Teresa Higgins

Assistant Professor

Ph.D.: University of Georgia (Science Education)
M.Ed.: Clarion University (Science Education)
B.S.: St. Francis College (Biology)

Contact information

Email: teresa.higgins@unco.edu
Phone: (970) 351-2617
Fax: (970) 351-2335
Office: Ross Hall 1530
Office hours: varies by semester, by appointment

Courses Taught

EDEL 460 (Elementary Science Methods)
SCI 465 (Principles of Scientific Inquiry)
SCED 570 (Teaching Science in the Elementary School)
SCED 671 (Elementary and Middle School Science Curriculum)

Research Interests and Professional Activities

My research interests include K-12 teacher development, technology in education and science safety. In the fall 2004, I received a grant award to develop an on-line microbiology course for elementary and middle school teachers. This course is currently being designed and will be offered in the summer 2005. Additionally, I am working with Ann Ratcliffe of the MAST Intstitute to research safety practices in secondary science classrooms and studying the impact on student achievement.

Academic Awards/Professional Honors

1997, Conservation Education/Project Wild, Outstanding Supporter, New Mexico Department of Game and Fish
1986, Muriel Green Award for Outstanding New Teachers of Elementary Science, Council for Elementary Science International

Recent Publications

Wilder, A., Brinkerhoff, J. & Higgins, T.M. (2003) Geographic information technologies +project-based science: A contextualized professional development approach. Journal of Geography, 102 (6).
Schaffer, L., Pinson, H. & Kokoski, T. (1998) Listening to Rain Sticks. Science and Children, 35, (5), 22-27.
Kokoski, T.M. & Patton, M.M. (1997). Backpacking: Interactive science and mathematics for young children and their parents. Dimensions in Early Childhood Education, 25 (2), 11-16.

Current Grant Projects

“Microbial Explorations for Elementary Educators (ME 3)”, Waksman Foundation, 2004-2005.