Montana State University

LRES 591-801: Water Quality in the Classroom: A Characterization of the Science and Issues
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Online
Jan 28-Apr 26, 2013
Credit: 3 graduate
Tuition & Fees: $965.10 NSTA members 10% discount
Instructor(s): Suzanna Soileau

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Course Description

Today's science teacher faces challenges and issues which were just beginning to gain attention 10, 15, or 20 years ago. And, teaching today's science requires both an integrated background and approach in the classroom. Water Quality in the Classroom - A Characterization of the Science and Issues - is a 'must' course for teachers involved in any aspect of biological sciences. Water quality can be called an "integrating" science, serving as a platform for expanded applications of chemistry, physics, biology, mathematics, geology, earth science, political and social sciences, and creative arts.

The Water Quality in the Classroom course has three central foci:
  • To increase teacher knowledge and assessment skills about the physical, chemical, and biological aspects of water quality investigations,
  • To help teachers develop and implement new pedagogies for teaching water quality concepts in the secondary school science classroom, and
  • Increase teacher awareness and understanding of some of the more significant global water quality issues that will face science teachers and their students in the 21st century.
This 13-week course teaches water quality concepts and how to demonstrate, explain, and teach them in the science classroom. Course format includes weekly "kitchen counter" experimentation, library and independent research, written homework, discussion.

Meeting Place and Times

Teachers log into the course at a time of day that best fits their schedule. It is necessary to connect at least 4 - 6 times per week and spend approximately 9 - 12 hours each week while the course is in session, either online or offline working on course related assignments, to stay current and successfully complete this 3 credit graduate course. This time estimate WILL VARY dependent on the student's online experience or comfort with the subject matter.

Instructor(s)

Suzanna Soileau, ME. Suzanna is the Outreach Coordinator for the USGS-Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center. Prior to joining USGS she spent seven years as the Education Coordinator and Water Quality Research Associate for the Montana State University Extension Water Quality Program. The primary focus of her work is in relaying technical scientific information in a manner that enables non-science audiences to gain sound, science-based knowledge, as well as develop and deliver online water quality and soil science courses for teachers and professional practitioners. Suzanna received her bachelor's degree in Earth Sciences at DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana and her master's degree in Education at MSU.

Prerequisites

Bachelor's degree, two years of experience teaching science at the secondary level and completion of a science education methods course.

Target Audience

This course is designed for secondary earth science, physical science, geology, geography, and environmental science teachers.

Time Commitment:

9-12 hours per week. If you are unfamiliar with this field of study and/or method of delivery, you may require more time.

Tuition and Fees

 Tuition$799.50
 Program Fee $155.55
 Computer Fee$10.05
 Total$965.10

NSTA Members are eligible to receive a 10% discount on tuition. Enter your NSTA Membership Number when you are asked for it on the registration form.

The Program Fee includes a materials fee of $130. All course materials will be provided by the instructor and are included in the course materials fee. Montana State University will send you the course materials shortly before the beginning of the course.

A $30 registration fee is also charged once per semester.

The costs above assume that you are taking only MSU Extended University courses during the semester that the course is offered. If you also registered for courses through the MSU Registrar, the regular MSU fee structure may apply.

A $40 late fee will be assessed if payment is not posted to your account by 3 pm (Mountain Time) of the course start date (or the business day before if the course starts on a weekend or a holiday).

To learn more about tuition and fees, please see the University Business Services' Student Accounts Web page.

Required Books/Materials

  • All course materials will be provided by the instructor and are included in the course Program Fee, $130 of which is for the materials. The primary textbooks for this course include:
    • Field Manual for Water Quality Monitoring, 13th edition, by Mitchell and Stapp
    • Save Our Streams - Monitor's Guide to Aquatic Macroinvertebrates
    • LaMotte Stream Monitor's Handbook
    These and other materials will be sent to you by Montana State University shortly before the beginning of the course.

Computer Requirements:

  • Computer running Windows XP Service Pack 3 or newer or Mac OS X.5 (Leopard) or higher
  • CD-ROM drive
  • Internet access

This course uses a learning management system. You will learn more closer to the course start date.

For More Information

For specific questions about the course content, contact Suzanna Soileau at suzanna.carrithers@yahoo.com. For questions about registration or other administrative issues, contact NTEN at (800) 282-6062.

How to Register

Register Online
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