Would you like to enhance your STEM degree with valuable communication skills while determining whether teaching science, math or computer science is for you? The STEM Education program offers three fun and interactive introductory courses.  

If you enjoy the introductory course, continue taking courses to earn a STEM Education certificate (nine credit hours) or a STEM Education minor (15 credit hours), which can lead to earning a teaching license (24-30 credit hours) in biology, chemistry, physics, math or computer science while earning your STEM degree. Whether or not you are interested in a teaching career, you will find the strategies that teachers use to convey complex ideas and engage students in critical thinking are valuable to any STEM profession. Employers look for the kinds of qualities that you can develop in these courses. 

The Stem Education minor and certificate look good on any transcript, resume or medical school application. And if you pursue the teaching license while earning your STEM degree, you'll increase your career options. 

Here are the intro courses offered this spring. They have no prerequisites and can be taken in any order or during the same semester:

STEM 12001 - Introduction to Teaching STEM Subjects (Wednesdays 11:50 a.m.-12:40 p.m. or 3:05-3:55 p.m.)

This course previews what it is like to teach STEM subjects. Engaging activities that model effective teaching practices, discussions of STEM education issues and optional school observations will help STEM majors or others clarify their interest in teaching as a career or as an additional skill as a STEM professional.  

Note: Fulfills UNIV 10051 requirement.

STEM 12102 - Inquiry Approach to Teaching STEM Subjects  (T/TH  2-3 p.m. or 3:30—4:30 p.m.)

Along with learning classroom strategies for engaging students and organizing a lesson, student pairs plan and teach three inquiry-based lessons (choice of math, science or computer science) in a local school classroom. For STEM majors, but open to all who are interested in exploring teaching as an additional career option.

Note: Class will meet twice a week for the first four weeks and for the last week. In between, class will meet only once a week (Tuesdays) to compensate for time spent at schools. Students without transportation will be paired with students who can drive to schools.

STEM 20003 - The Art of STEM Communication (Wed. 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., TH 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. or T/TH 2 - 3:15 p.m.)

An interdisciplinary course that explores the importance of effective STEM communication in socio-scientific issues. Interactive and engaging, this course collaborates with the STEM and Fine Arts departments. Fulfills a social science elective for State Minimum Core.

Go to STEM.uark.edu to learn more about the three STEM Education program options. If you are a senior STEM major and interested in becoming a teacher, there is a one-year Master of Arts in Teaching program that you can start next summer to earn a teaching license. Feel free to contact Dr. Kim McComas for more information about any of these programs at kmccomas@uark.edu.