My name is Alan Colburn. I am a Professor of Science Education. Before coming to CSULB in 1995 I taught in the Science Education Center at the University of Iowa--the place where I received my Ph.D. (in Science Education) in 1991. I also have a master's degree in Biology, I taught high school Chemistry in Haverford, PA, and I briefly taught Physical Science in Iowa City.

I teach (or have taught) a variety of courses at CSULB. SCED 401 is a science class for prospective elementary teachers. SCED 550 is the first class new graduate students take. SCED 404 is about the nature of science and scientific reasoning. It's been awhile now since I taught EDSS 450C, but it is is a secondary science methods course. I also work with graduate students and occasionally supervise student teachers. In 2004 I was awarded the Distinguished Faculty Teaching Award.

Beside these duties I am graduate advisor to our Master's degree program, serve on various university committees, and review articles for professional journals. 

My research interests include inquiry-based science teaching, misconceptions, the nature of science, and issues related to evolution, creationism, science & religion. I've written many articles and given even more professional presentations and workshops. A book I wrote was published by the National Science Teachers Association. It's called The Lingo of Learning: 88 terms every science teacher should know. The purpose of the book is to explain educational "jargon" in plain English, providing fairly brief introductions to common teaching-related ideas. I also write the monthly Prepared Practitioner column in The Science Teacher.

I will try to help you have a great experience with the classes you take from me.