EDG3005

Curriculum Studies: Science and Studies of Society and Environment

Lecturer: To be advised

6 points - 4 hours per week - First semester - Gippsland - Prerequisites: GEC2102 Teaching and curriculum studies: studies of society and enviornment, and science

Objectives. Upon successful completion of this subject, students should be able to provide a rationale for the inclusion of SOSE and science in the primary school curriculum; identify the nature and extent of children's beliefs on a selected range of social, environmental and scientific issues; and plan, manage and assess learning activities built on children's questions on and about the social and natural environments. Students should also be familiar with current school SOSE and Science programs including the 'Curriculum and Standards Framework' documents.

Synopsis. This subject develops knowledge, skills and attitudes about teaching and learning in primary schools in the key learning areas of Studies of Society and Environment (SOSE) and Science. Students also have the opportunity to become aware of their own, and children's contrasting beliefs and attitudes in these curricula areas. Students will also explore a range of appropriate teaching techniques (including inquiry learning and concept building), become familiar with assessment and evaluation techniques for ascertaining and understanding pupil learning needs and strengths, and develop a set of appropriate resources which facilitate classroom learning activities.

Assessment. One written assignment (3000 words): 100% - resource folder (hurdle requirement) - satisfactory field work report (hurdle requirement).

Prescribed texts

Board of Studies (Vic) Curriculum and Standards Framework: Studies of Society and Environment Melbourne: Board of Studies, 1995
Board of Studies (Vic) Curriculum and Standards Framework: Science Melbourne: Board of Studies, 1995
Marsh C (ed) Teaching Studies of Society and Environment Sydney: Prentice-Hall, 1994
McBurney-Fry G Improving Your Practicum Katoomba (NSW): Social Science Press, 1998
Skamp K (ed) Teaching Primary Science Constructively Sydney: Harcourt Brace, 1998

Recommended texts

Bently D and Watts M Primary Science and Technology Milton Keynes: Open University Press, 1994 (St Leonards, NSW: Allen and Unwin)
Curriculum Corporation A Statement on Studies of Society and Environment for Australian Schools Melbourne: Curriculum Corporation, 1994
Curriculum Corporation Studies of Society and Environment-A Curriculum Profile for Australian Schools. Melbourne: Curriculum Corporation, 1994
Driver R Leach J Scott P and Millar R Young People's Images of Science Milton Keynes: Open University Press, 1996 (St. Leonards, NSW: Allen and Unwin)
Hand B and Prain V Teaching and Learning in Science: The Constructivist Classroom Sydney: Harcourt Brace, 1995

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