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.

Your unit may be subject to government or third party COVID-19 vaccination requirements. Please consider this before enrolling in this unit, and speak with the unit coordinator if this raises any concerns.

  • Unit Title

    Science Education Foundations
  • Unit Code

    SCE6711
  • Year

    2022
  • Enrolment Period

    1
  • Version

    1
  • Credit Points

    10
  • Full Year Unit

    N
  • Mode of Delivery

    On Campus
  • Unit Coordinator

    Dr Christina Maria NORRIS

Description

This unit is intended to develop knowledge and understanding of the rationale, content and organisation of the Australian Curriculum in Science in the secondary school. It will develop an understanding of the relationship between the outcomes of these curricula and appropriate teaching and learning strategies. The unit introduces students to the principles of the constructivist approach to science instruction, creating lesson plans to develop acceptable scientific conceptual frameworks and effective management strategies. Students will explore the nature of scientific inquiry and develop their understanding of the process of science. The unit will also allow students to revisit a range of laboratory equipment handling skills likely to be used in secondary science classes and the use of relevant science materials and organising for safety in the science laboratory.

Equivalent Rule

Unit was previously coded SCE4177, SCE4110

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

  1. Understand the structure, rationale and scope and sequence of the science learning area as expressed in the Australian Curriculum by applying these requirements to the construction of lesson plans.
  2. Plan lesson procedures that develop scientifically acceptable conceptual frameworks in children with a range of alternative conceptions and that also cater for individual differences in student's learning styles.
  3. Implement and evaluate a variety of teaching strategies used to initiate active learning in science classrooms in the secondary school.
  4. Discuss the nature of scientific inquiry and distinguish it from non-scientific conceptual frameworks by demonstrating a range of science process skills, especially as they apply to the learning of secondary science.
  5. Articulate and apply the appropriate safety procedures and ethics requirements when constructing science activities so as to maintain a safe environment for school science students.

Unit Content

  1. Planning for safety in science classes and making allowances for the potential dangers associated with chemicals and equipment normally used in school science.
  2. The social and academic task structures of science classrooms and their influence on management style and student on-task behaviour. The methods of student motivation and management available to the science teacher.
  3. Investigation of the teaching role and skills needed to successfully implement a variety of procedures in science classes including the organisation of laboratory classes, discussions, demonstrations, group work and formal presentations.
  4. The processes involved in science concept development and the influence of misconceptions on the development of conventional scientific conceptual frameworks in school students.
  5. Examination of available curriculum resources to identify the learning theories on which they are based, their philosophy and organisation and the content range offered.
  6. Procedures in the development of specific learning outcomes from general statements of aims.
  7. The relationships between science outcomes and teaching and learning procedures: making appropriate choice of techniques for given outcomes.
  8. An examination of the definition, rationale, organisation and outcomes of the Science Learning Area as expressed in the Australian Curriculum. The Australian Curriculum in Science has three interrelated strands: Science Understandings, Science as a Human Endeavour and Science Inquiry Skills.These three strands of the science curriculum provide students with understanding, knowledge and skills through which they can develop a scientific view of the world.

Learning Experience

Students will attend on campus classes as well as engage in learning activities through ECU's LMS

JoondalupMount LawleySouth West (Bunbury)
Semester 112 x 3 hour seminarNot Offered12 x 3 hour seminar

For more information see the Semester Timetable

Additional Learning Experience Information

Workshop style teaching and learning processes where lectures will interweave with group discussions, co-operative group work, practical activities and peer teaching.

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 School Progression Panel.

ON CAMPUS
TypeDescriptionValue
PresentationScience demonstration and lesson plan60%
AssignmentScience concepts40%

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 Integrity

Integrity is a core value at Edith Cowan University, and it is expected that ECU students complete their assessment tasks honestly and with acknowledgement of other people's work. This means that assessment tasks must be completed individually (unless it is an authorised group assessment task) and any sources used must be referenced.

Breaches of academic integrity can include:

Plagiarism

Copying the words, ideas or creative works of other people, without referencing in accordance with stated University requirements. Students need to seek approval from the Unit Coordinator within the first week of study if they intend to use some of their previous work in an assessment task (self-plagiarism).

Unauthorised collaboration (collusion)

Working with other students and submitting the same or substantially similar work or portions of work when an individual submission was required. This includes students knowingly providing others with copies of their own work to use in the same or similar assessment task(s).

Contract cheating

Organising a friend, a family member, another student or an external person or organisation (e.g. through an online website) to complete or substantially edit or refine part or all of an assessment task(s) on their behalf.

Cheating in an exam

Using or having access to unauthorised materials in an exam or test.

Serious outcomes may be imposed if a student is found to have committed one of these breaches, up to and including expulsion from the University for repeated or serious acts.

ECU's policies and more information about academic integrity can be found on the student academic integrity website.

All commencing ECU students are required to complete the Academic Integrity Module.

Assessment Extension

In some circumstances, Students may apply to their Unit Coordinator to extend the due date of their Assessment Task(s) in accordance with ECU's Assessment, Examination and Moderation Procedures - for more information visit https://askus2.ecu.edu.au/s/article/000001386.

Special Consideration

Students may apply for Special Consideration in respect of a final unit grade, where their achievement was affected by Exceptional Circumstances as set out in the Assessment, Examination and Moderation Procedures - for more information visit https://askus2.ecu.edu.au/s/article/000003318.

SCE6711|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.

Your unit may be subject to government or third party COVID-19 vaccination requirements. Please consider this before enrolling in this unit, and speak with the unit coordinator if this raises any concerns.

  • Unit Title

    Science Education Foundations
  • Unit Code

    SCE6711
  • Year

    2022
  • Enrolment Period

    2
  • Version

    2
  • Credit Points

    10
  • Full Year Unit

    N
  • Mode of Delivery

    On Campus
  • Unit Coordinator

    Dr Christina Maria NORRIS

Description

This unit is intended to develop knowledge and understanding of the rationale, content and organisation of the Australian Curriculum in Science in the secondary school. It will develop an understanding of the relationship between the outcomes of these curricula and appropriate teaching and learning strategies. The unit introduces students to the principles of the constructivist approach to science instruction, creating lesson plans to develop acceptable scientific conceptual frameworks and effective management strategies. Students will explore the nature of scientific inquiry and develop their understanding of the process of science. The unit will also allow students to revisit a range of laboratory equipment handling skills likely to be used in secondary science classes and the use of relevant science materials and organising for safety in the science laboratory.

Equivalent Rule

Unit was previously coded SCE4177, SCE4110

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

  1. Develop and demonstrate understanding of the structure, rationale and 'scope and sequence' of the Australian and Western Australian Science Curriculum through applying these requirements in the construction of lesson plans.
  2. Plan lesson procedures that develop scientifically acceptable conceptual frameworks in children with a range of alternative conceptions and that also cater for individual differences in student's learning styles.
  3. Implement and evaluate a variety of teaching strategies used to initiate active learning in science classrooms in the secondary school.
  4. Discuss the nature of scientific inquiry and distinguish it from non-scientific conceptual frameworks by demonstrating a range of science process skills, especially as they apply to the learning of secondary science.
  5. Articulate and apply the appropriate safety procedures and ethics requirements when constructing science activities so as to maintain a safe environment for school science students.

Unit Content

  1. Planning for safety in science classes and making allowances for the potential dangers associated with chemicals and equipment normally used in school science.
  2. The social and academic task structures of science classrooms and their influence on management style and student on-task behaviour. The methods of student motivation and management available to the science teacher.
  3. Investigation of the teaching role and skills needed to successfully implement a variety of procedures in science classes including the organisation of laboratory classes, discussions, demonstrations, group work and formal presentations.
  4. The processes involved in science concept development and the influence of misconceptions on the development of conventional scientific conceptual frameworks in school students.
  5. Examination of available curriculum resources to identify the learning theories on which they are based, their philosophy and organisation and the content range offered.
  6. Procedures in the development of specific learning outcomes from general statements of aims.
  7. The relationships between science outcomes and teaching and learning procedures: making appropriate choice of techniques for given outcomes.
  8. An examination of the definition, rationale, organisation and outcomes of the Science Learning Area as expressed in the Australian Curriculum. The Australian Curriculum in Science has three interrelated strands: Science Understandings, Science as a Human Endeavour and Science Inquiry Skills.These three strands of the science curriculum provide students with understanding, knowledge and skills through which they can develop a scientific view of the world.

Additional Learning Experience Information

Workshop style teaching and learning processes where lectures will interweave with group discussions, co-operative group work, practical activities and peer teaching.

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 School Progression Panel.

ON CAMPUS
TypeDescriptionValue
PresentationScience demonstration and lesson plan60%
AssignmentScience concepts40%

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 Integrity

Integrity is a core value at Edith Cowan University, and it is expected that ECU students complete their assessment tasks honestly and with acknowledgement of other people's work. This means that assessment tasks must be completed individually (unless it is an authorised group assessment task) and any sources used must be referenced.

Breaches of academic integrity can include:

Plagiarism

Copying the words, ideas or creative works of other people, without referencing in accordance with stated University requirements. Students need to seek approval from the Unit Coordinator within the first week of study if they intend to use some of their previous work in an assessment task (self-plagiarism).

Unauthorised collaboration (collusion)

Working with other students and submitting the same or substantially similar work or portions of work when an individual submission was required. This includes students knowingly providing others with copies of their own work to use in the same or similar assessment task(s).

Contract cheating

Organising a friend, a family member, another student or an external person or organisation (e.g. through an online website) to complete or substantially edit or refine part or all of an assessment task(s) on their behalf.

Cheating in an exam

Using or having access to unauthorised materials in an exam or test.

Serious outcomes may be imposed if a student is found to have committed one of these breaches, up to and including expulsion from the University for repeated or serious acts.

ECU's policies and more information about academic integrity can be found on the student academic integrity website.

All commencing ECU students are required to complete the Academic Integrity Module.

Assessment Extension

In some circumstances, Students may apply to their Unit Coordinator to extend the due date of their Assessment Task(s) in accordance with ECU's Assessment, Examination and Moderation Procedures - for more information visit https://askus2.ecu.edu.au/s/article/000001386.

Special Consideration

Students may apply for Special Consideration in respect of a final unit grade, where their achievement was affected by Exceptional Circumstances as set out in the Assessment, Examination and Moderation Procedures - for more information visit https://askus2.ecu.edu.au/s/article/000003318.

SCE6711|2|2