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

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Overview

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 Summer 2021

We are currently accepting enrollments for summer coursework. Enroll today!

View/download a flyer with additional information

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 Zoom 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.

Program Schedule

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

Tentative course schedule
Click on a course title to view the course description (if available).

This coursework has been developed with practicing teachers in mind. Online courses are typically offered during fall, spring and 8-week summer sessions. On-campus courses are offered during the summer. Coursework can be completed in 1 to 2 years depending on previous courses completed and existing endorsement(s) held. Click here to review specific requirements for each endorsement area.

Summer 2021

PHYSICS

1512

General Physics II

Algebra-based introductory course covering electricity, magnetism, optics, and modern physics. Emphasis on conceptual understanding of physical principles through group investigations and lab activities.Discussion/lab, 5 periods. Prerequisite(s): PHYSICS 1511 (880:054)or PHYSICS 1701 (880:130).

4 unit(s)

Course details and enrollment information

PHYSICS

4186/5186

Studies in Physics and Everyday Thinking

An introduction to the Physical Science & Everyday Thinking curriculum (Goldberg et al., 2009) and other related physics curricula resources that can be implemented in a high school physics course. This course is cross-listed with SCI ED 1300 and will include additional projects.

4 unit(s)

Course details and enrollment information

PHYSICS

4950/5950

Readings in Physics: Electricity & Magnetism in Physics Education

This physics course will provide experiences in electricity, magnetism, optics, etc. using the high school physics education curricular resources of PRISMS PLUS and Modeling Instruction, with emphasis on practices aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). This course is part of a program that provides teachers with a means to complete the requirements for the State of Iowa Grades 5-12 Physics and All Science endorsements.

3 unit(s)

Course details and enrollment information

Fall 2021

PHYSICS

1511

General Physics I

Algebra-based introductory course covering Newtonian mechanics, gravitation and thermal physics. Emphasis on conceptual understanding of physical principles through group investigations and lab activities. Discussion/lab, 5 periods. Prerequisite(s): high school algebra and trigonometry or equivalent

4 unit(s)

Course details and enrollment information

PHYSICS

3050

Physics of Robotics and Sensors

Students will build their own autonomous robot. Students will learn and apply basic electronics, programming, physics concepts to develop their robot and create an interactive presentation on their creation. These robotics concepts will also be applied to important issues for industry and sustainability in the areas of automation, energy, and transportation. Lecture 1 period, Lab, 3 periods. Prerequisite(s): PHYSICS 1511 (880:054) and PHYSICS 1512 (880:056), or PHYSICS 1701 (880:130) and PHYSICS 1702 (880:131), or TECH 1037 (330:037) or CS 1510 (810:051). Other interested students with some experience in coding and/or electronics experience are encouraged to contact the instructor. (Same as TECH TEE 3050) (Variable)

3 unit(s)

Course details and enrollment information

Spring 2022

PHYSICS

4080/5080

Resources for Teaching Physics

A physics course that focuses on topics recommended for high school physics programs, with an emphasis on various physics education resources in the context of science education initiatives. This course is designed for both current science teachers and science education undergraduates. Prerequisite(s): PHYSICS 1511(880:054) or PHYSICS 1701 (880:130); PHYSICS 1512 (880:056) or PHYSICS 1702 (880:131)

2 unit(s)

Summer 2022

PHYSICS

4186/5186

Studies in Physics and Everyday Thinking

4 unit(s)

PHYSICS

4950/5950

Readings in Physics: Mechanics in Physics Education

A physics course that provides experiences in motion, force, energy, and momentum, using physics education curricular resources with emphasis on practices aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). The course is designed for current and future middle-level and secondary science teachers.

3 unit(s)

FAQs

General information

What are the costs?

All students pay the same tuition rate, regardless of location, making it an affordable option for all students.

Tuition for the 2020-21 academic year is $509 per unit of graduate credit or $320 per unit of undergraduate credit. An additional technology fee per course may apply. Tuition and fees are expected to rise each May, typically announced by the Iowa Board of Regents in March.

Why choose the University of Northern Iowa?

Since its establishment in 1876 as the Iowa State Normal School, the University of Northern Iowa has maintained its affirmed commitment to the support of excellence in teacher education. That commitment remains strong as the university continues to prepare students to become teachers, as well as provide opportunities for career advancement in the field of education. In addition to a commitment to teaching, our faculty members are engaged in research, writing and professional development. View UNI's national rankings and honors.

I'm not sure about distance learning. How can I make sure it’s right for me?

Research findings demonstrate that students of all types of learning styles can succeed in a distance environment. View our tips for being a successful distance learner.

What kind of support services can I expect to receive?

The University of Northern Iowa is committed to providing comprehensive support services for distance education students. The Office of Continuing and Distance Education serves as your primary point of contact in accessing distance education support services, including enrollment services, technical support for online course tools and more. You are also given access to the UNI Rod Library’s print and electronic collections for your convenience. View a complete list of services and support resources.

Please contact the Office of Continuing and Distance Education at 319-273-7206, 800-648-3864 or distance@uni.edu with any questions. If we don’t have the answer, we will do our best to find it.

Will academic advising assistance be provided?

You will work with the program coordinator when communicating about the program of study. Once participating in the program, you will be assigned a faculty advisor who will work with you one-on-one regarding your progress in the program.

Program specific information

How are the courses delivered?

For information about course delivery, please see the "Overview" tab above.

Additional FAQs

How do I get started?

See the "Next Steps" tab above for information. If you have any questions, please contact the program coordinator(s) and/or enrollment contact below or contact the Office of Continuing and Distance Education at ContinuingEd@uni.edu.

How will I enroll in the courses?

An application for admission is not required for this program. Please submit an enrollment form at distance.uni.edu/enroll to be registered for the first course. After you participate in the first term of courses in the cohort sequence, the Office of Continuing and Distance Education will notify you with enrollment details for the next term of courses as they become available. You are required to enroll in your courses each semester.

Should I send my transcripts?

Yes, any prerequisites from other institutions need to be evaluated. Please send your transcripts for evaluation to:

Department of Physics
215 Begeman Hall
Cedar Falls, Iowa 50614-0150
Phone number: 319-273-2420
Email: physics@uni.edu

Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.

Next Steps

Step one: Express your interest

To be notified about the coursework offerings, please complete the online interest form to the right and we will contact you as information becomes available.

Step two: Enroll in a course

The next step is to enroll in a course. Please see the program schedule tab above for course details and enrollment information.

Questions about course enrollment can be directed to Carolina.Wilson@uni.edu, 800-648-3864 or 319-273-2121.

Add the endorsement to your Iowa teaching license

Upon successful completion of the required courses, you may add the endorsement to your Iowa teaching license by completing the Application to Add an Endorsement from the Board of Educational Examiners.

If you have completed all of the required endorsement courses through UNI, follow option 1 on the Add an Endorsement to a License page. This allows you to apply to an endorsement through UNI. The BOEE does charge a fee to add the endorsement.

If you have any questions, please contact the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners: boee.iowa.gov/contact-us/staff-directory

Delivery of the program is contingent on a sufficient number of students being accepted into the program.

Program Coordinator(s):

Lawrence Escalada

Physics

(319) 273-2431

Lawrence.Escalada@uni.edu

Enrollment Contact:

Carolina Wilson

Continuing and Distance Education

(319) 273-2121

Carolina.Wilson@uni.edu

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Continuing Education and Special Programs

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Coursework to begin Summer 2021

Coursework is designed for:

Convenient Course Delivery

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

General information

Program specific information

Additional FAQs

Step one: Express your interest

Step two: Enroll in a course

Add the endorsement to your Iowa teaching license

UNI Continuing Ed Production Build

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