Science in Primary School

Overview

This unit prepares pre-service teachers to plan, teach and assess Science in the primary classroom. They will gain knowledge of the principles, practices and curriculum context of teaching Science. Pre-service teachers will explore the relationship between Science and Technology (STEM). An emphasis will be placed on the use of Information Communication Technology (ICT) to support teaching and learning within the Science learning areas.

Unit learning outcomes

Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:

• Explain the relevant National and/or State and Territory curriculum content within the learning areas of Science and understand professional learning needs.
• Analyse pedagogical approaches in teaching and learning of Science in the Primary classroom including the teaching of Science as part of STEM
• Evaluate digital science resources with a focus on student engagement and with consideration of safe and inclusive practices
• Use curriculum, assessment and reporting to generate plans of lessons/units of work that reflect relevant current curriculum documentation and contemporary pedagogical approaches including the use of Information Communication Technology (ICT)
• Analyse a range of assessment strategies and record keeping instruments within Science in terms of its purpose, benefits, limitations and implementation constraints
• Evaluate appropriate methods to maintain safe and challenging learning environments within Science classrooms

Teaching methods

Hawthorn

Assessment

Content

• Relevant National and/or State and Territory curriculum
• STEM: The relationship between Science and Technology
• Contemporary pedagogical approaches and methods of teaching and learning in Science, including the use of Information Communication Technology (ICT)
• Principles of planning and assessing within Science.
• Strategies for assessing student learning, including the importance and functions of moderation and providing feedback to enhance learning
• Maintaining safe, inclusive and challenging learning environments in a primary Science classroom.
• Student engagement
• Science knowledge and concepts
• Resources in science
• Professional learning sources, feedback from colleagues and APST