• Semester 2 (Day)

Synopsis

The  unit  is  designed  to  help students  to  become  confident  and
competent  teachers  of  science,  to  develop  in  students  positive
attitudes  towards  science and to assist students to  understand  the
nature of science and to recognise the importance of children's  ideas
and  thinking  in relation to guiding children in science experiences.
Children's  ideas, thinking, positive attitudes towards, and  creative
learning  in,  science will be emphasised.  Guided discovery  teaching
techniques  and  approaches for developing children's  creativity  are
emphasised with a view to helping children develop a rational image of
the  universe  and an understanding of the modes of inquiry  by  which
this is achieved.

Major  concept  areas dealt with in the unit are mater, energy,  life,
space  and earth as outlined in the Queensland Department of Education
Syllabus  and Guidelines for Primary Science.  Departmental  documents
pertaining to primary science are analysed in the unit.  It  addition,
various  models of elementary/primary science curricula  of  different
countries  are  examined  and  critically  analysed  with  a  view  to
designing  and  implementing  creative, appropriate  science  learning
experiences for children.