Course Title: Science and Technology 1: Discovering Science and Technology

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Science and Technology 1: Discovering Science and Technology

Credit Points: 12.00

Terms

Course Code	Campus	Career	School	Learning Mode	Teaching Period(s)
TCHE2308	Brunswick Campus	Undergraduate	360H Education	Face-to-Face	Sem 2 2010, Sem 2 2011, Sem 2 2012, Sem 2 2013, Sem 2 2014
TCHE2335	Bundoora Campus	Undergraduate	360H Education	Face-to-Face	Sem 2 2010, Sem 2 2011, Sem 2 2012, Sem 2 2013, Sem 2 2014

Course Coordinator: Dr. Andrew Gilbert

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 9164

Course Coordinator Email: andrew.gilbert@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: 514-2-5A

Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

None

Course Description

This is a core course that focuses on the key theoretical and pedagogical perspectives and issues in Science and Technology education. This course endeavours to create learning environments where students can develop an interest in, and an understanding of, the nature of science and science learning. Students will be introduced to key concepts and processes in the science and technology primary curriculum. This course will introduce students to innovative learning theories and teaching approaches in Science and Technology.

Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

This course is designed to assist students to:
• Evaluate and reflect on past and present Science and Technology education experiences.
• Develop an attitude of inquiry, curiosity and confidence for Science and Technology.
• Understand the nature of Science and Technology as a key learning area in the primary setting.
• Draw from contemporary learning theories and research when planning, implementing and assessing Science and Technology curriculum.
• Develop a variety of learning and teaching strategies for teaching Science.
 

Upon completion of this course students will be able to:
• Reflect critically on the role of teachers of science and technology.
• Confidently discuss the nature of science and technology, some key science and technology concepts and processes, and how these can be translated for primary students.
• Appreciate contemporary issues and dilemmas associated with science and technology education.
• Apply the skills and knowledge necessary for planning, implementing and assessing curriculum driven by science and technology.
• Design and implement curricula that integrate science with other key learning areas, particularly the links with technology, using a variety of media and learning environments.

ICT Outcomes
At the conclusion of this course, students will have demonstrated and/or acquired the following ICT capabilities:
• Awareness of a range of contemporary ICT resources suitable for the classroom.
• Understandings of how ICT resources can be integrated in meaningful ways that take into account students’ existing and diverse technological skills and to produce engaging and challenging curriculum.
• Skills in using ICT for communication, presentation, work preparation and implementation.
• Personal proficiency in using ICT.

VIT Standards
This course is aligned with the following standards:
• Teachers know the content they teach
• Teachers reflect on, evaluate and improve their professional knowledge and practice
 

Overview of Learning Activities

Students’ learning in this course will involve a range of activities, including, but not limited to, workshops, on-line and face to face lectures, excursions, reading and web based research, collaborative work with peers, and peer teaching.

Overview of Learning Resources

See part B

Overview of Assessment

Assessment tasks are directly linked to the stated objectives and outcomes. Assessment in the course will be both theoretical and practical in nature. A range of formative and summative assessment types will be incorporated into the course (for example, written, oral or performance based assessment).

Students should refer to Part B of the course guide for further information on assessment.