About the Department

UNI Science Education is an interdepartmental group of faculty in different departments in the Colleges of Humanities, Arts, and Sciences (CHAS) and College of Education (COE) including those in the Departments of Biology, Chemistry & Biochemistry, Earth & Environmental Sciences, Physics, and Teaching. Science Education offers both undergraduate and graduate programs and related courses. Our Science Education program also provides important resources and outreach for faculty, students and in-service teachers.  Science Education faculty teach science content, science methods, and science education courses as well as provide field experience supervision for Professional Education courses.  Science Education faculty also serve as academic advisors for our undergraduate and graduate programs.

Vision and Mission

Vision
Prepare and develop science teachers to effectively implement research-based science instruction in alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards and to be exemplary teacher leaders in their schools, their communities and in science education. 

Mission
To enhance the science understanding and practices of grades K-12 students by providing programs that prepare future and develop existing science teachers as well as providing the experiences, professional development and instructional resources necessary to implement research-based pedagogies aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards in their classrooms and schools. Science education is committed to: 

  • The preparation and development of exemplary science teachers as well as the professional support for these teachers;
  • Continued leadership and service in science education in Iowa, the Midwest region and the nation;
  • Scholarship in the areas of research, professional development and curriculum development; and
  • The overall promotion of science education as well as science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) education.     
Science Education