ECE 2017 Exploring Science and Technology in Early Childhood

STAFFING:

REQUISITES:

OTHER-REQUISITES:

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. IMPORTANT NOTE: Working with Children: State law in Queensland requires that all adults (including university students, pre-service educators, trainers, vocational teachers, industry educators) working with children under the age of 18, in the State of Queensland*, obtain approval before commencing such work. Many education courses include a practical component (professional experience, project work, research, assessment etc.) that may require engagement with children under the age of 18. It is your responsibility to ensure that you possess a current suitability card (Blue Card) before commencing any practical components of this course. DO NOT PARTICIPATE IN ANY PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE WITH CHILDREN UNDER 18 UNLESS YOU POSSESS A CURRENT 'BLUE CARD'. For further information: http://www.childcomm.qld.gov.au/employment/bluecard/informationSheets.html *If you are undertaking practical experience outside the State of Queensland, Australia you should check local requirements.

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
14. use written communication effectively and appropriately
15. 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.

Letter grades will be used in this course and displayed in the notes section. 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:
   There are no attendance requirements for this course. However, it is the students' responsibility 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.
2. Requirements for students to complete each assessment item satisfactorily:
   To complete each of the assignments satisfactorily, students must obtain at least at least 50% of the marks available 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 receiving a passing grade a student must submit all assessment items and achieve at least 50% of the available marks for overall summative assessment.
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 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

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

1. Students will require access to e-mail and Internet access to USQConnect for this course.
2. Students are to use a recognised referencing system as specified by the examiner.
3. IMPORTANT NOTE: Working with Children: State law in Queensland requires that all adults (including university students, pre-service educators, trainers, vocational teachers, industry educators) working with children under the age of 18, in the State of Queensland*, obtain approval before commencing such work. Many education courses include a practical component (professional experience, project work, research, assessment etc.) that may require engagement with children under the age of 18. It is your responsibility to ensure that you possess a current suitability card (Blue Card) before commencing any practical components of this course. DO NOT PARTICIPATE IN ANY PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE WITH CHILDREN UNDER 18 UNLESS YOU POSSESS A CURRENT 'BLUE CARD'. For further information: http://www.childcomm.qld.gov.au/employment/bluecard/informationSheets.html *If you are undertaking practical experience outside the State of Queensland, Australia you should check local requirements.