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Board of Study for the Teaching of Science and Mathematics
(585) 395-5576
Chairman: Richard V. Mancuso, PhD, SUNY Buffalo. Members: Betsy C. Balzano, PhD, Florida State University; Walter F. Brautigan, PhD, Cornell University; Charles Kiehl, EdD, SUNY Buffalo; Kenneth D. Schlecht, PhD, University of Iowa.
The Board of Study was created in natural and mathematical sciences to work for the improvement of science and mathematics teaching. Its intent is to supplement departmental efforts and to carry out functions and programs not within the interest of a single department or appropriately administered through one department.
Graduate-level subject-matter courses emphasizing the fundamental principles of the sciences and mathematics are scheduled by the Board of Study. Advisement services and courses specifically designed for teachers at the elementary and secondary school levels are available on a regular basis. Acceptability of natural science courses toward a graduate degree is determined in consultation with the student's major advisor.
NAS 586 Lab Science Safety.
Prerequisite: Instructor's permission. Covers safe lab teaching practices for science teachers with no prior safety instruction. Emphasizes hazard potential in biology, chemistry, earth science/geology, and physics, especially when working with chemicals. Includes three hours of lecture/lab per week. 3 Cr.
NAS 599 Independent Study in the Natural Sciences. Arranged in consultation with the instructor sponsor prior to registration. 1-6 Cr.
NAS 611 Science for Elementary Teachers. Designed for elementary teachers with little formal science background. Investigates selected major concepts through the lab approach using simple, easily obtainable materials that can be used by teachers in the classroom. 3 Cr.
NAS 663 Field Natural History. Studies the principles of ecology and conservation in actual field locations. Uses taxonomy and field recognition of common species to develop an understanding of natural relationships. Requires students to develop individual projects related to their interests. 3 Cr.
NAS 673 Physics for Teachers I. Covers selected topics in kinematics and mechanics. Gives considerable attention to student participation in planning and performing experiments and demonstrations. Eighty hours of workshop. 4 Cr. Summer.
NAS 678 Astronomy for Teachers. Studies the solar system, interrelationships of its members, and its place in the cosmos; of the sun as a star; and of theories of the origin and evolution of stars, systems, and of the universe. Stresses the evaluation of evidence; and through lab, field, and planetarium work, emphasizes familiarity with the sky. Requires a project. 4 Cr. Summer.
NAS 683 Physics for Teachers II. Covers selected topics in optics and electromagnetism. Gives considerable attention to student participation in planning and performing experiments and demonstrations. Eighty hours of workshop. 4 Cr. Summer.
NAS 693 Physics for Teachers III. Covers selected topics in modern physics. Gives considerable attention to student participation in planning and performing experiments and demonstrations. Eighty hours of workshop. 4 Cr. Summer.
NAS 695 Chemical Lecture Demonstrations. Prerequisite: 12-15 credits in chemistry. Helps teachers use, develop, and practice chemistry lecture demonstrations. Participants obtain detailed instructions and practice several demonstrations and present them to their classmates. 1 Cr.
NAS 698 Research for Teachers. Enables students to participate in research projects in the natural sciences. May consist of construction of electronic and/or mechanical devices, computations, data collection and analysis and interpretation of results. 1-6 Cr.