State Requirements to become a Science Teacher 7-12..... Yikes!!! ~Erica

 Ed 612.25  Life Sciences For Grades 7-12.

          (a)  A teacher preparation program in life sciences for grades 7-12 shall meet the science program general requirements of Ed 612.23.

          (b)  In compliance with RSA 193-C:3, IV(f) and consistent with RSA 193-C:3, III, the teacher preparation program in life sciences for grades 7-12 shall require candidate competency in the teaching of life sciences, including techniques for enhancing student learning in this area and the use of assessment results to improve instruction.

          (c)  The life sciences program for grades 7-12 shall provide the teaching candidate with the skills, competencies and knowledge gained through a combination of academic and supervised practical experiencein the following areas:

(1)  In the area of fundamental content knowledge, the candidate shall have the ability to:

a.  Comprehend, apply, evaluate, analyze, and synthesize knowledge of:

1.  Life processes in living systems, including organization of matter and energy;

2.  Similarities and differences among animals, plants, fungi, microorganisms, and viruses;

3.  Principles and practices of biological classification;

4.  Theory and principles of biological evolution;

5.  Ecological systems, including population dynamics, environmental quality, and personal and community health;

6.  General concepts of genetics and heredity;

7.  Cells and multicellular systems;

8.  Human anatomy and physiology, including development;

9.  Regulation of biological systems, including homeostatic mechanisms; and

10.  Applications of biology and biotechnology in society, business, industry, and health fields;

b.  Apply knowledge of interrelationship of living organisms with their biotic and physical environment through full and partial inquiries, field experiences, laboratory investigations, and use of scientific models;

c.  Design and conduct scientific research in life sciences;

d.  Apply mathematical and statistical concepts, at least through the level of college calculus and statistics;

e.  Explain and solve problems in the fundamentals of chemistry and physics equivalent to those taught in introductory college chemistry and college physics courses, including basic concepts and laboratory techniques;

f.  Examine concepts in Earth space science, including energy and geochemical cycles, climate, oceans, weather, natural resources, and changes on Earth; and

g.  Explain historical development and perspectives in life sciences, including contributions of significant figures and underrepresented groups, and the evolution of theories in life sciences; and

(2)  In the area of instructional performance, the candidate shall have the ability to:

a.  Design and teach laboratory activities which incorporate scientific processes, promote scientific habits of mind, and meet the needs of diverse learners;

b.  Design and teach literacy through integrating:

1.  The knowledge of the methods of teaching reading, writing, communication, and study skills essential to the effective mastery of life sciences content;

2.  The use of scientific drawings, diagrams, bulleted lists, and graphing essential to science investigations and expression of ideas; and

3.  Appropriate numeracy skills and concepts into a science lesson;

c.  Demonstrate connections among all sciences and understand the role of life sciences in science literacy;

d.  Relate life sciences to natural and technological issues that influence society and the ethical and moral consequences of decisions related to those issues;

e.  Model and teach safe laboratory and field practices, including:

1.  Personal safety;

2.  Equipment use, storage, and upkeep;

3.  Safe and ethical handling of animals and other organisms; and

4.  Chemical and waste inventory, handling, and disposal;

f.  Integrate the common themes exhibited in all of the sciences into teaching and course design including:

1.  Systems and energy;

2.  Models and scale;

3.  Patterns of change, including constancy or stability;

4.  Form and function;

5.  Evolution; and

6.  Nature of science and inquiry;

g.  Integrate knowledge from the history and philosophy of science into life sciences instruction;

h.  Design learning activities which foster questioning, open-ended investigations, the development of cooperative group skills, and promote practice in decision making and problem solving;

i.  Select, adapt, evaluate, and use age-appropriate strategies and materials for the learning of life sciences, including the recommendations of national curriculum projects and scientific groups; and

j.  Organize, present, and evaluate life sciences ideas in a manner which emphasizes conceptual understanding and in ways which provide for optimal learning experiences for students of all ability levels and learning styles.