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Nature of the Work
Physical science encompasses a broad
range of scientific subjects. For eighth grade and early high school
integrated science classes entitled “physical science,” the material
includes an introduction to a broad range of scientific principles.
Topics include physics, chemistry, astronomy, geology, environmental
science, biological science, atmospheric science, and earth science.
Physical science teachers introduce these students to these subjects
in order to prepare them for more in-depth study later in high
school.
Physical science teachers are also
qualified to teach any physics or chemistry course to high school
students in grades 9-12.
In addition to their regular teaching duties, physical science
teachers may also be expected to serve as mentor teachers, study
hall supervisors, or sponsors for student clubs and organizations.
Physical science teachers should also be available to talk with
parents who may have questions or concerns about their students’
progress. Most teachers work a
10-month school year with a 2-month summer vacation. During the
break, they may teach in summer sessions, take other jobs, pursue
hobbies or spend time with their families.
Teaching Methods for Physical Science
Teachers
Those teaching an integrated science course to younger or
less-advanced students have the opportunity to expose their classes
to interesting information about a wide range of scientific fields,
and the more exciting and relevant they can make the material, the
better success they will have in piquing the students’ interest in a
particular field. Teaching interactive lessons with group work and
visual aids often helps the students absorb the material.
For physical science teachers who teach chemistry or physics, the
key to creating a successful learning environment is to be readily
available to answer students’ questions and to explain the complex
material in a way that they can understand.
For all levels, engaging the students in lab activities, building
models, and other hands-on activities helps them understand the
concepts taught in lecture in a way that seems relevant to
day-to-day life. Field trips to science centers or other nearby
places that have programs established for teaching science to school
groups are also valuable experiences for the students to understand
and enjoy the material.
Job Opportunities for Physical Science Teachers
Currently, many school districts have difficulty hiring physical
science teachers. For this reason, many job opportunities are
available for those who are qualified. Rural and inner-city schools,
where the need for quality teachers is often most great, provide
even greater job opportunities for prospective science teachers.
Requirements for Physical Science Teachers
Physical Science teachers pursuing alternative certification are
required to have a bachelor’s degree with a 2.5 GPA in at least 24
semester hours of science, including at least 9 hours of chemistry
and 9 hours of physics. To work in a Texas public school, teaching
candidates must be enrolled in an alternative certification program
and have passed their content test.
Alternative Certification Programs are attractive options for
individuals who would like to become a teacher without taking
classes in a college or university.
The
Web-Centric Alternative Certification Program (WCACP) provides a
path for individuals to obtain teaching certification from the
comfort of their own home. The courses, videoconferences and chats
are conducted 100 percent online, so students can work at their own
pace. Some students finish in 12 weeks, while others take more time
and work a full time job while studying.
Individuals interested in teaching Physical Science can benefit from
the
8-12 Physical Science content area. Completing the WCACP with
the Physical Science specialization provides a certification to
teach eighth – twelfth grade Physical Science in any Texas middle or
high school.
More information about the
Web-Centric Alternative Certification can be found on this web
site:
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