Details for Science and Technology: Part A

In this subject, pre-service teachers will explore what it means to work scientifically and consider the importance of science for the environment, communities and individuals. Pre-service teachers will also explore the potential cross cultural sensitivities and worldviews found in the cultural diversity of Australian classrooms.

Awards offering Science and Technology: Part A

This unit is offered as a part of the following awards:

• Bachelor of Education (Primary)
• Diploma of Arts

Unit Content

Curriculum Objective

This subject is an introduction to Science and Technology in primary teaching, with a particular emphasis on the K-6 Science syllabi developed by NESA and ACARA (F-10 Science). The NESA Science Key Learning Area (KLA) includes the new Science K–10 (incorporating Science and Technology K–6) Syllabus. This subject will cover key concepts and approaches in the Science learning area (curriculum and syllabus documents and pedagogy) such as Science understanding, science inquiry skills and science as a human endeavour, scientific literacy, science curriculum, syllabus documents and science pedagogy. Pre-service teachers will explore what it means to work scientifically and consider the importance of science for the environment, communities and individuals. Pre-service teachers will explore the potential cross cultural sensitivities and worldviews found in the cultural diversity of Australian classrooms.

Outcomes

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the principles of risk management in teaching science safely and effectively;
2. Explain scientific concepts in the physical, biological and technological world;
3. Discuss worldview and ethical issues relating to science and technology in both the classroom and society as a whole;
4. Design curriculum materials, lesson plans, and assessment items for Stages 1-3 based on the relevant K-6 Science and Technology syllabus within a theoretical and practical framework;
5. Apply skills that demonstrate an understanding of the scientific method and working scientifically.

Subject Content

1. Religion and Science: The search for knowledge, differing methodologies, the history of science and the scientific method (success and failures), Scientific processes (observing, questioning, planning, predicting, testing, collecting, recording and analysing data, and drawing conclusions), communicating scientific results, ethics in science.
2. The Science Curriculum: curriculum content; children’s concepts of scientists.
3. Responsible Science Education: Scientific equipment, safety and risk management, social and ethical dimensions, current issues in science.
4. Working Scientifically: plan and conduct first-hand investigations applying the skills and processes of Working Scientifically.
5. Approaches to Teaching Science: constructivism, 5 E’s (Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, Evaluate),Know/Want to Know/Learned(KWL) framework, authentic assessment, collaborative learning, problem based learning, emerging theories.
6. Managing Information: Advanced searching techniques, evaluating information sources, locating scholarly information, collecting information (data collection devices, surveys), citing information, techniques for managing information, presenting and communicating information.
7. Unit of Work: Teaching philosophy, Developing curriculum support materials (timetables, lesson plans, assessment items, evaluation strategies), Quality assurance (peer assessment, student feedback, personal refection). 

This course may be offered in the following formats

• Face-to-Face
• Distance/ Global Online

Please consult your course prospectus or enquire about how and when this course will be offered next at Alphacrucis University College.

Assessment Methods

1. Individual Presentation (40%)
2. Major Essay (40%)
3. Assessing a Unit of Work (20%)

Prescribed Text

• References will include the most current curriculum requirements for schools.

Check with the instructor each semester before purchasing any prescribed texts or representative references