Science, Mathematics, Environmental, and Sustainability Education

The college has a long history in environmental learning and sustainability education with expertise in environmental science-learning practices and teacher training. Our research includes the teaching and learning of ecological concepts, development of environmental values, attitudes, and actions, curriculum development, and teacher preparation and development. Effective science education for environmental literacy requires strong preparation of teachers of science, especially in the elementary grades where science instruction is typically weakest.

What are we doing about it?

The College of Education is:

  • Providing hands-on, research-based programs in science and earth education
  • Increasing ecological understandings and deepening feelings for the natural world
  • Inspiring learners of all ages, from children to university students to adults, to live more lightly in our Sonoran Desert community and beyond
  • Conducting research on environmental science literacy, specifically how students learn about where water comes from and where it goes
  • Bringing STEM education to underserved border communities

Who is doing it?

Associate Professor, Teaching, Learning & Sociocultural Studies, Alberto Arenas
Associate Professor, Teaching, Learning & Sociocultural Studies, Stephen Arnold
Assistant Research Professor, Teaching, Learning & Sociocultural Studies, Sanlyn Buxner
Professor, Teaching, Learning & Sociocultural Studies, Kristin Gunckel
Associate Professor of Practice, Teaching, Learning & Sociocultural Studies, Brandon Harris
Associate Professor, Disability & Psychoeducational Studies, Sunggye Hong
Professor, Teaching, Learning & Sociocultural Studies, Bruce Johnson
Research Scientist, Broader Impact, Corey Knox
Professor, Educational Policy Studies & Practice, Jenny Lee
Associate Professor, Disability and Psychoeducational Studies, Renae Mayes
Assistant Professor of Practice, Teaching, Learning and Sociocultural Studies, Nadia Alvarez Mexia
Project Coordinator, Teaching, Learning & Sociocultural Studies, Eric Meyer
Assistant Professor, Teaching, Learning & Sociocultural Studies, Valerie Shirley
Director, Cooper Center for Environmental Learning, Colin Waite
Department Head, Teaching, Learning & Sociocultural Studies, Marcy Wood