Environmental and social science 1
3 hours per week * Second semester * Peninsula
This subject will consist of two strands. In the first, content related to early childhood environmental science and technology will be considered. Children's scientific thinking will be addressed, as will be the importance of developing skills of observation, discrimination, classification, generalisation, prediction and problem solving. The importance of developing children's sensory awareness and language will also be stressed. Students will be expected to use developmentally appropriate practices in their planning of science programs for preschool. In the second strand students will be involved in developing skills of reflection, observation and self awareness as early-childhood professionals planning for young children. Students will be helped to recognise that for young children, social science is undertaken in an integrated program that varies in content according to the particular group being taught. The students will be involved in learning how important the play of young children is to their understanding of selves and others.
Assessment
Examinations: 60% * Practical work/practical program: 40%
Recommended texts
Cliatt M J P and Shaw J M Helping children explore science: A source book for teachers of young children Merrill, 1992
Taylor B J Science everywhere: Opportunities for very young children Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1993