Graduate Programs

Master of Science Degree Program in Physical Science
for Secondary Physical Science Teachers

How does this program meet my needs as a full-time teacher?

Courses are completed during the summer and on weekends
1. Weekend seminars, the Frontiers in Science series (Friday evening, Saturday morning).
   • • Six credits required (one credit requires attendance to three Frontiers)
   • • Discussions with MSU research faculty in the Colleges of Natural Science, Agriculture and Natural Resources and Engineering
     
     
2. Intensive, laboratory based summer courses, taught by faculty in the College of Natural Science
   • • Series of courses with each course being three credits and two week experience
     • • Chemistry for Teachers (SME 861)
     • • Physics for Teachers (SME 862)
     • • Earth Science for Teachers (SME 863)
       
       
3. A course in technology, for updating web and multi-media skills:
   • • Technology for Teachers(SME 865) – two credits; two week experience
     
     
4. A short research experience for developing interdisciplinary courses in the physical sciences with other teachers
   • • Integrated Science for Teachers (SME 866) – three credits; two week experience
     
     
5. Thesis research on campus in the summer
   • • Work with MSU faculty to develop appropriate activities for implementation into the classroom
   • • Write and present thesis after testing activities in the classroom
   • • Five credits for summer work; five credits when write and successfully defend thesis

Degree program is focused on expanding knowledge and practice of science, leading to a MS degree

Contacts with Frontiers presenters and course staff

Networking among committed teachers of chemistry, physics and earth science

What eligibility requirements are there for this degree program?

Teachers must have a valid teaching certificate in chemistry, physics, earth science or physical science and have a minimum of one year teaching experience.

How much time will it take to complete the program?

Full-time teachers should expect to complete their program in a minimum of three years. Many may require four or five years for completion. MSU allows six years for completion of Master degree programs.

In a nutshell, what are the requirements for this degree program?

The candidate must complete a minimum of 30 semester hour credits, and submit an approved thesis to the Graduate School. Up to nine credits may be transferred from other Universities/Colleges with the approval of the candidate’s advisory committee. Each degree candidate will have a thesis advisory committee composed of three MSU faculty members. These will be appointed by your thesis advisor.

The following is a brief description of the required courses for Master’s Degree in Physical Science.

SME 861 ~ Chemistry for Teachers ~ 3 credits
This laboratory/lecture course is designed to upgrade skills in and knowledge of chemistry. Everyday examples are used with an eye toward chemistry relevant to teachers and students alike. It includes microscale laboratory work and computer simulations and exercises. Sample topics discussed are: chemical reactions and bonding, thermodynamics and kinetics, and phase diagrams.

Message from SME 861 Instructor

SME 862 ~ Physics for Teachers ~ 3 credits
This laboratory/lecture course with particular emphasis on gravity, optics, energy and force as unifying principles; electric and magnetic fields, chaos, LASERs etc. Teachers measure standard physical parameters using very simple equipment in addition to computer-interfaced probes.

SME 862 Course Syllabus

SME 863 ~ Earth Science for Teachers ~ 3 credits
The focus of this course is to relate standard geological principles to the human environment, with a combination of lecture, laboratory and field work. The topics discussed include uses of geological materials, geological time, Michigan geology and weathering and acid rain. Field trips to cemeteries, landfills, hazardous waste site and the Ledges illustrate these and other topics.

SME 863 Course Syllabus

SME 865 ~ Technology for Teachers ~ 2 credits
This laboratory/lecture course engages secondary science teachers in the latest electronic technology. Course includes developing and using web sites, integrating web site material into multi-media presentations, using web based presentations as supplemental materials and other appropriate uses of technology in classrooms.

SME 865 Course Website

SME 866 ~ Intergrated Science for Teachers~ 3 credits
Open to teachers who have completed NSC 861, 862, 863 and 865. Participants study the interrelationship of the physical sciences and technology. Participants are expected to generate and present a teaching unit suitable for use in their class on their chosen topic.

Message from SME 866 Instructor

SME 902 ~ Physical Science Workshops: Frontier in Physical Science ~ 6 credits (18 workshops)
These five-hour weekend workshops are presented by disciplinary research faculty of MSU. The first two hours provide the basic information regarding their area of expertise. The last three hours are devoted to a discussion of the latest findings and insights in this area. Teachers not currently in a degree-granting program are encouraged to attend.

SME 899 ~ Research ~ Variable Credit
Teachers adapt existing laboratories to his/her classroom situation or craft learned techniques into new laboratory exercises. This research is conducted during a summer in a five week block of time after completion of all other required courses and bears directly on work to be incorporated into the thesis. A research faculty member usually serves as a mentor for this work.

SME 899 ~ Thesis ~ Variable Credit
The thesis describes a new unit, which the candidate develops and teaches. The teacher also develops, as part of their research, laboratory exercises for demonstrating the concepts of the unit. Teaching the new unit makes it possible for the teachers to collect data on student performance, to identify strengths and weaknesses of the unit, and to evaluate its effectiveness. The thesis also includes a description and analysis of the effectiveness of the implemented activities based on this data.

Required courses for the Master's Degree in Physical Science.

For more information, please contact:
Merle Heidemann, Director
Michigan State University
Division of Science and Mathematics Education
118 North Kedzie Lab
East Lansing, MI 48824
Phone: (517) 432-2152, Ext. 107
E-mail: heidema2@msu.edu