Michael D. Bechtel, Ed.D.

Full Professor of Science Education at Wartburg College

Waverly, Iowa, United States

About

I love teaching the sciences. Science is life. I believe all people can and must understand science to become competent engaged members of society. The degree in which a student achieves her or his personal knowledge level depends entirely on three things: 1) ability to make connections, 2) engagement, and 3) accessibility. Any missing corner of the triad results in a waste of time for all involved. Although education is a personal endeavor, through my passionate teaching I assist my students as they grasp their opportunity for knowledge.

Experience

  • Wartburg College (13 yrs)
    • Full Professor of Science Education
      Jun 2026 - Present · 1 mo

      I teach Physics of Ordinary Things (PHY 130), Biology of Ordinary Things (BI 131), Chemistry of Ordinary Things (CH 110), Elementary Science Methods (SCI 385), Secondary Science Methods (BI/CH/PHY 470), Science of Water (BI/PHY 120), and Biology and Culture of the Amazon (GM/BI 214). I am researching biophilia, blatticomposting, aquaponics, woody agriculture, herpetology, invasive control, and microecosystems with undergraduates.

    • Associate Professor of Science Education
      Aug 2019 - May 2026 · 6 yrs 10 mos

      I teach Physics of Ordinary Things (PHY 130), Biology of Ordinary Things (BI 131), Chemistry of Ordinary Things (CH 110), Elementary Science Methods (SCI 385), Secondary Science Methods (BI/CH/PHY 470), Secondary Mathematics Methods (MA 470), Science of Water (BI/PHY 120), and Biology and Culture of the Amazon (GM/BI 214).

    • Assistant Professor of Science Education
      Jul 2013 - Aug 2019 · 6 yrs 2 mos

      I teach Physics of Ordinary Things, Biology of Ordinary Things, Elementary Science Methods, Secondary Science Methods, Science of Water, and Earth Science.

  • Science Instructor at School District of La Crosse
    Aug 2003 - Aug 2012 · 9 yrs 1 mo

    I have taught biology, physical science, exploratory physical science, chemistry, zoology, and honors chemistry.

  • Chemistry Instructor at Western Technical College
    Jun 2003 - Aug 2012 · 9 yrs 3 mos

    I taught inorganic chemistry as a summer adjunct.

  • Science Instructor at Lewiston-Altura Public Schools, ISD 857
    Aug 2002 - Jul 2003 · 1 yr

    For the 2002-2003 school year, I taught physics, chemistry, and physical science.

  • Science Instructor at Saydel Community School District
    Aug 1995 - Jul 2002 · 7 yrs

    From 1995 through 2001, I taught chemistry, physics, exploratory biology, biology, general science, physical science, anatomy/physiology, and debate. I also wrote district curriculum for, and taught, zoology, advanced chemistry, botany, and ecology.