Science Education, Secondary Physics

Quantitative Literacy views real-world problems through the lens of quantitative reasoning. The application of quantitative concepts to topics such as financial decisions is explored. Algebraic models and functions, as well as principles of geometry, are reviewed as fundamental ways to explore real-life scenarios. The use of mathematical concepts as a tool for modeling and understanding everyday problems is leveraged to promote students' thinking of math as a useful and relevant tool for many situations and scenarios. Numeracy and quantitative thinking skills are developed through these applications.

Technology and Ethics: Emerging Trends and Society explores the intersection of ethical thinking and technological innovations. A foundational introduction to ethical frameworks is applied to emerging trends in technology, including artificial intelligence, social media, and other forms of digital media. This course examines the impact of technology on our understanding of self, as well as the individual’s role in interacting with others in a globalized society. The course helps students gain the ability to recognize ethical actions within the context of current and newly evolving technological landscapes. This course has no prerequisites.

American Politics and the U.S. Constitution examines the evolution of representative government in the United States and the changing interpretations of the civil rights and civil liberties protected by the Constitution. This course will give candidates an understanding of the powers of the branches of the federal government, the continual tensions inherent in a federal system, the shifting relationship between state and federal governments, and the interactions between elected officials and the ever-changing electorate. This course will focus on such topics as the role of a free press in a democracy, the impact of changing demographics on American politics, and the debates over and expansion of civil rights. Upon completion of the course, candidates should be able to explain the basic functions of the federal government, describe the forces that shape American policy and politics, and be better prepared to participate in America’s civic institutions. This course has no prerequisite.

Precalculus builds on previous math courses to provide a deeper understanding of fundamental mathematical concepts and problem-solving skills to prepare students for calculus and professional success. The course will lead students to engage with functions, trigonometry, systems of equations, analytic geometry, and sequences and series. Through interactive learning experiences and real-world applications, precalculus will help students develop a deeper understanding of mathematical principles and their practical significance across diverse fields. Successful completion of a college level algebra course is a prerequisite for this course.

Welcome to Composition: Writing with a Strategy! In this course, you will focus on three main topics: understanding purpose, context, and audience, writing strategies and techniques, and editing and revising. In addition, the first section, will offer review on core elements of the writing process, cross-cultural communication, as well as working with words and common standards and practices. Each section includes learning opportunities through readings, videos, audio, and other relevant resources. Assessment activities with feedback also provide opportunities to check your learning, practice, and show how well you understand course content. Because the course is self-paced, you may move through the material as quickly or as slowly as you need to gain proficiency in the seven competencies that will be covered in the final assessment. If you have no prior knowledge or experience, you can expect to spend 30-40 hours on the course content.

Welcome to Introduction to Communication: Connecting with Others! It may seem like common knowledge that communication skills are important, and that communicating with others is inescapable in our everyday lives. While this may appear simplistic, the study of communication is actually complex, dynamic, and multifaceted. Strong communication skills are invaluable to strengthening a multitude of aspects of life. Specifically, this course will focus on communication in the professional setting, and present material from multiple vantage points, including communicating with others in a variety of contexts, across situations, and with diverse populations. Upon completion, you will have a deeper understanding of both your own and others’ communication behaviors, and a toolbox of effective behaviors to enhance your experience in the workplace.

Welcome to Composition: Successful Self-Expression! In this course, you will focus on four main topics: professional writing for a cross-cultural audience, narrowing research topics and questions, researching for content to support a topic, and referencing research sources. Each section includes learning opportunities through readings, videos, audio, and other relevant resources. Assessment activities with feedback also provide opportunities to check your learning, practice, and show how well you understand course content. Because the course is self-paced, you may move through the material as quickly or as slowly as you need to gain proficiency in the seven competencies that will be covered in the final assessment. If you have no prior knowledge or experience, you can expect to spend 30-40 hours on the course content. You will demonstrate competency through a performance assessment. There is no prerequisite for this course and there is no specific technical knowledge needed.

Introduction to Systems Thinking and Applications provides learners with the skills required to engage in a holistic systems-based approach to analyzing complex problems and solutions. This course introduces the foundational concepts and principles of systems thinking and provides opportunities to use a systems thinking approach to analyze and evaluate real-world case studies. The course will culminate with using systems thinking to develop a solution to an authentic complex problem. This course has no prerequisites, but general education math (C955 or C957) is preferred. Because the course is self-paced, learners may move through the material as quickly or as slowly as needed, with the goal of demonstrating proficiency in the five competencies covered in the final assessment. If learners have no prior knowledge of this material, they can expect to spend 30 to 40 hours on the course content.

This course provides further application and analysis of algebraic concepts and functions through mathematical modeling of real-world situations. Topics include: real numbers, algebraic expressions, equations and inequalities, graphs and functions, polynomial and rational functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, and systems of linear equations.

This General Physics course covers fundamental concepts, including Newton’s Laws, forces, motion, energy, waves, electricity, and magnetism, with real-world applications and insights into relativity and quantum theory. Learners will study measurement, forces and motion, Newton’s Laws, centrifugal and centripetal forces, friction, gravity, momentum, collisions, vectors, wave motion, energy, thermodynamics, and electromagnetic waves. Skills developed include scientific literacy, physical science application, systems thinking, and scientific reasoning.

In this lab that follows the General Physics course, learners will develop the ability to conduct scientific investigations to answer questions using experimentation in the field of physics. The section emphasizes the application of the scientific method to solve problems, analyze data from experiments, and draw conclusions. Students will also learn to accurately summarize their findings and perform tasks with attention to detail. Throughout the lessons, students will engage in activities designed to enhance their scientific reasoning and written communication skills, ensuring they can effectively explain their results. They will practice identifying interconnections within systems. The course provides a foundational understanding of experimental techniques and data analysis, preparing learners to conduct independent investigations and apply their knowledge in real-world contexts.

General Chemistry I introduces foundational principles of chemistry, starting at the atomic level and expanding to the behavior of elements within the periodic table. This course explores how atoms bond to form molecules and proceeds into chemical reactions, acids and bases, solutions, and nuclear reactions. Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of stability and change in chemical processes. This course highlights the practical aspects of chemistry, providing insights into how chemical principles underpin everyday phenomena and contribute to our understanding of environmental processes.

General Chemistry I Lab focuses on developing foundational skills in scientific investigation in chemistry. It emphasizes the application of the scientific method to answer chemistry questions through hypothesis-driven experimentation. Students will learn to design, execute, and analyze chemistry experiments, ensuring adherence to rigorous scientific protocols and ethical standards. The course also covers essential aspects of scientific communication, including writing clear and structured scientific reports and effectively presenting experimental findings. Throughout the course, students will cultivate critical thinking skills necessary for interpreting data and drawing conclusions.

This comprehensive survey course provides a foundational understanding of Earth's position in the universe and its dynamic systems. Students will explore Earth's placement within the solar system, including the effects of its orbit, origin, and celestial interactions on tides and seasons. The course delves into Earth's subsystems—geosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, and atmosphere—focusing on their interactions and impacts on weather, climate, and geological processes like weathering, erosion, and soil formation. Additionally, the course examines natural phenomena such as earthquakes and volcanoes, and the significant influence of human activities on Earth's systems, addressing topics such as resource management, land use, pollution, and sustainability. Through interactive simulations, multimedia resources, and real-life applications, students will engage in interdisciplinary thinking and develop a deep appreciation for the scientific methods, theories, and laws that underpin Earth science.

The Earth Science I Lab course equips students with skills to conduct scientific investigations in Earth science. Students will apply the scientific method, design controlled experiments, and follow lab safety protocols. They will gain experience with data collection methods, including field observations, experiments, and virtual simulations of phenomena like erosion. The course emphasizes analyzing weather, climate, and seismic data using basic techniques. It also covers essential aspects of identifying and analyzing the components of a lab report by answering questions related to a simulated lab report. Students will learn to interpret data, draw conclusions, and communicate findings effectively, preparing them for advanced Earth science studies and research.

This course is a foundational introduction to the biological sciences. The overarching theories of life from biological research are explored as well as the fundamental concepts and principles of the study of living organisms and their interaction with the environment. Key concepts include how living organisms use and produce energy; how life grows, develops, and reproduces; how life responds to the environment to maintain internal stability; and how life evolves and adapts to the environment.

This course focuses on developing foundational skills in scientific investigation within the field of biology. It emphasizes the application of the scientific method to answer biological questions through hypothesis-driven experimentation. Students will learn to design, execute, and analyze biological experiments, ensuring adherence to rigorous scientific protocols and ethical standards. The course also covers essential aspects of identifying and analyzing the components of a lab report by answering questions related to a simulated lab report. Throughout the course, students will cultivate critical thinking skills necessary for interpreting data, drawing conclusions, and proposing further research directions in biology.

Secondary Physics Curriculum. This course offers a comprehensive review for high school physics teachers preparing for the Praxis exam. Explore major scientific discoveries, key engineering innovations, and their societal impacts. Understand ethical issues in scientific research and the principles of effective science communication. Delve into different forms of energy, laws of thermodynamics, and the role of energy and matter in the universe. Study Coulomb's Law, electric circuits, and electromagnetism. Learn how to integrate wave properties, sound waves, and the electromagnetic spectrum into your teaching practice. As this course is focused on Praxis prep, content is conceptual and algebra-based.

Waves, Acoustics, and Sound provides a comprehensive exploration of fundamental wave properties and their interactions with various media. Designed for learners preparing for roles in science education, it delves into the core concepts of wave behavior, including wave characteristics, factors affecting wave propagation, and the effects of interference. Through detailed lessons on wave properties, interactions, and changes in wave behavior, learners will gain the skills needed to analyze and predict wave phenomena. The course emphasizes practical applications, employing interactive simulations and real-world examples to enhance understanding and prepare learners for effective teaching and application of wave concepts in educational settings.

Three Dimensional Science and Engineering focuses on developing a comprehensive understanding of science and engineering pedagogical knowledge. This course is the first of three science teaching methods courses and provides a robust foundation in integrating disciplinary core ideas, crosscutting concepts, and science and engineering practices in phenomena-based curriculum and instruction. Candidates will delve into planning learning experiences, designing instructional strategies, and utilizing phenomena-based teaching to promote engagement and understanding. Reflective practices, such as evaluating observed teaching, analyzing personal teaching methods, and reviewing course content, are emphasized to foster continuous improvement. The course will be assessed via an integrated performance assessment task, requiring candidates to demonstrate their instructional skills.

General Physics II with Lab builds on the foundational concepts covered in General Physics I, guiding students through introductory topics in heat and thermodynamics, geometric optics, and the interactions and transformations of energy within atomic and subatomic systems. Students will explore the distinction between heat and temperature, methods of heat transfer, specific heat capacity, the laws of thermodynamics, kinetic theory of gases, and the principles of heat engines and efficiency. The course delves into electromagnetic waves, Snell’s law, total internal reflection, thin film interference, ray tracing for lenses and mirrors, dispersion, polarization, diffraction, and the functioning of optical instruments. Finally, students will analyze Interaction and Transformations of Energy, explore atomic models and structures, atomic spectral absorption and emission, radioactivity and radioactive decay, nuclear processes like fusion and fission, and mass-energy relationships. Throughout the course, students will develop scientific literacy and the ability to apply scientific principles, enhancing their understanding of physical science concepts and their applications.

Explore the vast and fascinating realm of astrophysics with a hands-on approach to learning about celestial objects, the formation of the universe, and the theories that explain their behavior. Through interactive virtual labs and engaging multimedia resources, you will delve into the properties of stars, planets, galaxies, black holes, and the fundamental forces that govern their motion. Analyze cutting-edge theories of general relativity, dark matter, and dark energy while developing critical analytical skills to interpret astronomical data. This course offers a comprehensive understanding of the universe and prepares you to apply astrophysical concepts in real-world contexts.

Electricity and Magnetism is a comprehensive exploration of the fundamental principles of electricity and magnetism. This course is designed to help all students be successful in learning the core concepts of electricity and magnetism, and how they can be applied to real world technologies like electronics, motors, and infrastructure. Through a combination of theoretical instruction and experiments, students will build a robust foundation in electricity and magnetism, preparing them for a career as a physics teacher. This course emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and the practical application of scientific principles, equipping students with the knowledge and skills necessary for success in the classroom.

Calculus I offers a foundational exploration of the essential concepts and applications of calculus, crucial for higher-level mathematics and various scientific fields. This course begins with an overview of calculating limits and continuity of functions, setting the stage for the study of derivatives. Then, students will explore applications of derivatives, including applications to objects in motion, optimization, and related rates. Finally, the course focuses on both definite and indefinite integrals, leading to the mastery of the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus. This course prepares students for advanced mathematical studies and provides the groundwork for advanced calculus topics addressed in Calculus II and Multivariable Calculus. 

The Professional Educator prepares WGU students to excel in the exciting and impactful profession of being an educator. Additionally, the course addresses the importance of continuous professional development and ethical considerations in teaching through the School of Education (SOE) Professional Dispositions and Ethics. Upon completion of the course, WGU students will be equipped with the tools and insights needed to continue their professional journey of becoming effective, inspiring, and adaptive educators, capable of making a significant impact in the lives of their students and the broader educational community. (This is not a transferable course.)

Assessing and Monitoring Student Learning is a targeted course crafted for candidates who aim to enhance their skills in evaluating student progress and educational outcomes. This course provides an in-depth exploration of various assessment techniques, including formative and summative assessments, standardized tests, benchmark assessments, progress monitoring, and alternative assessment strategies. Participants will learn how to design effective assessment tools, interpret data to inform instruction, and provide meaningful feedback to students. This course also provides a foundation of data analysis that supports educators’ need to understand data and present data to stakeholders. Candidates will also explore online and digital assessment tools. Assessing and Monitoring Student Learning will prepare learners to align assessments to standards to monitor student learning, assess data, and provide on time and quality feedback.

Learners and Learning Science provides WGU students with a deep understanding of the science behind learning processes. This course covers a broad spectrum of topics pertaining to the science of learning, including cognitive development, learning theories, neuroscience in education, and the impact of developmental milestones on learning. Students will explore how these concepts apply to learning environments and educational levels, from early childhood through adolescence. The course emphasizes evidence-based practices and the practical application of learning science principles, equipping students with strategies to enhance learning outcomes and student engagement. This course aims to empower educators to create more effective, inclusive, and engaging learning experiences for all learners.

Personalized Learning for Inclusive Classrooms empowers educators to create more inclusive and effective learning environments. This course focuses on the principles and strategies of personalized learning, emphasizing the need to value and support the unique needs, interests, and abilities of each learner. The course provides a foundation for learner characteristics of learners with exceptionalities and other unique learning needs. This course helps candidates develop skills for partnering with parents and families to advocate for all students with exceptionalities, including those impacted by provisions of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Multitiered systems of support are addressed to prepare candidates for their future classrooms as they seek to select appropriate instructional practices and interventions to best serve their learners. These factors are also addressed in relation to online and hybrid learning environments.

Creating Positive Learning Environments delves into the key elements that contribute to creating and maintaining a positive learning atmosphere for educators focused on fostering supportive and productive classroom climates. The course teaches effective communication, classroom norms and routines, and positive behavior supports. Emphasizing the importance of a safe and inclusive environment, the course also explores methods to promote student engagement, collaboration, and mutual respect among all learners. It also addresses the role of mental well-being in learning, exploring trauma-informed and restorative practices, which are addressed in relation to online and hybrid learning environments. Through a blend of theoretical frameworks and practical applications including case studies, Creating Positive Learning Environments teaches learners how to develop and sustain environments that not only enhance academic performance but also support the holistic development of students.

Planning Instructional Strategies for Meaningful Learning is a dynamic course designed for educators seeking to deepen their understanding of instructional planning and the execution of educational strategies that foster meaningful learning experiences. This course provides candidates with the knowledge and skills necessary to create engaging and standards-aligned lessons that meet the needs of all students. This course also covers a range of high-leverage instructional practices to increase student learning, engagement, and achievement. Participants will learn to utilize assessments to inform instruction, adapt teaching to accommodate all students, and incorporate technology to enhance learning.

Instructional Technology and Online Pedagogy is an innovative course designed to equip students with the skills to effectively integrate technology in their teaching practices. The course also covers best practices for online pedagogy, assessment and feedback, collaborative learning, and the use of multimedia and interactive elements to enhance learning experiences. With a focus on practical application, students will leave the course ready to create and facilitate compelling, high-quality online learning experiences that meet the needs of today's diverse learners. This course also provides a foundation for supporting digital literacy in K–12 education. In addition, this course prepares students to use technology to improve professional productivity and effectiveness in areas like data analysis and data representations.

Secondary Literacy Methods & Interventions utilizes MTSS to equip educators with evidence-based strategies to address adolescents' reading challenges through the Multi-Tiered System of Supports Model. Candidates learn to identify, monitor, and provide differentiated instruction, integrating screening tools and progress monitoring to enhance comprehension. The course emphasizes the development of personalized intervention plans while utilizing reading assessments for informed instructional decisions. By completion, candidates compile intervention strategies supporting learners across MTSS tiers, fostering inclusive environments for academic success.

General Secondary Methods prepares students for secondary teaching by equipping them with essential instructional skills and knowledge tailored to adolescent learners. Students will explore how adolescent development influences learning, how secondary school settings influence instructional choices, and how to implement effective teaching strategies in these environments. Through a blend of theory and practical application, students will create and assess lesson plans, focusing on differentiated instruction, formative and summative assessments, and the integration of technology, including AI tools, to promote affective learning in diverse secondary education settings.

The course "Laboratory Safety" aims at equipping learners with essential safety knowledge and skills for various learning environments, including laboratories, classrooms, and field settings. Learners in this course will deeply understand safety protocols, legal responsibilities, and effective teaching strategies for safety in educational settings.

Secondary Disciplinary Literacy is a cutting-edge course designed for candidates seeking to enhance their literacy skills within specific secondary academic disciplines. The course examines the distinct literacy needs of various secondary content areas, focusing on how reading, writing, speaking, and listening function differently in each discipline. Candidates will explore specialized language structures and text features relevant to each field and develop strategies to help students master these complexities. The curriculum integrates the science of reading to support critical engagement with and production of disciplinary texts, while also incorporating technology and digital literacy to aid students in accessing and interpreting discipline-specific information. The course combines research-based evidence with practical, structured literacy activities to equip educators with the skills necessary to improve student achievement and understanding across all subjects. This course is a required component in SCED programs and will be assessed through a performance assessment task for both undergraduate and graduate versions.

Student Teaching I is the first part of a two-part series and is a mandatory course for all candidates seeking initial licensure. This course provides a supervised classroom experience in a real-world setting, allowing candidates to demonstrate and reflect upon professional ethics and dispositions, collaborate with experienced teachers, and implement instructional strategies rooted in students' learning and developmental patterns. Building on the responsibilities and skills developed in Advanced Clinical, candidates will receive ongoing feedback through observations and evaluations. Feedback will encourage candidates to reflect on their commitment to professional practices as educators, analyze and adjust teaching methods, and explore new teaching materials and methods that are culturally relevant. Additionally, the course features synchronous learning sessions that delve into communication and collaboration, accepting feedback, creating positive learning environments, and technology and online learning. Candidates must attend the required synchronous learning sessions in addition to their classroom placement.

Student Teaching II is the final part of a two-part series and is a mandatory course for all candidates seeking initial licensure. The course offers a supervised classroom experience in a real-world setting, allowing candidates to demonstrate professional ethics and dispositions, collaborate with experienced teachers, and implement instructional strategies. Building on the responsibilities and skills developed in Student Teaching I, candidates receive ongoing feedback through observations and a final evaluation. This evaluation assesses activities' relevance and cultural engagement, the effectiveness of teaching each student, the ability to analyze and adjust teaching methods, and the willingness to explore new materials and methods. Successful completion of Student Teaching II is a crucial step in the licensure process, as it determines eligibility for licensure as a professional educator. Additionally, the course features synchronous learning sessions that delve into professional development topics such as professional growth opportunities, ethical decision making, and self-care. Candidates must attend the required synchronous learning sessions in addition to their classroom placement.

Advanced Clinical provides aspiring educators with real-world classroom experience. This course emphasizes the importance of hands-on learning, offering candidates the unique opportunity to observe and participate in classroom environments under the guidance of experienced mentors. The curriculum includes demonstrating reflective practice, classroom engagement techniques, instructional strategies, and effective communication skills with students and colleagues through a pedagogical performance assessment. Through this immersive experience, candidates not only observe the daily responsibilities of a teacher, but also start to develop their own teaching style and philosophy, laying a solid foundation for their future careers in education. This course is taken immediately prior to Student Teaching I as part of an engaging and intensive clinical experience.

Early Clinical Experiences is a pivotal course designed to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical teaching skills. This course offers aspiring educators an immersive experience in real classroom settings under the mentorship of experienced teachers. Candidates engage in a range of activities, including observation, to develop a deeper understanding of classroom dynamics, student engagement, and effective instructional strategies. Emphasizing reflective practice, the course encourages participants to analyze their experiences, integrate feedback, and adapt their teaching methods accordingly. This experiential learning approach equips future teachers with the confidence and competence necessary to foster a positive and impactful learning environment for their students.

This course focuses on equipping secondary science educators with the essential knowledge and skills to effectively teach science through a three-dimensional approach, integrating science and engineering practices, crosscutting concepts, and disciplinary core ideas. Participants will explore general considerations for science instruction, including inquiry-based learning, hands-on activities, and assessment strategies. By building on foundational knowledge in Three-Dimensional Science and Engineering, educators will enhance their ability to engage students in meaningful and authentic scientific learning experiences. This methods course will count towards 7 hours of the 51 total clinical hours that learners will gain from their SCED methods courses.