Handbook : Unit informationEdith Cowan University

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

  Early Childhood Science and Technology Education

• Unit Code

  SCE2240

• Year

  2018

• Enrolment Period

  2

• Version

  1

• Credit Points

  15

• Full Year Unit

  N

• Mode of Delivery

  On Campus
  Online

• Unit Coordinator

  Dr Pauline Kim ROBERTS

Description

This unit provides opportunities for students to examine the nature, development and application of science and technology in daily life for children aged 0-8 years. Students will develop their own scientific literacy knowledge while examining the theories, pedagogies and models associated with science teaching and learning. Using current curriculum documents students will also design learning experiences for young children, including appropriate assessment strategies. A particular focus of this unit is on supporting children's explorations and participation in their immediate environments to develop positive attitudes towards learning about the world of science and technology.

Equivalent Rule

Unit was previously coded SCE2011

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

1. Apply the theory and practice of inquiry-based teaching to planning integrated Science experiences and Technology & Enterprise experiences in early childhood settings, birth-8 years.
2. Demonstrate the skills and processes of investigating scientifically and the technology design process.
3. Describe the nature and purpose of the learning areas in the early childhood phase of schooling (K-3).
4. Explain how young childrens explorations in science experiences and technology experiences support the achievement of outcomes of the Early Years Learning Framework for children.
5. Explain the integration of the cross-curriculum dimensions of the Australian Curriculum within the Science learning area for early childhood (K-3).
6. Explain the use of a range of resources to support childrens learning in the learning areas.
7. Use a range of effective teaching, learning and assessment strategies for a differentiated curriculum in the learning areas.

Unit Content

1. Assessment strategies and methods `for', `as' and `of' learning in science and technology learning areas.
2. Australian Curriculum, The National Quality Standard, The Early Years Learning Framework and other relevant documents.
3. Pedagogies, planning models, teaching strategies and experiences for the development of conceptual understanding and skills, including student centred investigation.
4. Resources for teaching and learning in science and technology learning areas, including Primary Connections and the use of ICT.
5. Scientific literacy and the literacies of science.
6. Theories underpinning the learning of science concepts and technology concepts.

Learning Experience

ON-CAMPUS

Students will attend on campus classes as well as engage in learning activities through ECU Blackboard.

For more information see the Semester Timetable

ONLINE

Students will engage in learning experiences through ECU Blackboard as well as additional ECU learning technologies.

Additional Learning Experience Information

Lectures, workshops, laboratory experience, inquiry-based experiences and online technologies.

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.

Core Reading(s)

• (2015). Science in early childhood. . (2nd ed.). Australia: Cambridge University Press.
• (2015). Science in early childhood. . (2nd ed.). Australia: Cambridge University Press.