ECE 2017 Exploring Science and Technology in Early Childhood

STAFFING:

RATIONALE:

Fleer and Hardy (1996) suggest that children's early experiences with science-related concepts and materials are vital for the development of values and attitudes in science and technology. Early science learning and exploration covers the areas of cognitive, conative and affective development. Therefore, educators and parents play an important part as role models by supporting and guiding the development of positive attitudes in the early years and creating imaginative and challenging environments for learning. With increasing technology and availability of information it is also essential for early childhood educators to have the necessary skills to make appropriate choices and informed decisions to develop children's thinking skills and abilities.

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 completion of this course students will be able to:

1. demonstrate creative and problem-solving skills in their approach to science and technology;
2. discuss the value of hands-on experiences for children in science activities;
3. explain a number of approaches to teaching science;
4. demonstrate how to listen effectively and respond to children's questions;
5. demonstrate essential questioning techniques to further extend children's knowledge of science and technology;
6. select, organise and present suitable materials for science experiences for young children;
7. demonstrate the ability to develop children's appreciation of the natural environment;
8. demonstrate some knowledge of science content and an ability to effectively access such knowledge through a variety of sources including web-based materials;
9. develop an enthusiastic scientific attitude and an understanding of developing positive attitudes in young children;
10. analyse curriculum documents and appropriate assessment methods;
11. discuss the importance and impact of culture, values and diversity;
12. use written communication effectively and appropriately;
13. write clearly, grammatically correctly and with accurate spelling and punctuation.

TOPICS:

TEXT and MATERIALS required to be PURCHASED or accessed:

ALL textbooks and materials are available for purchase from USQ BOOKSHOP (unless otherwise stated). Orders may be placed via secure internet, free fax 1800642453, phone 07 46312742 (within Australia), or mail. Overseas students should fax +61 7 46311743, or phone +61 7 46312742. For costs, further details, and internet ordering, use the 'Textbook Search' facility at http://bookshop.usq.edu.au click 'Semester', then enter your 'Course Code' (no spaces).

Book of readings

REFERENCE MATERIALS:

STUDENT WORKLOAD REQUIREMENTS:

ASSESSMENT DETAILS:

NOTES:

1.

999 indicates that this course will be graded using one of the following letter grades: HD, A, B, C, F, or Incomplete. Plus and minus may be used with each of these letter grades.

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. Students should demonstrate a professional attitude and commitment by attendance at and participation in at least 80% of scheduled classes.
2. Requirements for students to complete each assessment item satisfactorily:
   To complete each of the assignments satisfactorily, students must obtain at least at least a grade of C- for each assignment. To complete each of the assessment items satisfactorily, students must demonstrate their ability to write clearly, grammatically correctly and with accurate spelling and punctuation.
3. Penalties for late submission of required work:
   If assignments are submitted after the due date without an approved extension of time, University penalties may be applied.
4. Requirements for student to be awarded a passing grade in the course:
   To be assured of a passing grade, students must demonstrate, via the summative assessment items, that they have achieved the required minimum standards in relation to the objectives of the course by: (i) satisfactorily completing the examination and assignments; and (ii) obtaining at least a C grade of the total weighted marks available for all 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:
   There is no examination in this course.
7. Examination period when Deferred/Supplementary examinations will be held:
   There will be no Deferred or Supplementary examinations in 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/corporateservices/calendar/part5.htm or in the current USQ Handbook.

ASSESSMENT NOTES