4 answers
brianna
Student
Dalton, Massachusetts
1
Question
Asked
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I am interested in psychology or elementary education. What science class should I take?
I have already taken physics, biology, and chemistry.
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4 answers
Soni Bae
Management Consulting
9
Answers
Fairfax, Virginia
Updated
Soni’s Answer
Hi Brianna,
If you are in high school, I would recommend taking psychology if it is offered at your school and any offered electives related to science or related humanities. For college courses, I would definitely recommend taking child psychology as this will be a great course that would go towards your psychology major as well as give you great insights for elementary education. I also recommend looking into any research labs in college that you could apply to that deal with children. I had experience working in a research lab during college that dealt with children, and that is a great way to gain more experience working with children in a professional setting. Hope this gives you a little bit of helpful insight.
If you are in high school, I would recommend taking psychology if it is offered at your school and any offered electives related to science or related humanities. For college courses, I would definitely recommend taking child psychology as this will be a great course that would go towards your psychology major as well as give you great insights for elementary education. I also recommend looking into any research labs in college that you could apply to that deal with children. I had experience working in a research lab during college that dealt with children, and that is a great way to gain more experience working with children in a professional setting. Hope this gives you a little bit of helpful insight.
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
1205
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hello Brianna,
You’re in a great position already. There is no "wrong" option for psychology or elementary education if you have taken physics, biology, and chemistry. This offers you a solid foundation in science.
If you're interested in psychology, the best science course to take next would be one that deals with behavior or brain biology. Because psychology has a close connection to the functioning of the brain and nervous system, courses like anatomy and physiology, neuroscience, human biology, or even health science are very helpful. Even if it's classified outside of the science department, taking a psychology course at your school is still a great option.
Advanced or highly technical science is not necessary if you are more interested in elementary education. Knowing how to accurately explain science and how kids learn is more important. Classes like earth science, environmental science, or general science are excellent choices since they include subjects you could later teach and provide you the opportunity to practice thinking like a child.
Selecting a class that leaves both doors open is a good choice if you're still not sure between the two. Courses that focus on human biology, anatomy, health science, or psychology are ideal for that. They are relevant to education and support psychology.
One comforting thing to remember is that universities don't expect you to have a great high school specialization. You've already shown your depth of thought and aptitude. It now comes down to choose courses that spark your interest, help in your development, and generally match with the type of work you find enjoyable. At this point, you're doing just what you should be doing.
Best wishes!
You’re in a great position already. There is no "wrong" option for psychology or elementary education if you have taken physics, biology, and chemistry. This offers you a solid foundation in science.
If you're interested in psychology, the best science course to take next would be one that deals with behavior or brain biology. Because psychology has a close connection to the functioning of the brain and nervous system, courses like anatomy and physiology, neuroscience, human biology, or even health science are very helpful. Even if it's classified outside of the science department, taking a psychology course at your school is still a great option.
Advanced or highly technical science is not necessary if you are more interested in elementary education. Knowing how to accurately explain science and how kids learn is more important. Classes like earth science, environmental science, or general science are excellent choices since they include subjects you could later teach and provide you the opportunity to practice thinking like a child.
Selecting a class that leaves both doors open is a good choice if you're still not sure between the two. Courses that focus on human biology, anatomy, health science, or psychology are ideal for that. They are relevant to education and support psychology.
One comforting thing to remember is that universities don't expect you to have a great high school specialization. You've already shown your depth of thought and aptitude. It now comes down to choose courses that spark your interest, help in your development, and generally match with the type of work you find enjoyable. At this point, you're doing just what you should be doing.
Best wishes!
Vianne Phan
Youth Development Teacher
62
Answers
San Diego, California
Updated
Vianne’s Answer
If you're into psychology or elementary education and have already done physics, biology, and chemistry, you're in a great position. There's no need to worry too much about finding the "perfect" science class.
If your school offers AP Psychology, it's a fantastic choice for both fields. It gives you a solid introduction to psychology and child development, which is helpful if you decide to major in psychology or pursue education. If AP Psychology isn't an option, consider classes like human biology, anatomy and physiology, environmental science, or health science. These subjects focus more on people and are great for understanding how the body and brain work, especially when working with kids.
If you're leaning towards education, colleges look for good grades and a well-rounded course load rather than another tough lab science. A class that helps you understand development, health, or learning is a great fit. At this stage, pick a science class you'll enjoy and excel in. You've already covered the major science subjects, so now it's about finding what's relevant and balanced, not about trying to impress anyone.
If your school offers AP Psychology, it's a fantastic choice for both fields. It gives you a solid introduction to psychology and child development, which is helpful if you decide to major in psychology or pursue education. If AP Psychology isn't an option, consider classes like human biology, anatomy and physiology, environmental science, or health science. These subjects focus more on people and are great for understanding how the body and brain work, especially when working with kids.
If you're leaning towards education, colleges look for good grades and a well-rounded course load rather than another tough lab science. A class that helps you understand development, health, or learning is a great fit. At this stage, pick a science class you'll enjoy and excel in. You've already covered the major science subjects, so now it's about finding what's relevant and balanced, not about trying to impress anyone.
Jerry Tingstad
Professor/middle school teacher/48 years
165
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Jerry’s Answer
I will second Vianne Phan's answer regarding the fit of psychology and, in my opinion, working toward a degree in education at any level.
What I would add, is for you to visit elementary schools in your area, both public and private,
It is probably best to call ahead and tell the administration that you are considering teaching at the elementary level and would like to ask some queseions. Of course that means you will have to be prepared.
With some luck, you may get the chance to talk to one or more of the teachers about their work, goals, students and so forth.
With even more luck you may be invited into a class to observe.
Getting all the inside information you can get will help in making a decision.
What I would add, is for you to visit elementary schools in your area, both public and private,
It is probably best to call ahead and tell the administration that you are considering teaching at the elementary level and would like to ask some queseions. Of course that means you will have to be prepared.
With some luck, you may get the chance to talk to one or more of the teachers about their work, goals, students and so forth.
With even more luck you may be invited into a class to observe.
Getting all the inside information you can get will help in making a decision.