Middle Grades Science Minor

Students in the Middle Grades Science minor will complete requirements at the introductory and intermediate level in each of three content areas: earth and planetary science, physical science, and life sciences. Within each area, multiple options are available, allowing students to apply previously earned credit, such as AP, dual enrollment and/or JMU courses earned prior to declaring the minor. In each area, there is a single course that serves as the preferred option for students with no previous coursework in the area. These courses are denoted with an asterisk. All students will take an upper level interdisciplinary course (IDLS 395) focused on scientific practice, cross-cutting concepts and the nature of science.

Introductory Level: Middle Grades Science Minor: 9-16 Credit Hours

Choose one from each area.

Earth and Planetary Science: 3-4 Credit Hours

ISCI 171. Earth and Planetary Science for Teachers [C3NS] Credits: 3.00 *
or
GEOL 102. Environment: Earth [C3NS] Credits: 3.00
or
GEOL 110. Physical Geology [C3NS] Credits: 3.00 and
GEOL 110L. Physical Geology Laboratory [C3L] Credits: 1.00

Physical Science: 3-8 Credit Hours

Choose one of the options below:

Option 1: 3 Credit Hours

ISCI 172. Physical Science for Teachers [C3PP] Credits: 3.00 *

Option 2: 8 Credit Hours

Select one set of physics courses and the chemistry courses below:

PHYS 140. College Physics I [C3PP] Credits: 3.00 and
PHYS 140L. General Physics Laboratory [C3L] Credits: 1.00
or
PHYS 240. University Physics I [C3PP] Credits: 3.00 and
PHYS 240L. University Physics Laboratory I [C3L] Credits: 1.00
CHEM 131. General Chemistry I [C3PP] Credits: 3.00 and
CHEM 131L. General Chemistry Laboratory [C3L] Credits: 1.00

Life Science: 3-4 Credit Hours

BIO 140. Foundations of Biology I [C3NS] Credits: 3.00 and
BIO 140L. Foundations of Biology I Laboratory [C3L] Credits: 1.00
or
ISCI 173. Life and Environmental Science for Teachers [C3L] Credits: 3.00 *

Intermediate Level: Middle Grades Science Minor: 10-11 Credit Hours

Choose one from each area.

Upper Level: Middle Grades Science Minor: 3 Credit Hours

IDLS 395. Topics in IDLS Credits: 1.00 - 6.00

Total: 22-30 Credit Hours

Footnote

* In each area, there is a single course that serves as the preferred option for students with no previous coursework in the area.