Authorised by Academic Registrar, April 1996
Objectives Upon successful completion of strand `A' in this subject, students should have developed knowledge of young children's scientific understandings, skills and processes, and attitudes; be able to plan, prepare and implement developmentally appropriate science programs across a range of early childhood settings; as well as to be able to promote young children's sense of curiosity and inquiry. Upon successful completion of strand `B' in this subject, students should have gained knowledge and understanding of the principles of an integrated social education program for young children which will be sensitive and relevant regardless of cultural background or gender. Students should be able to demonstrate the skills of applying the principles of integrated social education programs in workshops and assessment tasks; reflecting, observing, and self awareness in their tutorials and in the field experience placements. Students should demonstrate values in relation to the acceptance of the uniqueness of person - child and adult, within early childhood settings; recognition that teachers in early childhood have a significant role to play in the social education development of young children.
Synopsis This subject will consist of two strands. In the first, content related to early childhood environmental science and technology will be considered. Children's scientific thinking will be addressed, as will be the importance of developing skills of observation, discrimination, classification, generalisation, prediction and problem solving. The importance of developing children's sensory awareness and language will also be stressed. Students will be expected to use developmentally appropriate practices in their planning of science programs for preschool. In the second strand students will be involved in developing skills of reflection, observation and self awareness as early-childhood professionals planning for young children. Students will be helped to recognise that for young children, social science is undertaken in an integrated program that varies in content according to the particular group being taught. The students will be involved in learning how important the play of young children is to their understanding of selves and others.
Assessment Examinations: 60% + Practical work/practical program: 40%