Dr. John McWilliams' fascination with nature shines through in his teaching. His students gain hands-on experience in field research through the North 40 Outdoor Classroom, a site he has developed just north of campus. They learn the basics of earth science, ecology, and science curriculum design by participating in inquiry-based activities from habitat assessment to paleo-forensics. Dr. McWilliams has received the Crosstimbers RC&D Community Service Award and the Shawnee Conservation District’s Teacher of the Year Award for his work in environmental education and conservation. Each summer, he works with local K12 teachers in hands-on science training workshops. He is also on the planning board of the Shawnee Conservation District Outdoor Learning Center, and is a featured writer and contributor for several life science texts and horticultural magazines. Dr. McWilliams and his wife, Sherry, have three children, Angie, Stephen, and Bethany; and three grandchildren, Sophia, Sera, and Daniel.

Dr. McWilliams' Course Materials

Educational Background:

• B.S., University of Arkansas-Fayetteville
• M.S., University of Arkansas-Fayetteville
• Ed.D., University of Arkansas-Fayetteville
• Dissertation: "Factors Influencing the Undergraduate General Education Science Curriculum"

Courses Taught:

• GNSC 3114: Introduction to Natural Science I: Physical Science
• GNSC 1124: Introduction to Natural Science II: Biology
• BIOL 2034: Plant Science
• GNSC 2204: Earth Science
• GNSC 2304: Environmental Science
• EDUC 3983: Methods of Teaching Secondary Science
• Outdoor Classroom

Selected Publications and/or Professional Activities:

Instructor for the Teacher Institute in Conservation Biology and Biostatistics, Summer 2001-2003.

Contributor to Biology: Science for Life (Prentice Hall, 2004), 2002-2003.

Participant in NSF Techniques for Teaching Environmental Science, 2003.

Shawnee Conservation District Outdoor Classroom Development Committee, 2000-2003.