James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2020

ED2095 - Science Education for Early Childhood

Subject Description

Science education is a key component of early childhood education. In this subject, you will develop your science technological, pedagogical and concept and curriculum knowledge with an emphasis on teaching learners from birth to year three. You will learn to identify the skills, attitudes and concepts that form an early childhood "Science" program and learn strategies appropriate to the teaching of science. Lectures and tutorials for this subject are delivered by external mode only. The subject is offered online requiring students to access the internet for participation. Students are expected to conduct simple (level 1) hands-on science activities at home using simple materials.

Learning Outcomes

• demonstrate an understanding of science in the Australian Curriculum, the Early Years Curriculum Framework, and the Queensland Kindergarten Learning Guidelines and other relevant curriculum documents
• develop a repertoire of developmentally appropriate hands-on science activities and consider leadership opportunities in ECE science
• develop relevant teacher knowledge of science concepts and effective pedagogy to support science learning in the early years (birth to 8)
• articulate the need for a robust science education program in the early childhood years and increase their confidence and competence as a learner and teacher of science
• plan and conduct science activities safely in early childhood education settings while integrating appropriate technology

Subject Assessment

• Invigilated > End of semester exam - (40%)
• Non-Invigilated > Assignments - (50%)
• Short answer test - (10%)

Note that 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.

Availabilities