Physics Coursework for Iowa 5-12 Physics and All Science Endorsements

This coursework is designed for practicing teachers and recent teaching graduates who are licensed by the state of Iowa to teach 5-12 math or science and are interested in the Iowa 5-12 Physics Endorsement or the physics component of the Iowa 5-12 All Science Endorsement.

Coursework to begin Fall 2019

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The sequence of courses is designed to help participants learn how to:

• Build and demonstrate competencies in physics content knowledge and scientific practices.
• Implement research-based active-learning strategies and resources that engage students in a physics classroom in alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).  
• Assess students' conceptual understanding and problem-solving competencies.

Coursework is designed for:

• Math teachers who hold the Iowa Math Grades 5-12 endorsement -- those who currently hold an Iowa teaching license will need to complete 12 credits of physics coursework, plus a secondary science methods course to meet the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners minimum requirement for this endorsement.
• Chemistry teachers who hold the Iowa Chemistry Grades 5-12 endorsement -- those who currently hold an Iowa teaching license will need to complete 12 credits of physics coursework to meet the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners minimum requirement for this endorsement.
• Secondary science teachers and undergraduate science teaching majors who have 30 hours in the broad area of science will need to complete 15 credits of physics coursework to meet the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners minimum requirement for this endorsement.
• Secondary science teachers and undergraduate science teaching majors who are working on the Iowa All Science Grades 5-12 endorsement can complete 9 credits of physics coursework to meet the physics requirement of the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners All Science Endorsement.
• Teachers needing to earn physics credit

If you have questions, please contact Lawrence Escalada. 

Convenient Course Delivery

Coursework can be completed in 1 to 2 years depending on previous courses completed and existing endorsement(s), and includes a combination of online and summer on-campus workshop-type courses. The summer workshop courses will enable participants to work with UNI Physics faculty and their peers in learning how to implement the interactive engagement resources and strategies in a physics classroom. 

Online courses are offered using a combination of either Adobe Connect or Zoom (interactive video conferencing) and Blackboard, a dynamic platform that will enhance your learning experience and sense of community with fellow classmates.

While most students encounter very few technical difficulties with our online courses, our team of support specialists is available to assist you as needed.