James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2023

ED1411 - Science and Sustainability in Education

Townsville Mixed attendance available only to RATEP students. SP2 External available only to External students. JCU Online campus mode is available only to Online B Ed ECE and primary students enrolled in the carousel offering.

Subject Description

This subject provides early childhood (ECE) and primary pre-service teachers with foundational scientific knowledge and understanding as well as awareness of scientific inquiry and environmental and social decision-making and policy processes. The subject investigates interrelationships between chemical, biophysical, economic, social and political systems; the complex mechanisms that lead to degradation of these systems; and, resultant risks to human well-being. The subject draws upon the natural and social sciences and geographic and temporal scales to explore topics related to climate change, energy, water, biodiversity, agriculture and population health. The subject positions preservice teachers as agentic teachers-in-becoming, dedicated to their professional learning of theory, policy and practice that influence learning for our region's diverse learners and communities by engaging them in aspects of systemic and critical thinking, problem-solving, active citizenship and community partnerships. The professional learning in this subject prepares preservice teachers to advance their curriculum studies in the learning areas of Science, and Humanities and Social Sciences (HASS). For ECE preservice teachers it addresses the EYLF Learning Areas of Children: "Children are connected with and contribute to their world"; and "Children are confident and involved learners" and, in turn, inspire them to educate for local and global sustainability.

Learning Outcomes

• develop evidence-informed values and positions relating to sustainability through active citizenship, critical and systemic thinking, and reflection
• explore how the design and implementation of engaging and intellectually challenging learning experiences promotes the development of scientific literacy
• recall, apply and communicate concepts and procedures of science and sustainability through multiple modes and genres to local and global contexts
• demonstrate Australian Professional Standards for Teachers at an introduced level and for B.Ed. (ECE) students, relevant ACECQA standards
• engage with the Early Years Learning Framework and the Queensland Kindergarten Learning Guideline (Early Childhood preservice teachers) and the F-10 Australian Curriculum to identify implications of education for sustainability for classroom practice, including envisaging a better future and partnerships for change

Subject Assessment

• Written > Test/Quiz 1 - (20%) - Individual
• Sustainability inquiry - (45%) - Individual
• Science investigation and report - (35%) - Individual

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