School: Education
This unit information may be updated and amended immediately prior to semester. To ensure you have the correct outline, please check it again at the beginning of semester.
Unit Title
STEM in Early Childhood: A Creative Integrated ApproachUnit Code
ECS4160Year
2016Enrolment Period
1Version
1Credit Points
15Full Year Unit
N
Mode of Delivery
On Campus
Description
This unit introduces students to the interdisciplinary approach of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) in early childhood. The unit will extend on the knowledge already gained in the undergraduate units of mathematics and science. Students will explore how to teach creatively, integrating learning across the curriculum through inquiry and project-based teaching. Opportunities will be provided for students to plan, implement, assess and evaluate an integrated STEM curriculum to foster critical thinking, problem solving, exploration, inquiry and reasoning.
Prerequisite Rule
To enrol in this elective, students must have completed and passed ALL: SCE2240: Early Childhood Science and Technology Education ECM2260: Early Childhood Mathematics 1 ECM3260: Early Childhood Mathematics 2
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this unit students should be able to:
- Demonstrate a range of knowledge, understanding, skills and dispositions related to STEM content areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in an early childhood setting.
- Select and provide appropriate content, experiences and materials to support the learning of STEM processes for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in early childhood.
- Demonstrate effective management, organisational, planning and assessment strategies to integrate and document learning across STEM curriculum areas.
- Apply an integrated programme that meets the needs of young students within the learning areas of STEM.
Unit Content
- Identification of the key concepts underpinning the development of children's understanding of STEM: science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
- Planning of meaningful learning experiences for the development of critical thinking, problem solving, reasoning, inquiry, deep learning and intellectual skills.
- Identification of the source and use of appropriate resources, materials and equipment to support planned experiences for both indoor and outdoor environments.
- Examination and development of organisational and management strategies most appropriate to integrating the curriculum including inquiry approach and project approach.
- Examination of the teacher's role in planning and preparing an active learning environment and strategies to promote discovery, enquiry and questioning.
- Strategies for planning, assessing and reflection using integrated webs and documentation.
Additional Learning Experience Information
A combination of lectures, workshops, guest speakers, videos, required readings and group and individually assigned work are used to achieve the unit outcomes. Students are required to become independent learners, contributors in workshops and competent team members.
Assessment
GS1 GRADING SCHEMA 1 Used for standard coursework units
Students please note: The marks and grades received by students on assessments may be subject to further moderation. All marks and grades are to be considered provisional until endorsed by the relevant Board of Examiners.
ON CAMPUS| Type | Description | Value |
|---|
| Reflective Practice | Weekly Reflection Task | 40% |
| Project | Implementation and presentation | 60% |
ONLINE| Type | Description | Value |
|---|
| Reflective Practice | Weekly Reflection Task | 40% |
| Project | Implementation and presentation | 60% |
Text References
- ^ Moomaw, S. (2013). Teaching STEM in preschool and kindergarten: Activities for intergrading science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. St Paul, MN: Redleaf Press.
- Anderson, S. (2012). Maths and science investigations: Helping young learners make big discoveries. Lewisville, NC: Gryphon House.
- Briggs, M., & Davis, S. (2015). Creative teaching: Mathematics in the primary classroom. (2nd ed.). Abingdon, United Kingdom: Routledge.
- Helm, J., & Katz, L. (2011). Young investigators: The project approach in the early years (2nd ed.). New York, NY: Teachers College Press.
- Pound, L., & Lee, T. (2011). Teaching mathematics creatively: Learning to teach in the primary school series. Abingdon, United Kingdom: Routledge.
Journal References
- Lindeman, K.W., & Jabot, M. (2013). The role of STEM (or STEAM) in the early childhood setting. Learning Across the Early Childhood Curriculum (Advances in Early Education And Day Care), (17), 95-114.
- Sharapan, H. (2012). From STEM to STEAM: How early childhood educators can apply Fred Rogers’ approach. YC Young Children, 67(1), 36.
- Early Childhood Research and Practice Australasian Journal of Early Childhood (AJEC) Australian Primary Mathematics Classroom. Journal of the Australian Association of Mathematics Teachers, Inc The Online Journal of International Research in Early Childhood Education Journal of Early Childhood Research Journal of STEM Education: Innovations and Research International Journal of STEM Education Canadian Journal of STEM Education Investigating: The Australian Primary and Junior Primary Science Journal <2004 SCIOS: Western Australia Science Journal Primary Science Review Science Activities Science and Children
Website References
- http://www.teachpreschool.org/2012/06/stem/ http://archive.brookespublishing.com/content/Brookes-STEM-toolkit.pdf">http://archive.brookespublishing.com/content/Brookes-STEM-toolkit.pdf http://www.utas.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0020/358310/stem_program_links_with_australian_curriculum_04_feb_2013.pdf">http://www.utas.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0020/358310/stem_program_links_with_australian_curriculum_04_feb_2013.pdf http://projectapproach.org/">http://projectapproach.org/ http://naturalstart.org/feature-stories/engaging-children-stem-education-early">http://naturalstart.org/feature-stories/engaging-children-stem-education-early http://www.ecstemlab.org/">http://www.ecstemlab.org/ ">http://www.teachpreschool.org/2012/06/stem/">http://www.teachpreschool.org/2012/06/stem/ http://archive.brookespublishing.com/content/Brookes-STEM-toolkit.pdf">http://archive.brookespublishing.com/content/Brookes-STEM-toolkit.pdf http://www.utas.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0020/358310/stem_program_links_with_australian_curriculum_04_feb_2013.pdf">http://www.utas.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0020/358310/stem_program_links_with_australian_curriculum_04_feb_2013.pdf http://projectapproach.org/">http://projectapproach.org/ http://naturalstart.org/feature-stories/engaging-children-stem-education-early">http://naturalstart.org/feature-stories/engaging-children-stem-education-early http://www.ecstemlab.org/">http://www.ecstemlab.org/
Other References
- Mannion, G. (n.d.). Mud pies and green spaces – why children do better when they can get outdoors. Retrieved June 29, 2015, from http://theconversation.com/mud-pies-and-green-spaces-why-children-do-better-when-they-can-get-outdoors-43151 ">http://theconversation.com/mud-pies-and-green-spaces-why-children-do-better-when-they-can-get-outdoors-43151">http://theconversation.com/mud-pies-and-green-spaces-why-children-do-better-when-they-can-get-outdoors-43151
- Office of the Chief Scientist. (2013). Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics in the National Interest: A strategic Approach (Position Paper). Canberra, Australia: Australian Government.
- Sargent, M. (2011). The project approach in early years provision (electronic resource): A practical guide to promoting children’s creativity and critical thinking through project work. London, United Kingdom: Practical Preschool Books. http://www.practicalpreschoolbooks.com/content/site120/filessamples/731978190724117_00000000410.pdf ">http://www.practicalpreschoolbooks.com/content/site120/filessamples/731978190724117_00000000410.pdf">http://www.practicalpreschoolbooks.com/content/site120/filessamples/731978190724117_00000000410.pdf
^ Mandatory reference
Disability Standards for Education (Commonwealth 2005)
For the purposes of considering a request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Commonwealth 2005), inherent requirements for this subject are articulated in the Unit Description, Learning Outcomes and Assessment Requirements of this entry. The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the support for students with disabilities or medical conditions can be found at the Access and Inclusion website.
Academic Misconduct
Edith Cowan University has firm rules governing academic misconduct and there are substantial penalties that can be applied to students who are found in breach of these rules. Academic misconduct includes, but is not limited to:
- plagiarism;
- unauthorised collaboration;
- cheating in examinations;
- theft of other students' work;
Additionally, any material submitted for assessment purposes must be work that has not been submitted previously, by any person, for any other unit at ECU or elsewhere.
The ECU rules and policies governing all academic activities, including misconduct, can be accessed through the ECU website.
ECS4160|1|1
School: Education
This unit information may be updated and amended immediately prior to semester. To ensure you have the correct outline, please check it again at the beginning of semester.
Unit Title
STEM in Early Childhood: A Creative Integrated ApproachUnit Code
ECS4160Year
2016Enrolment Period
2Version
1Credit Points
15Full Year Unit
N
Mode of Delivery
On Campus
Online
Description
This unit introduces students to the interdisciplinary approach of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) in early childhood. The unit will extend on the knowledge already gained in the undergraduate units of mathematics and science. Students will explore how to teach creatively, integrating learning across the curriculum through inquiry and project-based teaching. Opportunities will be provided for students to plan, implement, assess and evaluate an integrated STEM curriculum to foster critical thinking, problem solving, exploration, inquiry and reasoning.
Prerequisite Rule
To enrol in this elective, students must have completed and passed ALL: SCE2240: Early Childhood Science and Technology Education ECM2260: Early Childhood Mathematics 1 ECM3260: Early Childhood Mathematics 2
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this unit students should be able to:
- Demonstrate a range of knowledge, understanding, skills and dispositions related to STEM content areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in an early childhood setting.
- Select and provide appropriate content, experiences and materials to support the learning of STEM processes for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in early childhood.
- Demonstrate effective management, organisational, planning and assessment strategies to integrate and document learning across STEM curriculum areas.
- Apply an integrated programme that meets the needs of young students within the learning areas of STEM.
Unit Content
- Identification of the key concepts underpinning the development of children's understanding of STEM: science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
- Planning of meaningful learning experiences for the development of critical thinking, problem solving, reasoning, inquiry, deep learning and intellectual skills.
- Identification of the source and use of appropriate resources, materials and equipment to support planned experiences for both indoor and outdoor environments.
- Examination and development of organisational and management strategies most appropriate to integrating the curriculum including inquiry approach and project approach.
- Examination of the teacher's role in planning and preparing an active learning environment and strategies to promote discovery, enquiry and questioning.
- Strategies for planning, assessing and reflection using integrated webs and documentation.
Additional Learning Experience Information
A combination of lectures, workshops, guest speakers, videos, required readings and group and individually assigned work are used to achieve the unit outcomes. Students are required to become independent learners, contributors in workshops and competent team members.
Assessment
GS1 GRADING SCHEMA 1 Used for standard coursework units
Students please note: The marks and grades received by students on assessments may be subject to further moderation. All marks and grades are to be considered provisional until endorsed by the relevant Board of Examiners.
ON CAMPUS| Type | Description | Value |
|---|
| Reflective Practice | Weekly Reflection Task | 40% |
| Project | Implementation and presentation | 60% |
ONLINE| Type | Description | Value |
|---|
| Reflective Practice | Weekly Reflection Task | 40% |
| Project | Implementation and presentation | 60% |
Text References
- ^ Moomaw, S. (2013). Teaching STEM in preschool and kindergarten: Activities for intergrading science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. St Paul, MN: Redleaf Press.
- Anderson, S. (2012). Maths and science investigations: Helping young learners make big discoveries. Lewisville, NC: Gryphon House.
- Briggs, M., & Davis, S. (2015). Creative teaching: Mathematics in the primary classroom. (2nd ed.). Abingdon, United Kingdom: Routledge.
- Helm, J., & Katz, L. (2011). Young investigators: The project approach in the early years (2nd ed.). New York, NY: Teachers College Press.
- Pound, L., & Lee, T. (2011). Teaching mathematics creatively: Learning to teach in the primary school series. Abingdon, United Kingdom: Routledge.
Journal References
- Lindeman, K.W., & Jabot, M. (2013). The role of STEM (or STEAM) in the early childhood setting. Learning Across the Early Childhood Curriculum (Advances in Early Education And Day Care), (17), 95-114.
- Sharapan, H. (2012). From STEM to STEAM: How early childhood educators can apply Fred Rogers’ approach. YC Young Children, 67(1), 36.
- Early Childhood Research and Practice Australasian Journal of Early Childhood (AJEC) Australian Primary Mathematics Classroom. Journal of the Australian Association of Mathematics Teachers, Inc The Online Journal of International Research in Early Childhood Education Journal of Early Childhood Research Journal of STEM Education: Innovations and Research International Journal of STEM Education Canadian Journal of STEM Education Investigating: The Australian Primary and Junior Primary Science Journal <2004 SCIOS: Western Australia Science Journal Primary Science Review Science Activities Science and Children
Website References
- http://www.teachpreschool.org/2012/06/stem/ http://archive.brookespublishing.com/content/Brookes-STEM-toolkit.pdf">http://archive.brookespublishing.com/content/Brookes-STEM-toolkit.pdf http://www.utas.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0020/358310/stem_program_links_with_australian_curriculum_04_feb_2013.pdf">http://www.utas.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0020/358310/stem_program_links_with_australian_curriculum_04_feb_2013.pdf http://projectapproach.org/">http://projectapproach.org/ http://naturalstart.org/feature-stories/engaging-children-stem-education-early">http://naturalstart.org/feature-stories/engaging-children-stem-education-early http://www.ecstemlab.org/">http://www.ecstemlab.org/ ">http://www.teachpreschool.org/2012/06/stem/">http://www.teachpreschool.org/2012/06/stem/ http://archive.brookespublishing.com/content/Brookes-STEM-toolkit.pdf">http://archive.brookespublishing.com/content/Brookes-STEM-toolkit.pdf http://www.utas.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0020/358310/stem_program_links_with_australian_curriculum_04_feb_2013.pdf">http://www.utas.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0020/358310/stem_program_links_with_australian_curriculum_04_feb_2013.pdf http://projectapproach.org/">http://projectapproach.org/ http://naturalstart.org/feature-stories/engaging-children-stem-education-early">http://naturalstart.org/feature-stories/engaging-children-stem-education-early http://www.ecstemlab.org/">http://www.ecstemlab.org/
Other References
- Mannion, G. (n.d.). Mud pies and green spaces – why children do better when they can get outdoors. Retrieved June 29, 2015, from http://theconversation.com/mud-pies-and-green-spaces-why-children-do-better-when-they-can-get-outdoors-43151 ">http://theconversation.com/mud-pies-and-green-spaces-why-children-do-better-when-they-can-get-outdoors-43151">http://theconversation.com/mud-pies-and-green-spaces-why-children-do-better-when-they-can-get-outdoors-43151
- Office of the Chief Scientist. (2013). Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics in the National Interest: A strategic Approach (Position Paper). Canberra, Australia: Australian Government.
- Sargent, M. (2011). The project approach in early years provision (electronic resource): A practical guide to promoting children’s creativity and critical thinking through project work. London, United Kingdom: Practical Preschool Books. http://www.practicalpreschoolbooks.com/content/site120/filessamples/731978190724117_00000000410.pdf ">http://www.practicalpreschoolbooks.com/content/site120/filessamples/731978190724117_00000000410.pdf">http://www.practicalpreschoolbooks.com/content/site120/filessamples/731978190724117_00000000410.pdf
^ Mandatory reference
Disability Standards for Education (Commonwealth 2005)
For the purposes of considering a request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Commonwealth 2005), inherent requirements for this subject are articulated in the Unit Description, Learning Outcomes and Assessment Requirements of this entry. The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the support for students with disabilities or medical conditions can be found at the Access and Inclusion website.
Academic Misconduct
Edith Cowan University has firm rules governing academic misconduct and there are substantial penalties that can be applied to students who are found in breach of these rules. Academic misconduct includes, but is not limited to:
- plagiarism;
- unauthorised collaboration;
- cheating in examinations;
- theft of other students' work;
Additionally, any material submitted for assessment purposes must be work that has not been submitted previously, by any person, for any other unit at ECU or elsewhere.
The ECU rules and policies governing all academic activities, including misconduct, can be accessed through the ECU website.
ECS4160|1|2
