A state mandated change in the requirements for the preparation of future K-8 science teachers was viewed as an opportunity to build a new Integrated Science program at a modest-sized state university in the Midwest. The Earth/space component is a four course sequence for thirteen credits guided by a conceptual framework that promotes the development of content and conceptual Earth systems knowledge, geoscience pedagogical knowledge, and understanding the critical role human beings play in the natural environment. Field-based Earth science education experiences are central to each course. Several formative and summative assessment approaches indicate that the Earth science courses have been effective. Measures of success include a greater than ninety percent pass rate on the state certification exam and students that are active in organizations, presenting at appropriate meetings and/or publishing in peer-reviewed journals.