STEM Education
Programs
- Mathematical Content Knowledge for Teaching, Graduate Certificate
- Mathematics Education, MSEd
- Mathematics Teaching and Learning PK-12
- Middle School Math Endorsement
- STEM Education - Concentration in Math and Science Education, MA
- STEM Education - Concentration in Mathematics Education, MA
- STEM Education - Concentration in Science Education, MA
Faculty
Professors:
Heather Johnson, PhD, The Pennsylvania State University | Mathematics Education
Geeta Verma, PhD, Kent State University | STEM Education
Associate Professor:
Robert Talbot, PhD, University of Colorado Boulder | Science Education
Clinical Assistant Professor:
Dennis DeBay, PhD, Boston College | STEM Education
Math Education (MTED)
MTED 5002 - Elementary Mathematics Teaching I (3 Credits)
Prepares elementary teachers to teach mathematics to PreK-6 students while applying principles of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics to mathematical learning. Teachers explore ways to help all elementary students become flexible and resourceful mathematical problem solvers. Cross-listed with MTED 4002.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Restriction: TCHR-MA plan or BMA subplan.
MTED 5003 - Elementary Mathematics Teaching II (3 Credits)
MTED 5030 - Theories Of Mathematics Learning (3 Credits)
MTED 5040 - Mathematics Teaching - Theory and Practice (3 Credits)
MTED 5050 - Critique Of Mathematics Education Research (3 Credits)
Develops educators’ understanding of various research studies in mathematics education, including research focusing on mathematics teaching and learning, attending to students’ mathematical reasoning, and teaching mathematics for social justice and equity. Increases educators’ competence, confidence and enthusiasm in critiquing research. MTED 5050 and 7050 are cross-listed.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
MTED 5070 - (Re)Humanizing the Teaching and Learning of Mathematics (3 Credits)
Expands educators’ conceptions of society’s role in determining what counts as mathematics to be taught and learned. Develops understanding of historical and systemic marginalization in mathematics education. Increases abilities to address issues of privilege and oppression that impact students’ opportunities. Cross-listed with MTED 7070
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
MTED 5400 - Mathematics for Elementary Teachers (3 Credits)
Key mathematical concepts for K-6 teachers informed by NCTM & Common Core State Standards, such as place-value number systems, rational, proportional, & algebraic reasoning, geometrical concepts, & statistical/probability ideas. Students' meaningful, enjoyable learning is promoted via problem solving activities. Cross-listed with MTED 3040.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Restriction: Restricted to graduate students in the SEHD or Teacher Education minors.
MTED 5619 - Expanding Conceptions of Number: Quantity and Operation (3 Credits)
Teachers’ learning will focus on quantities and operations in place value number systems, how students understand such systems, and how teaching may promote students' progress.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
MTED 5620 - Developing Fractional & Proportional Reasoning (3 Credits)
Teachers' learning will focus on quantities and operations involved with ratio, fraction, and proportion; and on how students understand ratio, fraction and proportion; and how teaching may promote students' progress.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Repeatable. Max Credits: 3.
MTED 5621 - A World of (Different) Numbers: Quantity and Operation (3 Credits)
Develops K-12 teachers’ understanding of number systems and the ability to foster students’ understanding. Focuses on number, quantity, and operation. Applicable to teaching students at all grade levels in line with the K-12 Common Core Standards. Cross-listed with MTED 4621.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Restriction: Restricted to graduate students in the SEHD or Teacher Education minors or Math Content Knowledge Certificates.
MTED 5622 - Expanding Conceptions of Algebra (3 Credits)
Develops K-12 teachers’ understanding of algebra concepts and the ability to foster students’ understanding. Focuses on equivalence, variable, covariation, and function. Applicable to teaching students at all grade levels in line with the K12 Common Core Standards. Cross-listed with MTED 4622.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Restriction: Restricted to graduate students in the SEHD or Teacher Education minors or Math Content Knowledge Certificates.
MTED 5623 - Geometrical Ways Of Reasoning (3 Credits)
Develops K-12 teachers’ geometrical reasoning and the ability to foster students’ reasoning. Addresses transformation, measurement, classification, objects, imagery, formulas, and investigation. Applicable to teaching students at all grade levels in line with the K-12 Common Core Standards. Cross-listed with MTED 4623.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Restriction: Restricted to graduate students in the SEHD or Teacher Education minors or Math Content Knowledge Certificates.
MTED 5840 - Math Education Independent Study (1-6 Credits)
Repeatable.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Repeatable. Max Credits: 9.
MTED 7030 - Theories Of Mathematics Learning (3 Credits)
MTED 7040 - Mathematics Teaching - Theory and Practice (3 Credits)
MTED 7050 - Critique Of Mathematics Education Research (3 Credits)
Develops educators’ understanding of various research studies in mathematics education, including research focusing on mathematics teaching and learning, attending to students’ mathematical reasoning, and teaching mathematics for social justice and equity. Increases educators’ competence, confidence and enthusiasm in critiquing research. MTED 5050 and 7050 are cross-listed.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
MTED 7070 - (Re)Humanizing the Teaching and Learning of Mathematics (3 Credits)
Expands educators’ conceptions of society’s role in determining what counts as mathematics to be taught and learned. Develops understanding of historical and systemic marginalization in mathematics education. Increases abilities to address issues of privilege and oppression that impact students’ opportunities. Cross-listed with MTED 5070
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
MTED 7840 - Math Education Independent Study (1-6 Credits)
Repeatable.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Repeatable. Max Credits: 9.
Science Education (SCED)
SCED 5004 - Elementary and Middle School Science Methods (3 Credits)
This course explores the teaching of science to elementary and middle school students. We will engage in science learning, teaching, and reflection utilizing a variety of resources as we explore the nature of planning, implementing, and executing effective science instruction. Cross-listed with SCED 4004
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Restriction: TCHR-MA plan or BMA subplan.
SCED 5050 - Introduction to Science Teaching and Learning (2 Credits)
Focus on conceptual development, conceptual change, collaborative learning, students' conceptions of various topics in science, practical issues encountered in facilitating learning, managing the classroom, formative and summative assessment, and differentiating instruction in a collaborative environment. Seminar for Learning Assistants. Student must be serving as a Learning Assistant in the CU Denver LA program.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
SCED 5340 - Equity & Culture in Science Education: Local/Global (3 Credits)
This course examines literature in science education related to issues of culture and equity. Topics will be framed by an understanding of equity in diverse classrooms and how it informs research, curriculum and instruction. Cross-listed with SCED 4340 and ENVS 5340.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
SCED 5350 - Issues and Trends in Science Education (3 Credits)
Explores the current issues and trends in science education related to theory, pedagogy, practices, curriculum, and other contemporary topics. Cross-listed with SCED 4350.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Restriction: Restricted to graduate students in the SEHD or Teacher Education minors.
SCED 5360 - Physics Teaching and Learning (3 Credits)
In this course, we will explore how people learn physics, and how physics is and can be taught. We will read literature in physics, physics education research, education, psychology, and cognitive science and apply it to your physics teaching.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
SCED 5365 - Physics Teaching as Research (3 Credits)
In this course, you will research your teaching of physics, with the explicit goals of improving your teaching practice and improving student learning of physics.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
SCED 5500 - The Nature of Science (3 Credits)
This course is a critical exploration of science and scientific knowledge using an epistemological approach to ask (and possibly answer) questions about sociological issues in science and implications for science research, teaching and learning. Cross-listed with SCED 7500.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Restriction: Restricted to graduate students in the SEHD or Teacher Education minors.
SCED 5650 - Environmental Education (3 Credits)
SCED 5670 - Experiential Learning In The Parks (3 Credits)
This course guides students through their experiences in a summer field placement, using readings, discussions and other interactive tools that focus on place-based education.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
SCED 5800 - Curriculum Workshop for Science Teachers (0.5-4 Credits)
Opportunity to work on curricular projects and problems in the schools. Explore various formal and informal learning environments such as study groups and after-school activities. Repeatable.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Repeatable. Max Credits: 36.
SCED 5840 - Independent Study (1-4 Credits)
Repeatable.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Repeatable. Max Credits: 9.
SCED 5950 - Master's Thesis (1-8 Credits)
Repeatable.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade with IP
Repeatable. Max Credits: 8.
Additional Information: Report as Full Time.
SCED 6840 - Independent Study (1-4 Credits)
Repeatable.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Repeatable. Max Credits: 4.
SCED 6950 - Master's Thesis (4 Credits)
Grading Basis: Letter Grade with IP
Additional Information: Report as Full Time.
SCED 6990 - Special Topics (1-6 Credits)
Repeatable.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Repeatable. Max Credits: 6.
SCED 7500 - The Nature of Science (3 Credits)
This course is a critical exploration of science and scientific knowledge using an epistemological approach to ask (and possibly answer) questions about sociological issues in science and implications for science research, teaching and learning. Cross-listed with SCED 5500.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
SCED 7840 - Independent Study (1-3 Credits)
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Science, Technology, Engineering & Math Education (STME)
STME 5001 - Planning for Learning in Mathematics and Science (3 Credits)
This course explores aspects of complex curriculum and instructional concepts through the lens of mathematics and science educators. A focus will include: Socio-cultural learning theory in Math and Science; standards-based instruction; instructional design; formative & summative assessment, and differentiation so that meaningful instruction becomes accessible to all students. Cross-listed with STME 4001.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
STME 5051 - STEM Capstone: Secondary Education (3 Credits)
This course provides Secondary STEM Education students with a capstone learning experience that integrates knowledge of STEM content, students, and school context into socially-just and culturally responsive practices. Cross-listed with STME 4051.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Restriction: TCHR-MA plan or BMA subplan.
STME 5020 - Learning and Assessment in STEM: Embracing Design Thinking (3 Credits)
This course emphasizes student-centered, wonder-driven STEM education. Explore Design Thinking's integration for enriched inquiry-based learning in math, science, engineering, and technology. Learn strategies for inclusivity, differentiation, and accommodations. Master formative, summative assessments, including handling high-stakes evaluations. Cross-listed with STME 4020.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
STME 5030 - Exploring Approaches to STEM Education: Making Student Learning Visible (3 Credits)
This course delves into inventive STEM education, merging Design Thinking principles. Emphasis on playful, visible learning, and interdisciplinary connections. Online format fosters collaborative, flexible digital atelier experiences. Cross-listed with STME 4030.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
STME 6010 - Community-Engaged STEM Leadership (3 Credits)
In this learning opportunity, we will explore ways to think about informal and formal learning spaces with a lens of STEM Leadership. Cross-listed with STME 7010.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Restriction: Graduate level students.
STME 6030 - Decolonizing STEM spaces: Broadening Opportunities (3 Credits)
In this course we will explore broadening opportunities in educational spaces including STEM education by focusing on indigenous knowledge systems and ways of knowing. We will explore the epistemological frameworks and knowledge claims within this space. Cross-listed with STME 7030
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
STME 6110 - Science and Math Curriculum Studies (3 Credits)
Students examine frameworks for curriculum design, discuss the psychological and philosophical foundations of curricula, and analyze the curriculum that they use in their own teaching. Students synthesize what teachers must do in order to effectively implement curricula. Cross-listed with STME 7110.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Restriction: Graduate level students.
STME 7010 - Community-Engaged STEM Leadership (3 Credits)
In this learning opportunity, we will explore ways to think about informal and formal learning spaces with a lens of STEM Leadership. Cross-listed with STME 6010.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Restriction: Restricted to EDHD-PhD and LDRE-EDd majors within the School of Education and Human Development.
STME 7020 - Power of Data (3 Credits)
In this course we will focus on uncovering the biases in research and data, support students in using data for public good, and employ methodological frameworks which help make sense of the complex intersectionalities between race, gender, and socioeconomic class.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Restriction: Restricted to graduate students and graduate non-degree seeking students.
Typically Offered: Spring.
STME 7030 - Decolonizing STEM spaces: Broadening Opportunities (3 Credits)
In this course we will explore broadening opportunities in educational spaces including STEM education by focusing on indigenous knowledge systems and ways of knowing. We will explore the epistemological frameworks and knowledge claims within this space. Cross-listed with STME 6030.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
STME 7110 - Science Math Curriculum Study (3 Credits)
Students examine frameworks for curriculum design, discuss the psychological and philosophical foundations of curricula, and analyze the curriculum that they use in their own teaching. Students synthesize what teachers must do in order to effectively implement curricula. Cross-listed with STME 6110.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Restriction: Graduate level students.