The Distinguished Scholars Program
The Distinguished Scholars Program in Mathematics and Science Education offers a unique opportunity for BHSU undergraduates to deepen their understanding of math and science concepts, to experience innovative approaches to teaching and learning, and to explore career paths related to education. This program, administered by BHSU's Center for the Advancement of Mathematics and Science Education (CAMSE), is built upon a series of thought-provoking, informal, and enjoyable seminars. Motivated and intellectually curious students with interests in math, science, and education are encouraged to participate.
Need:
A deep and growing need exists for high quality math and science teachers. Better prepared teachers at all levels, K-12 and beyond, can contribute to easing the shortage. With support from the South Dakota Board of Regents and the University at-large, our Center has designed the Distinguished Scholars program to encourage top-caliber undergraduates to pursue careers that include math and science education as a component.
Audience:
This program is especially suited to current and prospective math majors, science majors, and education majors. The preparation that this program offers will be valuable to any future teacher of math or science, whether at the elementary, middle school, high school, or college level. Even math and science majors who don't intend to pursue formal teaching careers are encouraged to participate, as they are likely to find themselves in a variety of informal teaching roles throughout their lives.
Purposes:
- To provide a relaxed, intellectually stimulating setting for Scholars to get to know one another and members of the BHSU faculty
- To provide examples of innovative teaching and learning
- To introduce fundamental issues in math and science education.
Format:
Seminars will address topics ranging from how to make an electric motor using only simple supplies like a plastic cup, drinking straw, battery, wire, and magnet to the critiquing of videotaped classroom instruction. Roughly 2/3 of the seminars will focus on math and science concepts, and 1/3 will highlight issues related to learning. Also, a general introductory session will be offered near the beginning of each semester.
Seminars typically will be held on Wednesday evenings twice per month throughout the academic year. Each session will begin at 7:00 pm and last an hour and a half.
Benefits:
- Seminars will provide a stimulating and informal environment in which to interact with peers and university faculty.
- Students who participate in at least 4 sessions within a given semester will receive a stipend of $10 per session.
- Participants are eligible to apply for special CAMSE scholarships and will receive top priority for work-study and summer employment opportunities at our Center.
- Participants who attend at least 36 hours of seminars (24 sessions) during their undergraduate careers and who graduate with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher will be deemed Distinguished Scholars upon graduation.
- For those with a major of Composite in Science Teaching(pdf) or Composite in Mathematics and Science Teaching(pdf), participation in a minimum of 36 hours of seminars is required prior to enrollment in the final year education block.
- Tasty snacks!
For more information Contact:
Vicki Kapust, Associate Director
Center for the Advancement of Mathematics and Science Education
Black Hills State University
1200 University Street
Unit 9001
vickikapust@bhsu.edu
(605) 642-6571