Science Education

The Science Education Program at UT offers licensure and degree programs leading to Masters, Specialist, and Doctoral degrees. As a faculty, we are educators and researchers with interests in the role of science in fostering creativity, critical thinking, and active citizenship in a democratic society. We want to know how teachers can help students conceptualize abstract science content; the role experience of nature and phenomena plays in science learning; what instruction is appropriate for children at different levels of development and of different talents, learning styles, and interests; how instruction be differentiated to address this range of learner needs and differences; how museums and natural environments can support the school science program; what teaching strategies and classroom environments best foster growth and development in students; how science education interface with social studies, language arts, and mathematics education; how science education can contribute to educating students for a sustainable future. These are only a sample of the questions that fuel our passion for the field of science education. We conduct research and publish on these and other matters, but our foremost concern is for the development of the science educators who are the students in our programs.

Mission

Following recommendations in the National Science Education Standards (NSES), the University of Tennessee, Knoxville provides opportunities for practicing and pre-service teachers to:

• Develop effective ways to engage students in inquiry,
• Prepare future leaders in the field of science education through our doctoral program.
• Experience inquiry-based learning and teaching through observation and study of natural systems,
• Establish learning communities with K-16 colleagues,
• Supplement classroom learning through online research, discussion and collaboration,
• Develop expertise in curriculum, instruction, and assessment and evaluation in science and environmental education, as well as in interpreting and conducting research.

Programs

Science Education at UT offers the following degree programs.

1. Middle and High School Licensure Programs
   Regular Program – Holmes model for initial career candidates
2. Masters Degree
   Track 1: Currently Licensed
   Track 2: Licensure Program
3. Doctoral Degrees
   Specialist Degree (EdS)
   PhD

Science Kit Check-Out Program

All ages need the opportunity to explore science in a hands-on environment. Educational kits are a way for students to work through guided activities to experiment with a variety of activities to learn about the process of science. The kits contain all the materials needed to complete the activities detailed below. A teacher guide and student workbooks are included in most kits. Kits are designed for K through 8th grade, however, in many cases they can be used for two grades higher or lower. Specific grade listings are included with the kit description.

Click here for descriptions and check-out procedure

To view the course of study

Please follow this link to the UT Graduate Catalog.

1. Select the appropriate catalog from the dropdown menu on the right.
2. Select the College of Education, Health and Human Sciences.
3. Scroll to TPTE and select “Display Programs for this Department.”
4. Click on the appropriate program to see the credit requirements and admission procedures for each program.