James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2023

ED2195 - Science Education for Primary School

Mixed attendance offering available only to RATEP students. JCU Online campus mode is available only to Online B Ed Primary students enrolled in the carousel offering.

Subject Description

The primary goal of this subject is to foster pre-service teacher development towards assuring the Professional Standard requirements of being an effective and competent teacher of science, especially specific to the diverse contexts of Northern Queensland. Upon completion of this subject, through the professional knowledge acquired and professional practice experiences provided, you will be able to approach the teaching of science positively and with an accurate and thorough understanding of what authentic science learning experiences entail at the primary level. The construction of professional knowledge and competent practices for the teaching of science will be the focus of the subject. This means you will be developing and demonstrating your thorough understanding of the content and processes of science (Content & Procedural Knowledge) and how to teach (Pedagogical Content & Pedagogical Procedural Knowledge) these effectively. You will demonstrate this competence through professional engagement opportunities provided during this subject.

Learning Outcomes

• analyse current research into how students learn science to demonstrate how to design lesson plans with both appropriate learning goals and differentiation to meet the specific needs of students
• demonstrate the capacity to organise safe science activities via appropriate communication and teaching strategies
• demonstrate knowledge and understanding of science concepts and content, and the ability to organise the content and appropriate resources into an effective sequence
• demonstrate knowledge and understanding of literacy and numeracy teaching in science
• apply use of curriculum and assessment knowledge to design science lesson plans

Subject Assessment

• Written > Test/Quiz 1 - (30%) - Individual
• Written > Learning plan - (30%) - Individual
• Written > Lesson plan 1 - (40%) - 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.

Special Assessment Requirements

As part of the subject students will complete an online science content module and test via the learning management system. Students will work through online resources and may reattempt the online test multiple times. Students will need to demonstrate a satisfactory level of content knowledge to pass the subject.

Availabilities