EDF2204

Curriculum Studies: Primary Science

Lecturer in Charge: To be advised

6 credit points - Semester offered: 2 - Campus Offered: Peninsula and Gippsland - Mode of enrolment: On-campus - Workload requirement: 3 hours per week - Prerequisites: Nil - Corequisites: Nil - Prohibited combinations: Nil

Objectives: Upon successful completion of this subject, students should have: acquired a sound understanding of key theoretical and pedagogical perspectives and issues in the teaching of science with children; translated conceptual ideas and processes about science into classroom learning activities for children; developed understandings of the variety of assessment techniques available to evaluate student learning in science education; explored ways of stimulating and enriching children's natural curiosity by presenting a broad range of learning experiences; designed, developed and practiced science teaching using a variety of media and learning environments; evaluated and reflected on their past and present science education experiences; developed through the exploration and experience of a variety of learning and teaching strategies, a personal approach to teaching science.

Synopsis: This subject introduces students to key theoretical and pedagogical perspectives and issues in the teaching of science with children. Important conceptual ideas and processes about translating science into classroom learning activities will be fundamental to the subject. The students will be introduced to the relevant science curriculum and standards framework with historical and contemporary changes in the teaching of science being considered in the context of a range of teaching strategies used in the primary school and early childhood settings. Using a variety of media and learning environments, students will explore ways of stimulating and enriching children's natural curiosity by presenting a broad range of learning experiences through the design, development and the practice of teaching science. Teaching and assessment strategies which students can use to achieve curriculum outcomes will be an important aspect of the course with students being encouraged to reflect on their teaching experiences and develop a personal approach to teaching science.

Assessment: A group peer science lesson presentation, complete with lesson plan, resources and a means for assessing student learning 20%; a professional folio which consists of a professional journal (1000 words), two essay reading tasks (1500 words each) and a bibliography of resources (500 words equivalent); 80%.

Recommended readings

Cross, R. (1996) Teaching Primary Science: Empowering Children for Their World, South Melbourne: Longman.
Fleer, M and Hardy, T. (1996) Science for Children: Developing a Personal Approach to Teaching, Australia: Prentice Hall.
Holly, M,L. (1997) (2nd Ed.) Keeping a Professional Journal, Geelong: Deakin University Press.
Victorian Board of Studies (1995) Curriculum and Standards Framework: Science, Melbourne: Curriculum Corporation.

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