EMS441 Curriculum Method 1: Science (8)

This subject explores a range of pedagogical approaches to science education in Years 7-10. It examines current Science 7-10 syllabus documents and identifies the place of science in the school curriculum. It promotes skills in selecting, planning and implementing learning activities and lesson sequences which are inclusive, engaging and supportive of student learning. Particular attention is devoted to the application of contemporary theories of learning in science, authentic pedagogies and assessment for learning in the context of secondary science education in diverse classes. An understanding of the nature of science, safety in science, risk assessment and the application of information and communications technologies in science teaching are also explored.

Availability

Session 1 (30)
Online
Wagga Wagga Campus

Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: EMS441. 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 Education

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
  • be able to apply the structure and content of the Science 7-10 Syllabus for NSW or the Australian Curriculum in the development of a sequence of lessons;
  • be able to apply contemporary models of pedagogy, including inquiry based strategies, in the planning of sequences of teaching/learning activities and assessment in science;
  • be able to plan teaching and learning sequences for Science 7-10 that utilise learners prior experience of scientific ideas and will provide learners with opportunities to develop or apply their conceptual understandings through the application of Working Scientifically skills and open, inquiry questions;
  • be able to design contextualised teaching and learning activities for Science 7-10, which integrate literacy and numerary strategies and cater for a diversity of learners' needs and abilities;
  • be able to integrate pedagogies afforded by scientific and educational technologies into teaching/learning activities for Science 7-10; and
  • be able to apply a range of assessment strategies to assess and provide feedback to students on their achievement of learning outcomes.

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics:
  • The nature of Science and science inquiry
  • Introduction to science education and the continuum of learning across Science K-12
  • Stage 4/5 Science Syllabuses (including Science life skills) - outcomes, content, assessment
  • The NSW Science &-10 Syllabus and the Australian Curriculum for Science
  • The cross curriculum priorities and general capabilities in Stage 4/5 Science including literacy and numeracy
  • Contemporary theories of learning and pedagogical approaches in science education
  • Constructivist views of learning and teaching science
  • Teaching and learning strategies
  • Planning learning sequences in science
  • Safety, risk assessment and management in science
  • Information communication technologies in science
  • Strategies for assessing learners' progress in stage 4/5 science
  • Assessment and reporting in stage 4/5 science
  • Differentiating for diverse learning needs including supporting students with disabilities

Indicative Assessment

The following table summarises the assessment tasks for the online offering of EMS441 in Session 1 2021. 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
Planning for science learning
40
2
Assessment for science learning
60

The information contained in the CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: June 2022. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.

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