SCI 1912 Science for Teachers

SubjectCat-NbrClassTermModeDescriptionUnitsCampus
SCI1912203371, 2003ONCScience for Teachers1.00TWMBA
Academic Group:FOSCI
Academic Org:FOS002
HECS Band:2
ASCED Code:019999

Contents


STAFFING:

Examiner: Alfio Parisi
Moderator: Brian Close



RATIONALE:

Teachers require a broad, general knowledge and appreciation of the sciences in order to be able to teach science competently and confidently at pre-school and primary school. Teachers need to be scientifically literate and to understand the nature of science itself through exposure to the processes and ideas of science and the arguments in the philosophy of science. This course is specifically designed to develop a stronger background in the content and processes of science in general, and to develop a positive attitude towards science, technology and society.


SYNOPSIS:

The course covers the broad, general principles and concepts of science and their relationship to the Queensland School Curriculum Council (QSCC) Years 1 - 10 Science Syllabus. Students will engage in laboratory, workshop and field studies to extend and develop their knowledge of the concepts and methods in the natural, physical and earth sciences.


OBJECTIVES:

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

  • demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the nature of science and its historical development;

  • demonstrate a knowledge of appropriate science content;

  • demonstrate an understanding of the importance of classification and the criteria used in its development;

  • demonstrate a broad knowledge of the vocabulary of science;

  • demonstrate competence in practical science activities designed for the year 1-10 levels;

  • demonstrate an understanding of the importance of the processes of science;

  • record accurately and interpret observations;

  • demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between science and technology;

  • demonstrate an initial understanding of the basic philosophy and the five (5) core content areas of the Queensland School Curriculum Council (QSCC) Years 1 - 10 Science Syllabus.



    • TOPICS:


    DescriptionWeighting (%)
    1. Nature of Science: Concepts and methods; Neutrality and authority in science; Ethics; Controversy; Safety.
    		 4.00
    2. Systematics: The method and purpose of classification; Examples - the elements; "fossils"; Animals, plants and minerals.
    		 2.00
    3. Life and living: The living cell; Biodiversity; Plant and animal biology; Characteristics of life; The biosphere; Ecosystems.
    		 18.00
    4. Technology in scientific development. Measurement of distance, angles, time. Telescopes and microscopes.
    		 4.00
    5. Motion, forces and energy: Energy in natural processes; Sources of energy; Structures and machines; Heat and combustion.
    		 12.00
    6. Attraction and repulsion, Gravity, Magnetism.
    		 4.00
    7. Electricity and static electricity. Sound, Light.
    		 12.00
    8. Planet Earth: Its nature; Minerals, rocks and soils; Earthquakes and volcanoes.
    		 8.00
    9. The nature and origin of the universe/galaxy/solar system.
    		 8.00
    10. Water and air. Atmosphere. The water cycle - rivers, lakes and oceans.
    		 4.00
    11. Natural and processed materials : Elements; Atomic structure; States of matter; Temperature and pressure; Properties of matter; Physical and chemical changes; Reactions; Solutions; Acids and bases.
    		 12.00
    12. Futures perspectives in relation to science, technology and society.
    		 8.00
    13. Content organisation in science teaching including inquiry, problem-solving, integration and constructivism.
    		 4.00

    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.

    Blough, G.O. & Schwartz, J. 1990, Elementary school science and how to teach it, 8th edition, Forth Worth, Harcourt Brace.

    Parisi, A., Close, B. and Carr-Spencer, W. 2003, SCI1912 Instructional Guide, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba.




    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.

    Campbell, N.A., Mitchell, L.G. & Reece, J.B. 1997, Biology: Concepts and connections, 2nd edition, Benjamin Cummings, Menlo Park, California.

    Cross, R. 1996, Teaching primary science: Empowering children for their world, Longman, Melbourne.

    Hewitt, P.G., Suchocki, J. and Hewitt, L.A. 1999, Conceptual physical sciences, 2nd edition, Addison Wesley Longman, Menlo Park, California.

    Knox, B., Ladiges, P. and Evans, B. 2001, Biology, McGraw- Hill Book Company, Sydney.

    Skamp, K. (ed.) 1998, Teaching primary science constructively, Harcourt Brace, Marrickville.

    Starr, C. and Taggart, R. 1998, Biology: The unity and diversity of life, 8th edition, Wadsworth Publishing, Belmont, CA.

    Trefil, J. & Hazen, R.M. 1999, The sciences: An integrated approach, 2nd edition, John Wiley & Sons Inc. New York.

    (Reference for examinable readings will be given to students during the presentation of this course.)




    STUDENT WORKLOAD REQUIREMENTS:

    ACTIVITYHOURS
    Examinations3
    Lectures25
    Practical Experience26
    Private Study112


    ASSESSMENT DETAILS:

    DescriptionMarks Out ofWtg(%)RequiredDue Date
    PRACTICAL REPORTS75.0025.00Y04 Mar 2003(see note )
    QUIZZES ON PRACTICAL50.0025.00Y04 Mar 2003(see note )
    CLOSED EXAM 2HRS 30MIN150.0050.00YEND S1(see note )
    NOTES:
    .
    Please refer to the due dates in the prac manual for the practical reports
    .
    Please refer to the due dates in the prac manual for the quizzes on practicals
    .
    Examination dates will be available during the Semester. Please refer to the examination timetable when published.

    IMPORTANT ASSESSMENT INFORMATION

    1. Attendance requirements:
      It is the students' responsibility to attend and participate appropriately in all activities (such as lectures, tutorials, laboratories and practical work) scheduled for them, and to study all material provided to them or required to be accessed by them to maximise their chance of meeting the objectives of the course and to be informed of course-related activities and administration. To maximize their chances of satisfying the objectives of the practical component of the course, students should attend and actively participate in the laboratory sessions in the course.
    2. Requirements for students to complete each assessment item satisfactorily:
      To complete the practical component satisfactorily, students must submit at least 10 of the nominated 13 practical reports and obtain at least 50% of the marks available for all the reports submitted.
    3. Penalties for late submission of required work:
      If students submit assignments after the due date without prior approval then a penalty of 20% of the total marks available for the assignment will apply for each working day late.
    4. Requirements for student to be awarded a passing grade in the course:
      To be assured of receiving a passing grade a student must attempt all of the summative assessment items, achieve at least 50% in the examination, achieve an aggregated mark of at least 50% in the total marks allocated for the assignments, and at least 50% of the available weighted marks for the summative assessment items.
    5. Method used to combine assessment results to attain final grade:
      The final grades for students will be assigned on the basis of the weighted aggregate of the marks (or grades) obtained for each of the summative assessment items in the course.
    6. Examination information:
      In a Closed Examination, candidates are allowed to bring only writing and drawing instruments into the examination.
    7. Examination period when Deferred/Supplementary examinations will be held:
      Any Deferred or Supplementary examinations for this course will be held during the examination period at the end of the semester of the next offering of this course.
    8. University Regulations:
      Students should read USQ Regulations 5.1 Definitions, 5.6. Assessment, and 5.10 Academic Misconduct for further information and to avoid actions which might contravene University Regulations. These regulations can be found at the URL http://www.usq.edu.au/SECARIAT/calendar/Part5/ or in the printed version of the current USQ Handbook.

    ASSESSMENT NOTES

    9.Students must retain a copy of each item submitted for assessment. This must be produced within 24 hours if required by the Examiner.