ED3092 - Science Education for Early Childhood

Credit points:	03
Year:	2010
Student Contribution Band:	Band 1
Administered by:	School of Education

Note: Lectures and tutorials for this subject are delivered by external mode only. The subject is offered online requiring students to have access to the World Wide Web for participation in the subject. Students will be expected to conduct level 1 (safe) hands-on science activities at home using simple materials.

The construction of pedagogical knowledge for the science will be the focus of the subject. Students will examine essential components of science programs appropriate for young learners from birth to Year 3. In line with national and state policies and curriculum frameworks, students will identify the skills, attitudes and concepts that can be developed in a science program and analyse strategies and organisation appropriate to the teaching of science. Particular emphasis will be given to learning for environmental sustainability. This provides a rationale for teaching sustainability science in early childhood settings.

Learning Outcomes

• become more confident as a learner and teacher of science;
• explore possibilities in early childhood science teaching;
• appreciate the need and build capacity for teaching sustainability science;
• gain understanding in constructivist pedagogy;
• become familiar with relevant curriculum frameworks, statements and policies.

Graduate Qualities

• The ability to select and organise information and to communicate it accurately, cogently, coherently, creatively and ethically;
• The acquisition of coherent and disciplined sets of skills, knowledge, values and professional ethics from at least one discipline area;
• The ability to reflect on and evaluate learning, and to learn independently in a self directed manner;
• The ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences;
• The ability to work individually and independently;
• The ability to select and use appropriate tools and technologies;
• The ability to use online technologies effectively and ethically.

Prerequisites:	6 credit points of level 1 ED subjects
Inadmissible Subject Combinations:	ED3192

Availabilities
External, Study Period 1
Census Date 25-Mar-2010
Coord/Lect:	Dr Hilary Whitehouse, Ms Ruth Zee.
Assessment:	end of semester exam (30%); planning for learning assignment (30%); essay (30%); discussion board participation (10%).

Note: Minor variations might occur due to the continuous Subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.