Science and Mathematics in EC

Subject EDUC90391 (2010)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2010.

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2010:

Semester 1, Parkville - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable

Parkville, On Campus

Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 36 hours
Total Time Commitment: 125 hours total commitment
Prerequisites: You must have successfully completed the following subject/s prior to enrolling in this subject
Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements: Attendance at all classes (tutorial/seminars/practical classes/lectures/labs) is obligatory. Failure to attend 80% of classes will normally result in failure in the subject.

Coordinator

Mrs Catherine Pearn, Ms Ann Smith

Contact

Education Student Centre
Subject Overview:

The focus of this subject is how to develop children’s awareness of science and mathematics concepts in the world around them. Topics are centred on children’s everyday lives and the natural world, and draw on research on children’s learning. This subject refines student’s content knowledge in science and mathematics, and introduces pedagogical knowledge for these two domains.

Topics in the science domain include living things and their diversity and properties of water, air, magnetism, light and sound. There will be a strong focus on sustainability and the environment and this strand will be integrated throughout the program. Toys and objects familiar to young children will be used to introduce appropriate aspects of technology. Topics for the mathematics domain will focus on the mathematics encountered by young children prior to school. In particular, they will focus on: the development of number concepts including counting; the early ideas of measurement attributes, space and location; and the development of mathematical language appropriate for young children.

Teacher candidates will design, implement, review and refine sequences of experiences for mathematics and science.
Objectives:

On completion of this subject teacher candidates will be able to:

  • Demonstrate an understanding of how children construct mathematical and scientific knowledge;
  • Demonstrate pedagogical content knowledge for developing mathematical and scientific understanding in children;
  • Interpret observations of children in terms of research findings about mathematical and scientific development;
  • Design experiences to develop mathematical and scientific understanding;
  • Design experiences to help children explore how simple technological objects work and are used in their everyday lives;
  • Assess children’s mathematical and scientific understanding;
  • Respond to individual differences.
Assessment: There will be 2 assessment tasks:
  • A written assessment of science learning experiences (2000 words), due mid semester (50%)
  • A written assessment of mathematics learning experiences (2000 words), due end of semester (50%)

Prescribed Texts: Collection of readings.
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills: On completion of this subject, teacher candidates will have the knowledge, skills and understanding to enable them to:
  • Be skilled communicators who can effectively articulate and justify their practices as knowledgeable agents of change;
  • Be flexible and able to adapt to change through knowing how to learn;
  • Use research evidence to continue to underpin and improve their practice in mathematics and science exploration with young children.
  • Have a conscious personal and social values base.
Related Course(s): Master of Teaching (Early Childhood)
Master of Teaching (Early Childhood)
Master of Teaching (Early Years)
Master of Teaching (Early Years)

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