Studying online

There are now 3 possible online modes for units:

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

Units available in Online Restricted mode have been adapted for online study only for those students who require the unit to complete their studies and who are unable to attend campus owing to exceptional circumstances beyond their control. To be enrolled in a unit in Online Restricted mode, students should contact their Student Advising Office through askUWA

Click on an offering mode for more details.

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 science curriculum for the first three years of formal schooling. They will learn about (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 practiced. Contemporary early years science resources that integrate STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) in real life contexts will be examined.

Credit
6 points
Offering
AvailabilityLocationModeFirst year of offer
Not available in 2023
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) identify how young children learn unfamiliar concepts to explain the world around them; (2) use 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) apply different assessment types (diagnostic, formative and summative) to monitor and progress young children's learning; (5) describe a range of ways to develop young children's scientific communication skills; and (6) critique early years STEM resources used both within and outside the science classroom.

Assessment

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

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

Unit rules
Prerequisites
Enrolment in
BH020 Bachelor of Education (Primary Education) (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.
  • Unit readings, including any essential textbooks, are listed in the unit outline for each unit, one week prior the commencement of study. The unit outline will be available via the LMS and the UWA Handbook one week prior the commencement of study. Reading lists and essential textbooks are subject to change each semester. Information on essential textbooks will also be made available on the Essential Textbooks. This website is updated regularly in the lead up to semester so content may change. It is recommended that students purchase essential textbooks for convenience due to the frequency with which they will be required during the unit. A limited number of textbooks will be made available from the Library in print and will also be made available online wherever possible. Essential textbooks can be purchased from the commercial vendors to secure the best deal. The Student Guild can provide assistance on where to purchase books if required. Books can be purchased second hand at the Guild Secondhand bookshop (second floor, Guild Village), which is located on campus.