SCI 1912 Science for Teachers

STAFFING:

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:

This course is only offered in even years.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:

1. demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the nature of science and its historical development;
2. demonstrate a knowledge of appropriate science content;
3. demonstrate an understanding of the importance of classification and the criteria used in its development;
4. demonstrate a broad knowledge of the vocabulary of science;
5. demonstrate competence in practical science activities designed for the year 1-10 levels;
6. demonstrate an understanding of the importance of the processes of science;
7. record accurately and interpret observations;
8. demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between science and technology;

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).

REFERENCE MATERIALS:

STUDENT WORKLOAD REQUIREMENTS:

ASSESSMENT DETAILS:

NOTES:

1.

Please refer to the due dates in the prac manual for the practical reports

2.

Please refer to the due dates in the prac manual for the quizzes on practicals

3.

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, 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 each of the assessment items satisfactorily, students must obtain at least 50% of the marks available for each assessment item.
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/corporateservices/calendar/part5.htm or in the current USQ Handbook.

ASSESSMENT NOTES