EDF3035 - Investigating our world: Science, technology and the environment - 2017

This unit focuses on how young children develop understandings in science, technology and environmental education in a variety of cultural contexts. Students research everyday environments at home and in the community to determine science and technology affordances and apply well-developed judgements for turning everyday concepts into scientific concepts. The teaching of these areas is examined from a range of theoretical perspectives and in relation to relevant regional/national curricula. Attention is paid to learning across the institutional contexts of home, early childhood setting and classrooms and students are expected to research and conceptualise both pedagogies and programs in ways that promote and meaningfully engage young children's learning of science, technology and environment.

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

1. develop advanced theoretical knowledge and understanding of how young children learn scientific and technological concepts in everyday contexts
2. generate and analyse data associated with researching teaching and learning in science and technology
3. critique a range of pedagogical approaches that support children's learning in science, technology and the environment
4. recognise that knowledges are culturally constructed and that a range of world views about science, technology and the environment should be supported in programs in the birth to eight years period
5. develop high-level observational and analytical skills in discerning children's learning of science and technology in everyday learning environments.

Curriculum research project: observational portfolio and analysis of everyday and scientific concepts (1500 words equivalent, 40%)

Science, technology and environmental program and evaluation (2500 words equivalent, 60%)

Minimum total expected workload equals 144 hours per semester comprising:

1. Contact hours for on-campus students:
   • 2 contact hours per week
2. Requirements for on-campus block City-based students:
   • one intensive weekend block
   • at least 4 hours of active online engagement in Moodle activities per term
3. Requirements for offshore Kaplan-based students:
   • one intensive block (usually from Thursday to Sunday)
   • at least 4 hours of online study per term
4. Additional requirements (all students):
   • independent study to make up the minimum required hours per week

See also Unit timetable information

Dr Sylvia Almeida

Early years education

Early years and primary education

Primary and secondary education

Primary and secondary inclusive education