Elementary Education: STEM Studies

BHP 100 Honors Seminar: Great Ideas I 3 Credits

Traces the impact of great ideas on society, politics, economics, science, and the arts. This writing-intensive course substitutes for CMP 120 Expository Writing. Freshmen only.

BHP 150 Honors Seminar: Great Ideas II 3 Credits

A continuation of Great Ideas I, the introductory Freshman Baccalaureate Honors Seminar. Great ideas are studied in their cultural and historical contexts and from an interdisciplinary perspective. Students are guided in writing an effective research paper. This writing-intensive course substitutes for CMP 125 Research Writing. Freshmen only.

Prerequisites: BHP 100 with a minimum grade of C or CMP 120 with a minimum grade of C or BHP100 with a score of WV.

BIO 100 Life Science 3 Credits

An introductory course for non-science majors in which students develop an understanding of the nature of science and are introduced to foundational topics in the biological life sciences and how they relate to human affairs. The course may emphasize human evolution, genetics, aging, disease, reproduction, bioethics or other topics in biology. This course counts towards the fulfillment of the Disciplinary Perspectives element of the CAS general education curriculum.

BIO 110 Life Science: Inquiry Approach 4 Credits

An introductory course for non-science majors in which students develop an understanding of biological evolution, the molecular basis of heredity, the cell, matter, energy and organization in living systems, and the interdependence of organisms. In addition, students will develop an understanding of science as a human endeavor, the nature of scientific knowledge, and historical perspectives. Through investigative activities, students will develop an understanding about scientific inquiry and develop abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry. Three hours of lecture and one three-hour lab per week.

Corequisite(s): BIO 110L.

BIO 110L Life Science: Inquiry Approach Lab 0 Credits

This lab is a co-requisite and must be taken with the corresponding course.

Corequisite(s): BIO 110.

CHE 114 Chemistry in the Kitchen 4 Credits

Chemistry permeates aspects of our daily lives in which we are often unaware. In this course, students will learn the core tenets of chemistry including atomic and molecular structure, bonding, intermolecular and macromolecular interactions, and chemical reactivity, and will personally investigate these properties in the context of cooking, baking, metabolism, and other kitchen-related activities. This 4-credit course will include a weekly 3-hour lab in which students will perform experiments that allow them to prepare dishes that illustrate key chemical concepts. As part of the course, students will collaborate with the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen to prepare and serve food to the community, as well as share their understanding about the chemical properties that are involved in the development of various dishes. This course counts towards the fulfillment of the Disciplinary Perspectives element of the CLAS general education curriculum.

Corequisite(s): CHE 114L.

CHE 114L Chemistry in the Kitchen Lab 0 Credits

This is the laboratory portion of CHE 114.

Corequisite(s): CHE 114.

CHE 118 Exploration of Chemical Principles 4 Credits

A one-semester introduction to the principles of chemical sciences. Students will utilize inquiry-based learning methods to examine contextual problems as a means to explore introductory models and concepts of chemistry. Students will also gain an understanding of how scientific models are used to explain experimental observations. The laboratory component of this course is designed to provide students with an experimental context within which to develop some of the models described in the classroom. Three hours of lecture and one three-hour lab per week.

CHE 118L Exploration of Chemical Principles Lab 0 Credits

This lab is a co-requisite and must be taken with the corresponding course.

Corequisite(s): CHE 118.

CMP 120 Seminar in Writing and Rhetoric 3 Credits

Students will increase their competence in the critical reading of challenging college-level texts that engage significant ideas and in writing effective essays that advance a clear and meaningful thesis while demonstrating understanding of those texts. This course counts towards the fulfillment of the Essential Competencies element of the CAS general education curriculum.

CMP 125 Seminar in Writing and Research 3 Credits

Introduces students to the process of library research and documented writing. Emphasis will be on the refinement of critical reading, thinking, and writing strategies applied to multiple sources and documented papers. This course counts towards the fulfillment of the Essential Competencies element of the CLAS general education curriculum.

Prerequisite(s): CMP 120 or BHP 100.

COM 104 Speech Communication 3 Credits

Examines basic communication principles and strategies of public speaking. Various genres of oral communication are studied, with an emphasis on extemporaneous and impromptu forms of delivery. Students research, prepare, and deliver speeches that are then used as the focal point for the discussion of effective speaking and listening. A number of speeches are videotaped. Students who received credit for COM 104S may not take this course. This course counts towards the fulfillment of the Essential Competencies element of the CLAS general education curriculum.

CSC 105 Fundamentals of Computer Science 3 Credits

This course offers an introduction to fundamental areas of study in computer science - their applications, capabilities, and boundaries. Topics include computer organization, algorithms design and analysis, programming paradigms, software development process, operating systems responsibilities, applications, and communications. Hands-on python programming is also introduced in this course from a non-mathematical problem-solving point of view. Basic programming constructs include statements, expressions, variables, control structures, functions, and file operation.

CSC 110 Computer Science I 3 Credits

This course is an introduction to computer science and modern computing fundamentals. Students will develop programs and algorithms to solve a variety of problems posed in the natural sciences. Students will learn to code in Python, a widely adopted language, and learn the basics of algorithms, data types, program structure and development,

Prerequisite(s): MTH 105 or MTH 106 or MTH 210 or concurrent enrollment. MTH 210 or MTH 106 preferred for CSC majors.

EDU 106 Contexts Of Schooling 3 Credits

Students in this field-based course will begin to examine aims, practices, and contemporary issues of schooling in their historical, sociological, philosophical, and futuristic contexts and from the perspectives of various multicultural constituencies-- students, parents, local community, wider economic community, government, and the profession. In doing so, they will begin to develop professional skills of observation, reflection, analysis, and argument. This course must be taken concurrently with EDU 206. A cumulative GPA of 2.75 is required.

EDU 206 Developmental Education Psychology 3 Credits

This field-based course focuses on: a) the cognitive, personality, social, creative, and moral development of children and adolescents; b) influential theories, concepts, and research findings of educational psychology; and c) the translation of psychological theory into classroom practices. This course must be taken concurrently with EDU 106. A cumulative GPA of 2.75 is required.

ELD 307 Foundations of Early Literacy, K-3 3 Credits

This course introduces students to the development of literacy in young children, beginning in kindergarten and continuing through the early elementary grades. Students will learn what research has revealed about how young children develop the insights, skills, and conceptual knowledge that enable them to successfully learn to read and write. Students will learn to support young learners and prompt the development of foundational skills in phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, and writing. In addition, the course examines the relationship between oral language and literacy and the role motivation and social contexts play in literacy learning. A cumulative GPA of 2.75 is required.

Prerequisite(s): EDU 106 and EDU 206.

ELD 308 Fostering Literacy and Language Development Across Disciplines 3 Credits

Explores evidenced based practices for literacy instruction in grade 3-6. Students study foundational reading and writing skills alongside theories and practices of motivation and engagement to support literacy and language development and learning. Students learn assessment measures for identifying individual literacy learning needs and methods for organizing instruction that includes access to diverse texts and resources to support all learners. Threaded throughout the course is the importance of understanding and supporting the diverse linguistic, cultural and learning experiences of students and communities and the awareness of how children comprehend and construct text across multiple modalities. Disciplinary literacy strategies children access for success across content areas are studied. A cumulative GPA of 2.75 is required.

Prerequisite(s): EDU 106 and EDU 206; ELD 307.

ELD 350 Early Adolescence 1 Credits

This course will focus on common dilemmas faced by young people as they move from childhood into adolescence. It will examine age-related differences between children and adolescents and consider ways to create stimulating environments that fit this developmental transition. Representations of adolescence in the media and in research will be compared, including common stereotypes.

ELD 360 Structure and Culture of Middle School Classroom 1 Credits

This course focuses on the teaching of those concepts critical to the understanding of the structure and culture of middle school education. A cumulative GPA of 2.75 is required.

Prerequisite(s): EDU 106 and EDU 206.

ELD 375 Methods of Teaching Mathematics in Elementary Classrooms 3 Credits

This course focuses on the teaching of mathematics that is developmentally appropriate for students from nursery to grade eight. In keeping with ACET, NAEYC, and NCTM Standards, emphasis is placed on planning for and implementing an integrated curriculum approach, discovery learning, hands-on experience, theme cycles, use of technology, and traditional and non-traditional assessment strategies. Field experiences will consist of classroom observations and teaching individuals and/or small groups of students. A cumulative GPA of 2.75 is required.

Prerequisite(s): EDU 106 and EDU 206, MTH 102 or MTH 105 or MTH 150 or MTH 210.

ELD 376 Teaching Science, Social Studies and the Arts N-6 3 Credits

This course focuses on methods and materials of instruction in science, social studies, and the arts that are developmentally appropriate for students in preschool through grade six (based on NCSS, NSTA, and NAEA Standards). Emphasis is placed on an integrated approach to curriculum, with lesson and unit planning activities that incorporate hands-on-experiences, discovery learning and traditional and non-traditional assessment strategies. Field experience will consist of observation and analysis of classroom instruction and the teaching of lessons to individual and/or small groups of children. A cumulative GPA of 2.75 is required.

Prerequisite(s): ELD 307 and ELD 375.

ELD 380 Methods of Teaching Mathematics in the Middle School 3 Credits

This course focuses on the teaching of mathematics that is developmentally appropriate for students in grades six through eight. In keeping with the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) Standards, emphasis is placed on planning for and implementing an inquiry-based approach, hands-on experience, use of technology, and traditional and non-traditional assessment. Field experiences will consist of observations and teaching to individuals, small groups and whole classes of students. A cumulative GPA of 2.75 is required.

Prerequisite(s): EDU 106 and EDU 206.

ELD 385 Teaching Science in the Middle School 3 Credits

This course focuses on the teaching of sciences that is developmentally appropriate for students in grades six through eight. In keeping with the National Science Education Standards, emphasis is placed on planning for and implementing an inquiry-based approach, hands-on experiences, use of technology and traditional and non-traditional assessment strategies. Field experiences will consist of observations and teaching to individuals, small groups and whole classes of students. A cumulative GPA of 2.75 is required.

Prerequisite(s): EDU 106 and EDU 206.

ENG 236 Applied Grammar & Syntax 3 Credits

This course offers a review of the essential elements of English grammar and syntax and fosters understanding of how these elements work in notable argumentative and expository writing as well as in the student's own compositions. Focus is on both expert reading and effective writing. Changing attitudes toward usage, including influence of digital media on language use, are discussed. May be taken as preparation for, or independently of ENG 336, which addresses grammar, syntax, and style at a more advanced level.

Prerequisite(s): completion of composition requirements or permission of instructor.

ENG 336 Grammar and Style 3 Credits

By building a comprehensive knowledge of the conventions of English grammar, punctuation and syntax, students will learn how to analyze the way words, phrases, sentences, and paragraphs work in expert writing, and they will apply this knowledge to their own writing. Emphasis is on argument, exposition, and analysis.

Prerequisite(s): completion of composition requirements or permission of instructor.

ENV 100 Introduction to Environmental Sciences 4 Credits

Examines how ecosystems function, with emphasis on the interactions between biological organisms and their physical environment, and the chemical processes that govern these interactions. The impact of human populations on natural ecosystems is investigated in detail using case studies from history and current events. The laboratory provides for hands-on experiences and/or short field trips to local sites for a better understanding of many of the concepts discussed. Weekday and weekend field trips may be required. Three hours of lecture and one three-hour lab per week. CLAS general education areas addressed: DP, SP, GP.

Corequisite(s): ENV 100L.

ENV 100L Introduction to Environmental Sciences Lab 0 Credits

This lab is a co-requisite and must be taken with the corresponding course.

Corequisite(s): ENV 100.

ENV 110 Future of Natural Resources 3 Credits

In this course, students are introduced to topics in the natural sciences through studies of human exploitation of selected natural resources (e.g. water, fisheries, mineral resources, energy, etc.). The course work includes a study of the scientific process and how it can contribute to solutions to contemporary issues. Topics covered will include factors that influence real-world decisions to manage natural resources more sustainably (e.g. political, economic, ethical factors). During the three hours of class meetings each week, lecture and exercises will be integrated. Field trips will be required. This course counts towards the fulfillment of the Disciplinary Perspectives element of the CLAS general education curriculum.

ENV 120 Introduction to Climate Change 3 Credits

This course offers students an overview of the human impacts on Earth’s climate and emerging solutions to limit future climate change. Students will learn scientific insights into the interconnected components of Earth’s climate as a system including the atmosphere, oceans, land, geology, and ice. Human effects on Earth’s climate system will be contrasted with natural climate variation that preceded the industrial revolution. Students will also consider the personal, societal, and ethical implications of climate change through the lens of environmental justice.

ENV 200 Statistical and Computer Applications in the Natural Sciences 4 Credits

This course introduces important statistical concepts, their application, and the usage of computer technology relevant to biological, environmental, geological, and marine problems. Students will learn various graphical and statistical techniques and how to execute them on personal computers. The curriculum emphasizes the integrated nature of these techniques and their importance to meaningful data evaluation and representation. Laboratory exercises are designed to emphasize useful solutions to problems found in many scientific disciplines using computer-based methodologies. Three hours of lecture and one three-hour lab per week.

Corequisite(s): ENV 200L.

ENV 200L Statistical and Computer Applications in the Natural Sciences Lab 0 Credits

This lab is a co-requisite and must be taken with the corresponding course.

Corequisite(s): ENV 200.

GEO 100 Earth Systems Science 3 Credits

Investigates the major global processes that occur on Earth. These processes can be grouped into four major systems: atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, and cosmosphere. Each system interacts with and affects the other systems creating, in a sense, a single Earth process. With this approach, the student will view the Earth as a whole, and understand that the many seemingly separate components that make up this planet are, in fact, a set of interacting processes, that operate in cycles through time, within a single global system. Three hours of lecture per week. This course counts towards the fulfillment of the Disciplinary Perspectives element of the CLAS general education curriculum.

GEO 102 Earth Materials and Processes Lab 1 Credits

This lab course introduces students to the origin, identification, and significance of geologic materials, processes, and landforms. Hands-on experiences with mineral and rock specimens, topographic and geologic maps, and GPS and other data collection techniques are emphasized, along with field trip and in-lab observations, measurements, and interpretations. One three-hour lab per week.

Prerequisite(s): concurrent enrollment in, or prior completion of, GEO 100 or GEO 113 is required.

GEO 113 Environmental Geology 3 Credits

Examines the fundamental premise that “society exists by geologic consent subject to change without notice” by studying a number of important global geologic processes and cycles, and the hazards and/or resources they present to individuals, societies, and the natural environment. Topics discussed include earthquakes, volcanism, stream flooding, coastal erosion, global climate change, and global water, soil, mineral, and energy resources. Cost/benefit considerations, hazard mitigation concepts, economic and political ramifications, and interactions among the lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere also are presented. The course is designed to give non-science majors a deeper appreciation and understanding of the basic scientific concepts involved, as well as individual and societal connections to the global geologic environment, leading to better, more informed business, political, policy, and personal decisions. This course counts towards the fulfillment of the Disciplinary Perspectives element of the CLAS general education curriculum.

GEO 168 Mesozoic Ruling Reptiles 3 Credits

This course provides an introduction to the vertebrate groups that dominated the land (Dinosaurs), the seas (Mosasaurs, Plesiosaurs, Pliosaurs, Tylosaurs, and Ichthyosaurs) and the skies (Pterosaurs, Pterdactyls) during the Mesozoic Era (65-250 million years ago). Students study the diversity of skeletal architectures and their reconstructed function and the often controversial, inferred anatomy, physiology, reproductive strategy, habit, and social behaviors of these animals that are different from mainstream reptiles, birds, and mammals. They also learn about the paleogeographical, and paleoclimatological conditions that facilitated the evolutionary rise to dominance and diversification of these vertebrate groups and the debated causes of their eventual extinction. These topics also serve to illustrate how the scientific approach works and how competing hypotheses are evaluated. Three hours of lecture per week. Weekend field trips may be required.. This course counts towards the fulfillment of the Disciplinary Perspectives element of the CLAS general education curriculum.

HIS 150 Pre-Modern World: Evolution to Revolution 3 Credits

This course traces both regional histories and global interactions, and covers the development of societies and states in Africa, the Americas, Asia and Europe from prehistoric times until about 1500. Certain major topics will be pursued, including agriculture, great empires, the major world religions, long-distance trade, and early modern exploration. While learning about these topics, students will also gain an understanding of the practice of history, especially of the kinds of sources historians use and how they reconstruct and interpret the past.

HIS 151 World in the Modern Era: Exploration to Globalization 3 Credits

Learn what college students should know about history as a discipline and why history matters by tracing the development and interactions of the cultures of Europe, Africa, Asia and the Americas from 1500 to the present. Students will gain an appreciation for the value of historical thinking and a greater understanding of the relationships among modern nations so necessary for global citizenship.

Prerequisite(s): HIS 150.

MAR 120 Oceanography 3 Credits

In this course, students will investigate the geological, chemical, physical, and biological processes that shape the ocean. Emphasis will be placed on how these processes interact with each other and with human populations. These interactions influence important global phenomena that impact all our lives, including weather and climate, the distribution of marine organisms and other natural resources, and coastal processes. Understanding these phenomena will enable students to make more informed decisions and contribute to serious global marine issues. Students will learn through a combination of hands-on exercises designed to foster a deeper understanding of the scientific content as well as the scientific process, practical experiences with real data, readings, and some lectures. CLAS general education areas addressed: DP & GP.

MTH 150 Mathematics for Education Majors I 3 Credits

This is the first course in a three-course sequence for education majors, This course covers the concept of Numbers, starting with counting numbers, decimals, negative numbers, fractions, and real numbers; different ways of representing numbers, and the relations between them are explored; different meanings and applications of the arithmetic operations are studied; standard and non-standard algorithms for arithmetic are considered in light of the representation of numbers. May not be used by CLAS students to satisfy the mathematics component of the core.

MTH 151 Mathematics for Education Majors II 3 Credits

This is the second course in a three-course sequence for elementary education majors. In this course, students will study proportional reasoning, Number Theory, Algebra, Geometry, and measurement. May not be used by SLAS students to satisfy the mathematics component of the core.

Prerequisite(s): MTH 150.

MTH 152 Mathematics for Education Majors III 3 Credits

This is the third course in a three-course sequence for elementary education majors. In this course, students will study area and volume, transformational geometry, statistics and probability.

Prerequisite(s): MTH 151.

MTH 105 Algebra and Trigonometry 4 Credits

The course is an in depth and rigorous study of functions and graphs, equations and inequalities, polynomial and rational functions, exponential, and logarithmic functions, basic trigonometric functions and their inverses, trigonometric identities.

Prerequisite(s): A mathematics SAT score of 570, departmental placement or MTH 100 with a grade of C or higher.

NCT 012 Navigating Rider 0 Credits

PHY 180 Astronomy 3 Credits

Examines mankind’s quest to understand the origin and form of the universe. Emphasis on the ideas of modern cosmology and their impact on our changing perception of our place in the universe, making use of information gleaned by simply looking at the night sky as well as post Apollo-era views of the solar system and the evolving universe as a whole.

PSY 100 Introduction to Psychology 3 Credits

This course covers major facts, principles and concepts about human and animal behavior and experience, research findings, major problems, basic vocabulary, methodologies, and contributions in the field. Topics include psychology as a science; human development; individual differences; intelligence and its measurement; special aptitudes and interests; personality and social behavior; motivation and emotion; frustration and personality deviations; and learning, thinking, remembering and forgetting.

SPE 300 Inclusive Practices for General Education Teachers 3 Credits

This course is designed to introduce preservice general education teachers students to special education and the inclusive classroom. Students will explore current issues and practices in special education. Assignments and activities will enable students to develop the knowledge and skills to design and manage the instructional environment for diverse learners in inclusive and classroom setting. Attitudes and behaviors that influence children with special needs will be addressed. Students will be required to complete a minimum of 15 field hours in addition to regularly scheduled class hours. Prereqisite(s): EDU 106 and EDU 206. A cumulative gpa of 2.75 is required.

SST 300 Historical & Contemporary Issues in the Social Studies 3 Credits

This course is designed to provide education and non-education majors a comprehensive introduction to, and understanding of, social studies knowledge. This knowledge covers a broad array of academic disciplines, including American/World History, Government and Politics, Geography, Economics, and the various behavioral sciences. The course is aimed at engendering a theoretical grasp of the essential elements of these disciplines, as well as a practical understanding of how the content areas exist in both human society and contemporary policies/issues.

TEC 207 Social Media for Education 3 Credits

Social Media for Education will introduce students to the structure and culture of social media and how social networking applies to the educational environment. This three-credit course will foster a deep understanding of how social media in education can benefit students, teachers, administrators, staff, and stakeholders.

TEC 308 Digital Tools for Teaching 3 Credits

Designed to enable the student to develop instructional presentations utilizing the advantages of multimedia technology. Each student will be required to create a multimedia portfolio that contains information presentations, cumulative records, presenter notes, work samples, photo library, video animation, and audio narration. Cooperative learning strategies will be utilized throughout the course. Developmental/reflective strategies will include self-reflection, peer feedback, and interaction with the instructor in class and via E-mail. Expertise will be developed as the course progresses.