PROPOSAL NARRATIVE
Project Objectives
Funding from this grant will support the development and implementation of a Science, Technology,
Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Concentration for Liberal Studies (LS) majors at California State
University, Fresno. The concentration affords an enhanced science learning experience for future elementary
teachers through four deliberately designed courses with these shared purposes: (a) increase interest in and
generate excitement for teaching and learning science; (b) provide coherent and connected science learning
experiences; (c) model effective, research-based and inquiry-oriented science pedagogy; (d) facilitate
awareness of the Science and Engineering Practices, Crosscutting Concepts, and Disciplinary Core Ideas of
the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and Framework for K-12 Science Education (Framework).
The STEM concentration in Liberal Studies will consist of the following courses:
Course Number
Course Name
Units
NSCI 115
Environmental Earth and Life Science (revised course)
3
PHYS 175T
Physics Pedagogy and Outreach (revised course)
3
TBD
Exploring Engineering (new course)
3
NSCI 116
Energy, Technology, and Society (revised course)
3
We estimate that the new STEM concentration will be selected by the following numbers of LS majors, with the
total number of students of all majors benefitting from the course revisions to likely be over 300 per year:
Anticipated enrollment for each course:
2013-14
2014-15
2015-16
25
50
75
To address the Framework/NGSS, we will also develop and deliver a Faculty Professional Development (PD)
workshop for instructors of the STEM concentration courses, focusing on the purpose and structure of those
documents. Our objective is for ten faculty members (the primary course instructors) to participate in this PD,
to infuse an enhanced conception of the standards into the STEM concentration courses.
Project Description
The foundations of the STEM Concentration in LS will be the Framework/NGSS documents. The four courses
offered in the concentration will be purposefully designed with explicit attention to these dimensions: (1)
science and engineering practices; (2) crosscutting concepts; and (3) disciplinary core ideas. We will employ
the seven crosscutting concepts, such as patterns and structure and function, as elements of a storyline that
bridges content in the four courses. These concepts are the mechanism for faculty collaboration in
constructing a connected set of science learning experiences that are engaging, meaningful, and rigorous. We
assert that this set of courses, explicitly designed with high relevance to future elementary teachers and
enthusiastically promoted, can achieve our aggressive enrollment objectives. The existing Science
Concentration, without this coherent approach, has not been attractive for students interested in elementary
teaching, with typically less than 2% of all LS majors completing the Science Concentration. Through
significant involvement of faculty from the College of Science and Mathematics and the Lyles College of
Engineering, we intend to incorporate meaningful experiential learning, such as the service learning approach
in our Physics Pedagogy and Outreach course. Our goal is to provide innovative experiences that increase
interest in and enthusiasm for science teaching and learning.
Course Descriptions
NSCI 115: Environmental Earth and Life Science
This course explores environmental problems related to population, energy and resource use, and pollution.
Along with scientific and technological factors, students examine social and ethical issues.
PHYS 175T: Physics Pedagogy and Outreach
This service-learning course involves students in weekly visits to elementary, middle, and high schools, where
they present engaging demonstrations of physics concepts to K-12 learners. Physics students connect science
education research (e.g., discrepant events, constructivism, and misconceptions) to their presentations
through written reflections, demonstration critiques, and theorizing activities.
Exploring Engineering
This activity-oriented course is being developed to introduce students interested in elementary teaching to
basic engineering practices and aspects of design, as well as exploring the connections among engineering,
technology, science, and society.
NSCI 116: Energy, Technology, and Society
This course focuses on developing understanding of the different forms of energy, energy transformations, and
practical applications. Topics include analysis of energy use, energy conversion processes and environmental
effects, and future energy demands.
Faculty Professional Development: Framework/NGSS
This workshop will be designed to provide faculty in STEM concentration courses with an effective
understanding of the Framework/NGSS, emphasizing the integration of the Science and Engineering Practices
into content. Crosscutting concepts will be used as themes for making connections through all four courses.
Modeling of effective, inquiry-oriented pedagogy will also be emphasized. We anticipate the innovative
curriculum materials developed for this workshop to be transferable to other CSU campuses.
Recruitment Activities
Specific promotional materials, including traditional and digital media, will be developed for recruiting LS
students to select the STEM Concentration. The courses in the STEM Concentration will make use of
innovative experiential learning approaches, such as service learning and project-based learning, that foster
excitement and interest in science, engaging future elementary teachers in constructing understanding of both
content and pedagogy. For example, energy could be featured in the Exploring Engineering course through
solar panel and hydroelectricity activities, and then examined in a larger context in the Energy, Technology,
and Society course. Significant collaboration of education, engineering, and science faculty made possible by
the grant is essential for the design and delivery of these purposeful connections.
Identification of Key Faculty
Name
Position
College
Project Role
Frederick L. Nelson
Assistant Professor of
Science Education
Kremen School of
Education and Human
Development (KSOEHD)
Project Leader, consultant
on NGSS & inquiryoriented pedagogy
Carol Fry Bohlin
Professor of Mathematics
Education
KSOEHD
Campus Director of MSTI,
facilitate recruitment and
support of STEM students
Mara Brady
Assistant Professor of
Earth and Environmental
Sciences
College of Science and
Mathematics (CSM)
Revision of "Environmental
Earth and Life Science"
Ray Hall
Chair and Professor of
Physics
CSM
Revision of Physics
courses
Karl Runde
Physics Lecturer
CSM
Revision of "Energy,
Technology, & Society"
Donald C. Williams
Physics Lecturer
CSM
Revision of "Physics
Pedagogy & Outreach"
Lloyd Crask
Construction Management
Instructor
Lyles College of
Engineering (LCOE)
Development Team for
"Exploring Engineering"
Gemunu Happawana
Chair and Professor of
Mechanical Engineering
LCOE
“
Nell Papavasiliou
Engineering Instructor
LCOE
“
Fariborz Tehrani
Assistant Professor of
Structural Engineering
LCOE
“
Anticipated Outcomes
We feel our approach to faculty professional development and collaboration can serve as a model for other
CSU campuses. Through the involvement of education, engineering, and science faculty, significant changes
will occur to the design of all four courses. New syllabi will be developed, including new learning experiences,
assessments, and resources. The Exploring Engineering course will be a new addition to the catalog. The
Faculty PD Workshop focusing on the Framework/NGSS and inquiry-oriented pedagogy will be developed with
the workshop curriculum transferable to other CSU campuses, potentially as an online learning module.
Evaluation
We will implement several procedures to document outcomes and assess the impact of changes. The most
important measure of our success will be student interest and enrollment in the STEM concentration courses.
We will collect meaningful qualitative data from interviews, focus groups, and open-ended surveys. Faculty
involved will collaborate in evaluation of the project’s impact, including peer visitations, roundtable discussions
and reflective blogs, in addition to specific course enrollment and student evaluation data.
Dissemination
A STEM Liberal Studies concentration that takes an integrative approach across disciplines and which
incorporates an engineering course designed especially for future elementary school science teachers is
highly unique, so we look forward to sharing syllabi, assessments, and other materials with colleagues on the
CSU website and at the Annual CSU Teaching Symposium. In addition, faculty will submit proposals to give
joint presentations at STEM education conferences such as the American Association of Physics Teachers,
APLU’s Science and Mathematics Teacher Imperative, and the California Science Teachers Association.
Sustainability
The changes in our proposal are inherently sustainable at Fresno State, particularly with the partnerships of
the Mathematics and Science Teacher Initiative (MSTI) and the Central Valley Science Project (CVSP). With
this leverage we will deploy opportunities for students in the STEM concentration, such as membership in the
National Science Teachers Association, that develop their professional identities as future elementary science
teachers. We plan to expand our efforts by developing a proposal to the National Science Foundation
Transforming Undergraduate Education in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics program.
PLAN FOR UNDERGRADUATE SCIENCE PREPARATION FOR FUTURE ELEMENTARY TEACHERS
COURSES: PLEASE IDENTIFY THE MAJOR ACTIVITIES OF YOUR PROJECT AND THE ANTICIPATED OUTCOME(S) ASSOCIATED WITH
EACH. DUPLICATE AS REQUIRED. USE IF YOU PLAN NEW COURSES OR COURSE REVISIONS IN YOUR PROJECT.
I. Undergraduate Science Course(s) – Projected Impact: Indicate the number of students projected to be enrolled in revised or new courses in 2014-15 and 2015-16
Biology:
2014-15_____ 2015-16_____ Chemistry: 2014-15_____ 2015-16_____ Integrative:
2013-14__25___2014-15___50___ 2015-16__75___
Earth Sciences: 2014-15_____ 2015-16_____ Physics: 2013-14__25___
2014-15_____ 2015-16_____ Engineering: 2013-14__25___2014-15___50___ 2015-16__75___
II. Indicate below the target population(s) the component is directed toward.
(a) Students in Liberal Studies Teacher Education pathways (b) Additional future elementary teachers (Please specify all relevant groups):_______________________________________________
Project Activities/Outcomes
Recruitment of Liberal Studies majors for STEM concentration
Development of Faculty Professional Development Workshop focusing on NGSS/CCSS and inquiry-oriented pedagogy
Development of Exploring Engineering course
Delivery of Faculty Professional Development Workshop focusing on NGSS/CCSS and inquiry-oriented pedagogy
Revision to NSCI 115 Environmental Earth and Life Science course
Revision to NSCI 116 Energy, Technology, and Society course
Revision to PHYS175T Physics Pedagogy & Outreach course
Piloting of new & revised courses
Start and
End Dates
Target
Populations
March 2013August 2013
May 2013August 2013
May 2013August 2013
August 2013
a
August 2013December
2013
August 2013December
2013
August 2013December
2013
January 2014May 2014
a, b
a, b
a, b
a, b
a, b
a, b
a, b
Undergraduate Science Preparation for Future Elementary Teachers
Faculty Participants
2013-14
All Faculty With Major Involvement and Fiscal Contact Should Be Identified
Campus Name: California State University, Fresno
Date: February 26, 2013
Faculty—Discipline: Science Education
Name: Frederick L. Nelson
Title: Assistant Professor of Science Education
Department: Curriculum and Instruction (CI)
Street Address and Campus Mail Code: 5005 N. Maple M/S ED2
City and Zip Code: Fresno, CA 93740
Campus Phone: 559.278.0261
Fax: 559.278.0107
E-mail Address: fnelson@csufresno.edu
Faculty—Discipline: Mathematics Education & MSTI Director
Name: Carol Fry Bohlin
Title: Professor of Mathematics Education
Department: Curriculum and Instruction (CI)
Street Address and Campus Mail Code: 5005 N. Maple M/S ED2
City and Zip Code: Fresno, CA 93740
Campus Phone: 559.278.0237
Fax: 559.278.0107
E-mail Address: carolb@csufresno.edu
Faculty—Discipline: Earth and Environmental Science
Name: Mara Brady
Title: Assistant Professor of Earth and Environmental Sciences
Department: Earth and Environmental Sciences
Street Address and Campus Mail Code: 2576 E. San Ramon M/S ST24
City and Zip Code: Fresno, CA 93740
E-mail Address: mebrady@csufresno.edu
Campus Phone: 559.278.2948
Fax: 559.278.5980
Faculty—Discipline: Physics
Name: Ray Hall
Title: Chair and Professor
Department: Physics Department
Street Address and Campus Mail Code: 2345 E. San Ramon, M/S MH37
City and Zip Code: Fresno, CA 93740
Campus Phone: 559.278.2371
Fax: 559.278.7741
E-mail Address: rhall@csufresno.edu
Faculty—Discipline: Physics
Name: Karl Runde
Title: Physics Instructor
Department: Physics Department
Street Address and Campus Mail Code: 2345 E. San Ramon, M/S MH37
City and Zip Code: Fresno, CA 93740
Fax: 559.278.7741
E-mail Address: krunde@csufresno.edu
Campus Phone: 559.278.8215
Faculty—Discipline: Physics
Name: Donald C. Williams
Title: Physics Instructor
Department: Physics Department
Street Address and Campus Mail Code: 2345 E. San Ramon, M/S MH37
City and Zip Code: Fresno, CA 93740
Campus Phone: 559.278.1434
Fax: 559.278.7741
E-mail Address:
dwilliams@csufresno.edu
Faculty—Discipline: Engineering
Title: Engineering Instructor
Name: Lloyd Crask
Department: Construction Management Program
Street Address and Campus Mail Code: 2320 E. San Ramon M/S EE94
City and Zip Code: Fresno, CA 93740
Campus Phone: 559.278.8745
Fax: 559.278.4475
E-mail Address: lloydc@csufresno.edu
Faculty—Discipline: Engineering
Title: Chair, Mechanical Engineering Department
Name: Gemunu Happawana
Department: Mechanical Engineering Department
Street Address and Campus Mail Code: 2320 E. San Ramon M/S EE94
City and Zip Code: Fresno, CA 93740
Phone: 559.278.6832
Fax: 559.278.6521
E-mail Address:
ghappawana@csufresno.edu
Faculty—Discipline: Engineering
Title: Instructor, Electrical Engineering
Name: Nell Papavasiliou
Department: Electrical and Computer Engineering Department
Street Address and Campus Mail Code: 2320 E. San Ramon M/S EE94
City and Zip Code: Fresno, CA 93740
Phone: 559.278.3965
Fax: 559.278.6297
E-mail Address: npapavasiliou@csufresno.edu
Faculty—Discipline:_Engineering
Name: Fariborz Tehrani
Title: Assistant Professor of Structural
Engineering
Department: Civil and Geomatics Engineering Department
Street Address and Campus Mail Code: 2320 E. San Ramon M/S EE94
City and Zip Code: Fresno, CA 93740
Phone: 559.278.1762
Fax: 559.278.7002
E-mail Address: ftehrani@csufresno.edu
Fiscal Contact
Title: Financial Analyst, Associate Dean’s Office
Name: Arleen Leischner
Department: KSOEHD - Office of the Associate Dean
Street Address and Campus Mail Code: 5005 N. Maple M/S ED1
City and Zip Code: Fresno, CA 93740
Campus Phone: 559.278.0205
Fax: 559.278.0170
E-mail Address: arleenl@csufresno.edu