EMC305 Investigation: Mathematics, Science and Technology (8)

This subject presents the development of mathematical, scientific and technological concepts by young children within a socio-cultural theoretical framework informed by an inquiry stance. Science, mathematics and technology provide tools and contexts for processing concrete, perceptual and linguistically available information to form concepts and solve problems. Students will participate in a number of practical but theoretically based experiences in order to understand the kinds of social, linguistic and imaginative contexts which facilitate young children's mathematical, scientific and technological understanding.

Availability

Session 1 (30)
Online
Albury-Wodonga Campus
Session 2 (60)
Online
Albury-Wodonga Campus

Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: EMC305. Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.

Subject Information

Grading System

HD/FL

Duration

One session

School

School of Teacher Education

Enrolment Restrictions

This subject is restricted to students enrolled in the Bachelor of Education (Birth to Five Years) or as approved by the respective Course Coordinator or Course Director.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
  • be able to identify and explain the ways in which the integrative nature of young children's play and other informal contexts can support their construction of knowledge and acquisition and use of early mathematics, science and technology concepts;
  • be able to demonstrate skills in creating learning communities in early childhood settings with the potential for facilitating mathematics, science and technology understandings;
  • have expanded and consolidated their own science, mathematics and technological knowledge, and the historical and cultural sources of that knowledge;
  • be able to demonstrate their skills in planning, implementing, evaluating and reflecting upon teaching and learning experiences with the potential for facilitating mathematics, science and technology understandings;
  • be able to identify and explain opportunities for spontaneous learning where mathematics, science and technology serve the purposes of investigating a phenomenon, question or problem;
  • be able to apply professional skills and knowledge in ways which will encourage children to investigate materials and ideas regardless of cultural background and other sources of diversity;
  • be able to explain and demonstrate specific communication and teaching strategies which support children's construction of mathematical, scientific and technological knowledge; and
  • be able to access the human and technological resources most appropriate for exploring and examining all aspects of the subject.

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics:
  • Content areas of mathematics (number, measurement, pattern, space (shape, graphs, continuity, enclosure, direction, position) and probability).
  • Content areas of science - physical science (heat, light, mass, friction, levers, constancy and change, reactions, properties of matter), biological science (growth, survival needs, life cycles of living things) and environmental science (ecology, sustainability).
  • Content areas and purposes of technologies (identifying tools used in society; communicating; documenting).
  • Provoking and facilitating learning in both planned and spontaneous situations which draw upon and/or illustrate concepts in mathematics, science and technology.
  • Engaging students in the processes of science and mathematics, including questioning, exploring and investigating (including sensory exploration and investigation); observing phenomena; considering data derived from observation; and communicating about and representing aspects of these processes.
  • Planning learning experiences based on opportunities for linguistic, social and imaginative engagement; sensory exploration and discovery; formulating theories; representational thought processes; social as well as individual engagement; and socio-cultural modelling during communication between children.
  • Developing and implementing appropriate teaching strategies based on: clarifying own conceptual understandings about mathematics, science and technology; encouraging and supporting children to use investigating and problem-solving skills and processes; collaborating with children in metacognitive processes required for reflection and further planning; and considering all sources in individual and cultural diversity.

Indicative Assessment

The following table summarises the assessment tasks for the online offering of EMC305 in Session 1 2019. Please note this is a guide only. Assessment tasks are regularly updated and can also differ to suit the mode of study (online or on campus).

Item Number
Title
Value %
1
Learning stories
40
2
Learning experience plan
60

The information contained in the CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: October 2020. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.

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