James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2024

ED2095 - Science Education for Early Childhood

Subject Description

Science education is a key component of Early Childhood Education. In this subject, pre-service teachers will engage with a range of learning experiences designed to enhance their confidence and competence to teach Science to young children. Pre-service teachers will develop their conceptual science understanding, as well as their technological, pedagogical and curriculum knowledge and skills, with an emphasis on teaching young children from birth to Year 3. Pre-service teachers will learn to identify the concepts, skills and dispositions that underpin early childhood Science programs, and plan safe and engaging strategies appropriate to the teaching of Science, including those that use simple, everyday materials.

Learning Outcomes

• 2. apply knowledge of student learning to set appropriate learning goals and design lesson plans that integrate assessment and effective science teaching strategies to meet the needs of diverse children across the full range of abilities
• 3. plan and conduct safe science activities in early childhood education settings, working within school/centre, system and legislative requirements
• 4. identify and apply appropriate early literacy and numeracy teaching strategies in Science
• 1. apply knowledge of the concepts, substance and structure of the Early Years Learning Framework, the Queensland Kindergarten Learning Guideline and the F-3 Australian Curriculum: Science

Subject Assessment

• Written > Test/Quiz 1 - (10%) - Individual
• Written > Learning plan - (45%) - Individual
• Written > Lesson plan 1 - (45%) - 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