Details for Science and Technology

This subject focuses on the Key Learning Area of Science and Technology. Pre-service Teachers will explore relevant science and technology content and strategies to develop in primary students: science and technology knowledge, understandings, skills, attitudes and values.

Awards offering Science and Technology

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

• Master of Teaching (Primary)

Unit Content

Curriculum Objective

This subject focuses on the Key Learning Area of Science and Technology. Pre-service Teachers will explore relevant science and technology content and strategies to develop in primary students: science and technology knowledge, understandings, skills, attitudes and values. Christian worldview and ethical issues discussed in EDU401 Foundations in Christian Learning and Teaching will be drawn upon when critiquing syllabus content, methodology and teaching resources.

Outcomes

1. Demonstrate advanced skills in the use of science and technology in the classroom and a productivity tools;
2. Describe personal competence and development needs in science and technology, as an individual and as part of a cooperative learning team and professional community;
3. Critically analyse both free and commercial science and technology educational software tools, mobile apps, web services and online learning resources;
4. Critique reliable sources of information and help in order to keep up with rapidly changing technologies and applications of technology in the classroom;
5. Critically appraise the relevant Science and Technology K-6 syllabus and various teaching approaches, in order to be able to select and plan authentic and engaging learning experiences for diverse learners from K-6;
6. Explain carefully issues of safety, Christian worldview and ethics relating to science and technology in both the classroom and society as a whole;
7. Construct an interactive online learning resource for a science-based topic.

Subject Content

1. Religion and Science: The search for knowledge, differing methodologies, the history of science and the scientific method (success and failures), scientific thinking, key scientists from the past, Scientific processes (observing, questioning, planning, predicting, testing, collecting, recording and analysing data, drawing conclusions, writing in science, the literacies of science, creativity and imagination in scientific endeavour), communicating scientific results, ethics in science and the use of technology.
2. The Science Curriculum: aligned to current curriculum framework documents, , integrating science across the curriculum, children’s concepts of scientists, scientific equipment, safety and risk management, current issues in science, resources for the contemporary primary science class.
3. Science and Technology Syllabus Content: e.g. Built Environments, Information and Communications, Living Things, Physical Phenomena, Products and Services, The Earth and its Surroundings.
4. Contemporary pedagogical approaches to science and technology: constructivism, 5 E’s (Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, Evaluate), ‘KWL’ framework, authentic assessment, collaborative learning, problem based learning, working technologically, emerging theories.
5. The relationship between design and technologies and science: ICT technologies (computers, mobile devices, interactive whiteboards etc.), ICT in science education, e-portfolios, assistive technologies, ICT as a productivity tool for both students and teachers, ICT safety and acceptable use policies, current technology issues including cyber safety of children.
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, digital and design technologies, multi-modal representations.
7. Instructional Design: ID theories, available e-learning and m-learning tools (free and commercial), developing engaging and interactive educational resources, evaluating educational software and resources, limitations of technology.
8. Integrated 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
• Intensive
• 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. Computing Skills Test (5%)
2. Forum Posts (10%)
3. Professional E-Portfolio (30%)
4. Integrated Unit of Work (55%)

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