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.

Click on an offering mode for more details.

View all online units

Unit Overview

Description

This unit is delivered as a series of interactive workshops with an emphasis on developing science content knowledge, science pedagogy and improving students' attitudes towards science in early childhood settings and primary classrooms. Emphasis is placed on inquiry learning, utilising a 'hands-on, minds-on' approach to engage children. The role of evidence in science is discussed. The important place of prior knowledge in children's science learning is explored with an emphasis on the relationship between everyday concepts and scientific concepts. Students become familiar with the three curriculum strands: science understanding (biological sciences, chemical sciences, earth and space sciences, physical sciences); science inquiry skills; and science as a human endeavour of the Australian curriculum: science. Students also become familiar with the place of science within the Early Years Learning Framework. Students develop understanding of integrating mathematics with science. Students begin to develop a resource file and professional library as a means of developing their own science content knowledge.

Credit
6 points
Offering
AvailabilityLocationMode
Not available in 2025UWA (Perth)Face to face
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) demonstrate an understanding of how children in early childhood and primary years learn Science; (2) demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the early childhood and primary Science curriculum and a range of pedagogies to teach it; (3) articulate a theory of Science learning and teaching, based on critical analysis of research literature relevant to early childhood or primary education; (4) develop skills to use, create and evaluate early childhood or primary Science instructional resources for teaching and learning, including educational technologies.; (5) demonstrate understanding of assessment strategies including informal, formal, diagnostic, formative and summative approaches when developing a Science integrated unit of work; and (6) demonstrate an ability to plan an early childhood or primary Science integrated program that links with literacy and numeracy.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) integrated science program and (2) case study. Further information is available in the unit outline.

To pass this unit, a student must: (a) achieve an overall mark of 50 per cent or higher for the unit; and (b) achieve the requisite requirements(s) or a mark of 50 per cent or greater, whichever is higher and specified in the unit outline, for the integrated science program and case study components.

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

Unit Coordinator(s)
Associate Professor Christine Howitt
Unit rules
Prerequisites
Successful completion of
Unit(s) EDUC5502 Teaching Mathematics in the Early Years
Contact hours
30 contact hours (150 hours total time commitment). Further information is available in the unit outline.
  • 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.

Face to face

Predominantly face-to-face. On campus attendance required to complete this unit. May have accompanying resources online.

Online flexible

100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit is asynchronous delivery, with NO requirement for students to participate online at specific times.

Online timetabled

100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit includes some synchronous components, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times.

Online Restricted

Not available for self-enrolment. Students access this mode by contacting their student office through AskUWA. 100% Online Unit.

NO campus face-to-face attendance. All study and assessment requirements are online only. Unit includes some timetabled activities, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times. In exceptional cases (noted in the Handbook) students may be required to participate in face-to-face laboratory classes when a return to UWA’s Crawley campus becomes possible in order to be awarded a final grade.

External

No attendance or regular contact is required, and all study requirements are completed either via correspondence and/or online submission.

Off-campus

Regular attendance is not required, but student attends the institution face to face on an agreed schedule for purposes of supervision and/or instruction.

Multi-mode

Multiple modes of delivery. Unit includes a mix of online and on-campus study requirements. On campus attendance for some activities is required to complete this unit.