EDUC4724 Thinking and Working Scientifically in the Early Years

This topic provides opportunities for pre-service teachers to consider the place of science in their own lives as well as in the daily lives of children 0-8 years. Using inquiry processes, pre-service teachers are supported to identify the early signs of children developing concepts, skills and positive attitudes towards science. The topic is designed to engage pre-service teachers with the processes involved in planning, implementing and evaluating programs of science for children 0-8 years. The topic develops the pre-service teachers' acquisition of scientific literacy and knowledge through experience based science in the areas of the Biological sciences, the Chemical sciences, the Earth and Space sciences and the Physical sciences. Drawing from their knowledge of the Early Years Learning Framework and the Australian Curriculum: Science, strong inter-curricular links with other learning areas are made through examining science in the media and the history of science.

This topic aims to:

• Enhance pre-service teachers' confidence, knowledge and skills in science learning and teaching
• Enable pre-service teachers to develop an appropriate program in science for children aged 0-8 years
• Enhance pre-service teachers' personal approach to science teaching based on their critical analysis of practical experiences in light of theoretical perspectives

1. Draw from the Early Years Learning Framework and the Australian Curriculum: Science to plan a balanced, sequential unit of work in science for a particular age group within the range 0-8
2. Demonstrate high level scientific process skills, literacy and knowledge
3. Articulate ways in which science may be integrated across the curriculum in ways that encourage children's curiosity and play as they investigate their natural and built environments
4. Describe and develop children's awareness of specific safety procedures related to science investigatory play
5. Critically reflect on their own attitude towards science and its applications and how it has been shaped by family and culture both locally and globally