About the Department

Our Mission

The Department of Science Education at California State University, Chico is committed to providing the North State with the highest quality science education for all learners, programs for teacher subject matter preparation and professional development, and research on teaching and learning to promote scientific appreciation and understanding.

Our Vision

The Department of Science Education at CSU, Chico is a crucible for innovations and excellence in science teaching and learning, a collaborative partner with the K-16 North State science education community, and a model program for higher education.

Our Responsibilities

The Department of Science Education at CSU, Chico serves our stakeholders by:

• recruiting, retaining, and mentoring students in our BA in Natural Sciences as they study to become middle school science teachers.
• teaching science classes for future elementary school teachers, especially Liberal Studies majors, by providing standards-based content using pedagogy validated by science education research.
• providing standards-based professional development for practicing teachers with programs such as the California Science Project.
• providing standards-based science lessons for visiting grade school students in the Hands-on Lab, at the Gateway Science Museum, and in some of our Liberal Studies science courses.
• assisting the traditional science departments with recruitment, retention, and mentoring of students studying to become high school science teachers in their discipline-based subject matter programs.
• providing training for graduate student teaching assistants throughout the College of Natural Sciences.
• sharing our science education expertise with the Gateway Science Museum.
• conducting research and advancing innovation in the teaching and learning of science.