Undergraduate - UnitEDF4023 - Science education in the primary years

This unit entry is for students who completed this unit in 2014 only. For students planning to study the unit, please refer to the unit indexes in the the current edition of the Handbook. If you have any queries contact the managing faculty for your course or area of study.

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6 points, SCA Band 1, 0.125 EFTSL

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered, or view unit timetables.

Level	Undergraduate
Faculty	Faculty of Education
Offered	Not offered in 2014

Synopsis

This unit introduces students to key theoretical and pedagogical concepts associated with the teaching of science to children in primary school settings. The main focus is on the Australian primary science curriculum, but students also explore science curricula from international perspectives. Important conceptual scientific ideas and different pedagogical approaches to the teaching of science are critiqued. Students are introduced to the relevant science curriculum frameworks in the context of cultural, historical and contemporary developments in the teaching of science. The preparation and teaching of science programs is undertaken in the context of studying teaching strategies that are appropriate across cultural contexts, for different science concepts and across year levels in primary school and early childhood settings.

Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this unit students should be able to:

acquire a sound understanding of key theoretical and pedagogical concepts associated with the teaching of science to children
translate conceptual ideas and processes about science into classroom learning activities for children that are appropriate for a range of year levels, areas of science and cultural knowledge associated with science learning
develop understandings of the variety of science curricula and assessment techniques available for planning and evaluating student learning in science
explore ways of stimulating and enriching children's natural curiosity by presenting a broad range of learning experiences
reflect 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.

Assessment

Reflective essay (1500 words, 40%)
Portfolio of work from school-based setting demonstrating children's learning in science (2500 words equivalent, 60%)

Workload requirements

Minimum total expected workload equals 12 hours per week comprising:

(a.) Contact hours for on-campus students:

2 contact hours per week

(b.) Additional requirements:

independent study to make up the minimum required hours per week

This unit applies to the following area(s) of study

Education - Early childhood and early childhood-primary
Education - Primary