain scientific phenomena and concepts in oral, written, visual and instructional formats.
  • Students will practice professional dispositions modeling scientific integrity in the community, a commitment to personal advancement and lifelong learning, and the importance of fostering social, moral, spiritual, and academic growth.
  • Students will be able to critically analyze and employ methodical strategies to interpret data to propose hypotheses and conclusions clearly and effectively.
  • Students will utilize scientific and educational technologies and instrumentation.

The minor in Secondary Education has been approved by the State of Maine Department of Education and allows students to apply for certification as high school teachers.  Students from other states should work with their secondary education advisor to secure current certification requirements for those states.  Students need to pass the Praxis series (I and II), which is required for state certification in elementary and secondary education.  All students in education programs must pass Praxis I prior to student teaching.  A grade of “C” or above is required for all education courses.  A student receiving a grade below “C” will be required to retake the course.

The outcomes adhere to the InTASC Model Core Teaching Standards.

Core Curriculum


In addition, all students must fulfill the college’s core curriculum  requirements and meet the 120 credit graduation requirement.  The First Year Experience (FYE) Seminar  is a requirement for all first-year students.

Core Curriculum Requirements


Philosophical Inquiry (4 credit)


Quantitative Reasoning (4 credit) *Appendix 1


Choose one:

Written Communication (3 credit)


Historic and Civic Literacy for Effective Citizenship (3 credit) *Appendix 4


Artistic Exploration and Expression (3 credit)


  • Any Fine Arts (AT) course

Literary Exploration and Expression (3 credit)


First-Year Experience (1 credit)


Appendix


One option (Mode #3) to meet core curriculum outcomes is to actively and intentionally engage in experiences that allow for careful reflection and assessment. This is designed to encourage and increase flexibility in the new LSC Core. Mode #3 is optional. It can use to to fulfill a maximum of two Mode #1 Categories.

Three to four credits may be earned by way of an approved experiential equivalency for a maximum of two Mode #1 Categories. Students are required to seek out a faculty sponsor with expertise in the subject matter to assist them in navigating the experiential equivalency process, along with approval from the Office of Academic Affairs. 

Guidelines for establishing credit weight: Depending on the nature and extent of the experience, students can gain three or four credits. Students who provide supporting documentation (letters from community partners, organizations or agencies where the experience took place), complete the experiential equivalency benchmarks and the portfolio can earn credit. The narrative and reflection within the portfolio will vary along with the nature of other deliverables (art projects, brochures, podcasts, blog postings, video presentations, etc.).

PRIOR EXPERIENCE: For those seeking credit for a prior learning experience, students will need to complete a screening questionnaire. This questionnaire allows a faculty sponsor and the Office of Academic Affairs to properly evaluate the experience, the amount of credits that may be applied and provides insights as to what core outcome(s) may be fulfilled. Once the questionnaire has been reviewed, the faculty sponsor and Associate Dean will meet with the student to discuss the project plan moving forward. Once the project plan is approved and benchmarks are provided, the student will be enrolled in the Brightspace course. The student will then have 15 weeks to complete the portfolio.

PLANNED EXPERIENCE: This process needs to be planned in consultation with a faculty sponsor. The faculty sponsor and student must complete an experiential equivalency project plan which will then be submitted to the Office of Academic Affairs for review. This project plan will be mapped out for the upcoming semester. The project plan must include benchmarks to assess progress throughout the time frame agreed upon. Once the project plan is approved and benchmarks are provided, the student will be enrolled in the Brightspace course. The student will then have 15 weeks to complete the portfolio.

EE 100 Core Experiential Equivalency (3-4 Credits): This course allows students to use prior or planned experiences to meet Mode #1 core curriculum outcomes. A faculty sponsor is required along with approval from the Office of Academic Affairs. 

EE 101 Core Experiential Equivalency (3-4 Credits): This course allows students to use prior or planned experiences to meet Mode #1 core curriculum outcomes. A faculty sponsor is required along with approval from the Office of Academic Affairs.

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