ECE 2017 Exploring Science & Technology in Early Childh'd

SubjectCat-NbrClassTermModeDescriptionUnitsCampus
ECE2017207891, 2003ONCExploring Science & Technology in Early Childh'd1.00TWMBA
Academic Group:FOEDU
Academic Org:FOE004
HECS Band:1
ASCED Code:070101

Contents


STAFFING:

Examiner: Lyn Bower
Moderator: Noel Geoghegan



SYNOPSIS:

This course will examine the importance of developing children's creativity, curiosity, problem solving skills and sense of wonder and appreciation of the environment, in the exploration of science and technology. The course will focus on different approaches to teaching science and the development of positive attitudes for life long learning while taking into account children's cultural and diverse backgrounds. It aims to develop student's creativity, problem solving and analytical skills and their passion for science and technology.


OBJECTIVES:

On successful completion of this course students will be able to:

  • demonstrate creative and problem-solving skills in their approach to science and technology;

  • discuss the value of hands-on experiences for children in science activities;

  • explain a number of approaches to teaching science;

  • demonstrate how to listen effectively and respond to children's questions;

  • demonstrate essential questioning techniques to further extend children's knowledge of science and technology;

  • select, organise and present suitable materials for science activities for young children;

  • demonstrate the ability to develop children's appreciation of the natural environment;

  • demonstrate some knowledge of science content and an ability to effectively access such knowledge through a variety of sources including web-based materials;

  • develop an enthusiastic scientific attitude and an understanding of developing positive attitudes in young children;

  • analyse curriculum documents and appropriate assessment methods;

  • discuss the importance and impact of culture, values and diversity.



    • TOPICS:


    DescriptionWeighting (%)
    1. Learning and teaching styles
    		 5.00
    2. Creative problem solving
    		 15.00
    3. Listening and responding to young children's questions and effective questioning
    		 10.00
    4. Approaches to teaching science in ECE
    		 15.00
    5. Environmental science in early childhood - teaching appreciation and developing a sense of wonder
    		 10.00
    6. Technology in early childhood
    		 15.00
    7. Cultural and diverse backgrounds
    		 5.00
    8. Using web-based materials
    		 10.00
    9. Curriculum documents and other resources
    		 5.00
    10. Using resources - community and parents
    		 10.00

    TEXT and MATERIALS required to be PURCHASED or accessed:

    Books can be ordered by fax or telephone. For costs and further details use the 'Book Search' facility at http://bookshop.usq.edu.au by entering the author or title of the text.

    Book of readings




    REFERENCE MATERIALS:

    Reference materials are materials that, if accessed by students, may improve their knowledge and understanding of the material in the course and enrich their learning experience.

    , , Every Child (Special Edition - Environment Australia) Summer 1998, Vol 4, no.4.

    , , Every Child (Special Edition - Environment Australia) Summer 1998, Vol 4, no.4.

    2001, Free-choice Science Education: How We Learn Science Outside of School, Teachers College Press, New York.

    2002, Developing Constructivist Early Childhood Curriculum: Practical Principles and Activities, Teachers College Press, New York.

    1996, Discovery Science: Explorations for the Early Years, Grade Pre-kindergarten, Innovative Learning Publications, Menlo Park CA.

    Benson, C 1999, Teaching Science and Design and Technology in the Early Years, David Fulton, London.

    Bentley, D. & Watts, M 1994, Primary Science and Technology, Open University Press, Buckingham, Philadelphia.

    Bittinger, G 1993, 1.2.3 Science: Science Activities for Working with Young Children, Warren Publishing, Washington.

    Bond, R 1993, Kitchen Science, Ashton Scholastic, Sydney.

    Chaille, C 1997, The Young Child as Scientist: A Constructivist Approach to Early Childhood Science Education, 2nd edition, Longman, New York.

    Christianson, C 1995, Magnets, Early Childhood, Hawker Brownlo, HIghett VIC.

    Cliatt, M. & Shaw, J 1992, Helping Children Explore Science: A Source Book for Teachers, Macmillan Publishing Company, New York.

    Elliott, S. & Emmett, S 1991, Snails Live in Houses Too: Environmental Education for the Early Years, Horwitz Grahame Pty Ltd, Cammeray.

    Feely, J 1994, Take Home Science: Independent Activities for Science and Technology, Eleanor Curtain Publishing, Armadale.

    Files, B. F. & Horne, V. V 1998, Science, Mathematics and Technology Preschool/Early Childhood, American Assoc for the Advancement of Science, Washington DC.

    Fleer, M 2001, I Want to know...?: Learning About Science, Australian Early Childhood Association, Watson ACT.

    Fleer, M. & Hardy, T 2001, Science for Children: Developing a Personal Approach to Teaching, 2nd edition, Prentice Hall, Sydney.

    Friedl, A.E 1995, Teaching Science to Children: An Integrated Approach, McGraw-Hill, NY.

    Frost, J 1997, Creativity in Primary Science, Open University Press, Buckingham.

    Goldberg, L 1997, Teaching Science to Children, Dover Publications Inc, New York.

    Harlan, J. & Rivkin, M 2000, Science Experiences for the Early Childhood Years: An Integrated Approach, 7th edition, Prentice Hall, USA.

    Haugland, S. W 1997, Young Children and Technology: A World of Discovery, Allyn & Bacon, Boston.

    Hooper, D 1999, Integrating Technology into the Science Curriculum, Hawker Brownlow Education, Australia.

    Johnston, J 1999, Enriching Early Scientific Learning, Open University Press, Buckingham.

    Johnston, J 1999, Enriching Early Scientific Learning, Open University Press, Buckingham.

    Koch, J 1999, Science Stories: Teachers and Children as Science Learners, Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston.

    Lind, K 1996, Exploring Science in Early Childhood, 2nd edition, Delmar, USA.

    Montague-Smith, A 1998, Supporting Science and Technology: A Handbook for Those Who Assist in Early Years Settings, David Fulton Publishers, London.

    Rockwell, R., Williams, R. & Sherwood, E 1992, Everybody Has a Body: Science from Head to Toe, Gryphon House, Mt Rainer.

    Siraj-Blatchford, J 1996, Learning Technology, Science and Social Justice: An Integrated Approach for 3-13 Year Olds, Education Now Publishing Co-operative, Nottingham.

    Siraj-Blatchford, J 1999, Supporting Science, Design and Technology in the Early Years, Open University Press, Buckingham Philadelphia.

    Siraj-Blatchford, J 1999, Supporting Science, Design and Technology in the Early Years, Open University Press, Buckingham PA.

    Taylor, B. J 1993, Science Everywhere: Opportunities for Very Young Children, Harcourt Brace Jovanovich College Publishers, Fort Worth.

    Van Tassel- Baska 1997, Guide to Teaching a Problem-based Science Curriculum, Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company, USA.

    Winnett, D., Williams, R., Sherwood, E. & Rockwell 1994, Discovery Science: Explorations for the Early Years, Innovative Learning Publications, California.




    STUDENT WORKLOAD REQUIREMENTS:

    ACTIVITYHOURS
    Assessment50
    Directed Study10
    Lectures13
    Private Study65
    Tutorial26


    ASSESSMENT DETAILS:

    DescriptionMarks Out ofWtg(%)RequiredDue Date
    ASSIGNMENT 2100.0050.00Y04 Mar 2003(see note )
    ASSIGNMENT 1100.0050.00Y17 Apr 2003
    NOTES:
    .
    Assignment 2 is due in the last tutorial. Date will depend on student's Semester 1 timetable.

    OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

    1. Summative assessment items will be given a numerical score.
    2. Course Grades will be calculated by aggregating the weighted result or numerical score for each summative assessment item.
    3. All assessment items must be submitted and passed overall.
    4. If assignments are submitted after the due date without an approved extension of time, University penalties may be applied.