EDF2214 - Science education - 2017

This unit explores teaching science within five broad frames: science as a way of thinking and acting, learning about learning science, teaching as the transformation of knowing science, the engagement of learners and communicating science. The unit prepares students to develop a constructivist approach to teaching science, incorporating strategies such as connecting to children's prior knowledge, questioning and inquiry learning, hands-on approaches, scientific investigations and learner-owned/learner-centred investigations. The relationship among science, technology and society is explored, and the nature of science as a discipline is considered. Students build understanding of and demonstrate capacities to plan for science learning and teaching related to the Victorian and Australian curriculum from Foundation to Year 8.

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

1. appreciate science as a way of thinking that generates knowledge (representing cultural and societal dimensions) that is used to describe and respond to our environment
2. demonstrate an understanding of the ways in which science responds to technological and social change
3. critically reflect on their experiences as learners of science and identify implications for their professional identities as science educators
4. identify, develop, plan and deliver appropriate strategies to establish, monitor and develop learners' understanding of science as a way of knowing and the importance of reasoning and critical thinking skills.

Investigating science learners' science ideas (2000 words, 50%)

Reflective critique on approaches to science teaching (2000 words, 50%)

Minimum total expected workload equals 144 hours per semester comprising:

1. Contact hours for on-campus students:
   • 24 hours over the semester comprising seminars (2-3 hours each) and online activities
2. Additional requirements
   • independent study to make up the minimum required hours per semester

See also Unit timetable information

Dr Kathy Smith

Primary and secondary education

Primary and secondary inclusive education

Primary and secondary health and physical education