Studying online

There are now 2 possible online modes for units:

Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.

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Unit Overview

Description

Pre-service teachers will develop their scientific literacy and science inquiry skills as they are introduced to the wonder of science. Pre-service teachers will become familiar with the structure and content of the three strands of the Western Australian science curriculum from pre-primary to year 2. The three strands are: (1) science understanding (biological, chemical, physical and earth and space sciences), (2) science inquiry skills and (3) science as a human endeavour. Pre-service teachers will come to understand how young children learn and develop positive attributes about science (e.g., curiosity, confidence and enthusiasm) through play, exploration and investigation both in formal and informal contexts. Emphasis will be placed on learning how to use effective and inclusive teaching strategies such as play-based learning, hands-on exploration, guided investigations, and cooperative group work. A variety of ways of assessing young children's science learning and communication skills will be practised. Contemporary early years science resources that integrate STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) in real life contexts will be examined.

Credit
6 points
Offering
(see Timetable)
AvailabilityLocationMode
Semester 2UWA (Perth)Face to face
Details for undergraduate courses
  • Level 1 core unit in the Primary Education major sequence
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) identify how young children learn unfamiliar concepts to explain the world around them; (2) use WA science curriculum documents from F-2 to plan a learning sequence at an appropriate level; (3) compare and contrast a range of effective and inclusive child-centred and concrete strategies used in early years science

; (4) demonstrate how to use different assessment types (diagnostic, formative and summative) to monitor and progress young children's learning; (5) demonstrate familiarity with a range of ways to develop young children's scientific communication skills; and (6) critique early years STEM resource used both within and outside the science classroom.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) quiz; (2) lesson plans; and (3) teaching program. Further information is available in the unit outline.



Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit Coordinator(s)
Johanna Stalley
Unit rules
Prerequisites
Enrolment in
BH020 Bachelor of Education (Primary) (Honours)
Contact hours
30 hours
  • The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
  • All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
  • Visit the Essential Textbooks website to see if any textbooks are required for this Unit. The website is updated regularly so content may change. Students are recommended to purchase Essential Textbooks, but a limited number of copies of all Essential Textbooks are held in the Library in print, and as an ebook where possible. Recommended readings for the unit can be accessed in Unit Readings directly through the Learning Management System (LMS).
  • Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.