485-102 Learning Area: Science and Technology 1

Credit Points

Coordinator

Semester

Contact

Subject Description

Aspects of biological, earth science, physical science and technology relevant to primary school teachers; energy sources and transformations; development and application of the particle model for matter; ecological structures and biological change; structure and function in biology; introduction to the processes of investigating, designing, producing and evaluating materials, information and systems; children's understandings and explanations of natural phenomena; sources of science and technology activities. Students should be able to identify and describe biological and physical systems relevant to primary school children, use the energy concept to explain changes in biological and physical systems, identify and describe aspects of the technological world and environmental aspects of science, identify the main features of children's thinking in science, use concrete models to explain a range of everyday phenomena, and identify science activities and experiences appropriate to children.

Assessment

Written reports of workshop activities and associated reading (1000 words); a report (750 words approximately) on science and the media; a report (750 words approximately) on a small-scale science activity with a small group of children; one and a half hour exam.

Hurdle Requirement: To gain a pass in this subject, students must obtain a minimum of 50% in the final examination.

Prescribed Texts

• Board of Studies, Curriculum and Standards Framework: Science and Technology Board of Studies. 1995.