One of Iowa State University's many diverse learning communities, B.E.T.A.L. provides life science majors seeking secondary education teaching certification and elementary education majors with a science endorsement with resources, mentoring, and comradery. This is a year long program for students as they begin their science methodology courses, generally their junior year, however, students may choose participate in only one semester if they wish.
"I felt that BETAL provided more real life knowledge towards teaching than any of my other education classes."
"It's a great way to connect with other future and current educators and get a taste of what teaching is like."
“I liked the faculty involved, and the fact they come from a variety of backgrounds and perspectives with teaching. I thought they were all able to contribute some wonderful ideas and had some great experiences to discuss with us. I have had the privilege of having most of the faculty as a teacher or working with them in another way.”
“…it helps you see the issues from multiple angles and helps inform and prepare you on how to handle students, parents and administrators.”
"BETAL is a great way to get to know faculty and peers as well as further develop knowledge that relates pedagogy to content."
A collaboration of faculty and staff, spanning multiple departments, is dedicated in facilitating the B.E.T.A.L. learning community. Whether it is a seminar, field trip, social event, or conference, the faculty/staff to student ratio demonstrates the committment given to this community.
| Dr. Jim Colbert | Associate Professor | Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology Department |
| Dr. Mike Clough | Associate Professor | Curriculum and Instruction Department |
| Ms. Kristen Hessler | Lecturer | Biotechnology Office |
| Ms. Denise Hix | Academic Advisor | Biology Program |
| Dr. Joanne Olson | Associate Professor | Curriculum and Instruction Department |
| Ms. Jennifer Owens | Academic Advisor | Liberal Arts and Sciences Pre-Professional Advisor |
| Mr. Mike Zeller | Program Coordinator | Biotechnology Office |
Enrollment in the Biol 495 seminar each semester is required of those wanting to participate in B.E.T.A.L.
The Fall Semester seminar is focused on various issues related to teacher preparation including: organizing field trips and service learning opportunities; professional development and professional societies; Iowa school administration and organization; and question/answer sessions with practicing teachers.
The Spring Semester seminar covers teaching evolution; societal issues and ethics in science teaching; and using local biodiversity to teach biological concepts.
B.E.T.A.L. has course links with:
Students have opportunities to participate in various service learning activities, including outings with the Skunk River Navy and presentations at the Women in Science and Engineering "Road Less Traveled" conference.
B.E.T.A.L. covers students' registration fees for the Iowa Science Teachers Section of the Iowa Academy of Science Fall Conference. This past year students also received a year membership to this organization and the Iowa Science Teachers Journal.
Social activities vary according to opportunities and group interests. Our faculty and staff also host an end of the semester wrap-up party each semester.
Students participating in B.E.T.A.L. receive a start-up kit each semester they participate.
Past kits have included such items as:
Evolution Vs. Creationism: An Introduction
Denying Evolution: Creationism, Scientism, and the Nature of Science
DNA Science
Iowa: A Portrait of the Land
A Sand County Almanac
PBS Evolution Series
Microcosmos
Equipment, materials, and supplies for growing "Fast Plants" in the classroom
Dr. Jim Colbert
113 Bessey Hall
Iowa State University
Ames, IA 50011-1020
515-294-9330
jtcolber@iastate.edu
Denise M. Hix
103 Bessey Hall
Iowa State University
Ames, IA 50011-1020
515-294-1064
dmhix@iastate.edu