Earth Science Teacher

With the adoption of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) by the State of California and most other states, teachers need programs that emphasize Earth Science to be competitive candidates for teaching positions. This degree provides that emphasis while also incorporating the foundational classes for both the Single Subject Credential (Science: Geosciences) and the Multiple Subject Teaching Credential typical for Middle/High School teachers and Elementary School teachers, respectively. In addition, the degree core includes a course in Earth History needed for the Single Subject path but also NGSS-relevant at several grade levels for the Multiple Subject path. Further, because the NGSS incorporates the Earth Sciences at every grade level regardless of that grade’s science focus, a Multiple Subject credentialed teacher could demonstrate a strong NGSS-ready background referring specifically to the courses within this degree. Selected core and elective courses in this plan are designed to develop breadth and to demonstrate multidisciplinary connections across the sciences with the Earth Sciences acting as the central discipline, an NGSS hallmark.

Program learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of this degree, the student should be able to:

1. Describe how density-driven processes influence the physics associated with mantle circulation and plate tectonics, tropospheric circulation including weather fronts and global atmospheric circulation, and oceanographic processes such as downwelling.
2. Relate the chemistry natural materials to processes they are associated with such as magma chemistry and eruption dynamics, the chemistry of air and global climate, and the chemistry of marine environments as they influence atmospheric chemistry and impact marine life.
3. Define the role of electromagnetic radiation in atmospheric processes, oceanographic processes and the foundations of the biosphere.
4. Explain the role of the rock cycle in terms of supporting natural resource needs, biospheric support, hydrospheric origins and atmospheric qualities.
5. Identify the qualities of our planet that are distinctive as compared to others in the solar system, referencing our position, tilt, and interactive systems as driven by solar and geothermal energies.

Note

In addition to the core and elective courses above, there are specific Math and Social Science GE courses, as well as additional Science courses, that can further support this degree and transfer into a teaching program. See Earth Science Department faculty or a counselor.