Course Title: Teaching Primary Science

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Teaching Primary Science

Credit Points: 12.00

Important Information:

In 2023 this course is titled 'Taking Primary Science into the Classroom'

From 2024 this course will be titled 'Teaching Primary Science'


Terms

Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

TCHE2472

Bundoora Campus

Undergraduate

360H Education

Face-to-Face

Sem 1 2016,
Sem 1 2017,
Sem 1 2018,
Sem 1 2019,
Sem 1 2021,
Sem 1 2022,
Sem 1 2023,
Sem 1 2024

TCHE2508

Brunswick Campus

Undergraduate

360H Education

Face-to-Face

Sem 1 2016,
Sem 1 2017,
Sem 1 2018,
Sem 1 2019

Course Coordinator: Kathy Smith

Course Coordinator Phone: By email or appointment

Course Coordinator Email: kathy.smith@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: 220.03

Course Coordinator Availability: By appointment


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

None


Course Description

This course builds on the concepts introduced in Discovering Science. The focus will be on translating knowledge of science content and pedagogical approaches into practical science units that provide impactful science experiences. You will investigate in depth selected science topics and identify the key science ideas appropriate to different curriculum levels. You will work collaboratively in a team to design learning experiences using inquiry-based approaches and learner-centred pedagogies. 


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

You will be assessed on your development of the following program learning outcomes in this course:
• Engage with diverse learners in a range of educational contexts in order to develop skills and knowledge for flexible and adaptable participation in professional communities of practice.
• Develop and apply theoretical and practical knowledge and skills to your professional practice and development in curriculum, pedagogy and assessment.
• Work with others in a range of roles and contexts, demonstrating cultural, environmental and social awareness and ethical and reflective practice


Course Learning Outcomes 

Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:

• Explain concepts, skills and processes related to selected science content
• Describe the theoretical rationale and pedagogical approaches that support inquiry-based science
• Design and teach science curriculum units applying various student centred science teaching pedagogies
• Assess children’s prior knowledge in science education contexts
• Utilise formative and summative assessment to interpret children’s learning
• Reflect critically on your engagement with preparing for, and teaching science in a school context.


Overview of Learning Activities

You will be engaged in learning activities that include but are not limited to: lectures, tutorials, workshops, on-line material, practical science, group activities, collaborative work with peers, investigations, reading, and web-based research. Face-to-face lectures will be combined with tutorials in a workshop format and will be supplemented by online materials.


Overview of Learning Resources

RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through our online systems. 

There are services available to support your learning through the University Library. The library provides guides on academic referencing and subject specialist help as well as a range of study support services. For further information, please visit the library page on the RMIT University website and the myRMIT student portal. 


Overview of Assessment

You will be assessed on how well you meet the course’s learning outcomes and on your development against the program capabilities.

Assessment will include the planning and delivery of microteaching episodes in groups and individual structured reflections. Assessment will cover both theoretical and practical aspects of learning. You will be able to develop your work in relation to your own specific areas of interest in your professional practice.

Assignment 1: Collaborative Task 1 - Chemical sciences lesson and English language literacy (Lesson and hands-on activity - 20%)

Assignment 2: Collaborative Task 2 - Biological sciences and the Arts (Lesson and hands-on activity - 20%)

Assignment 3: Collective task 3 - Physical sciences and Math's or Design technologies (Lesson and hands-on activity - 20%) 

Assignment 4: Written reflections on science microteaching (40%) 

Feedback will be given on all assessment tasks. 

If you have a long-term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program coordinator or Equitable Learning Services if you would like to find out more. 

Your course assessment conforms to RMIT assessment principles, regulations, policies, procedures and instructions.