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Unit of study_

EDEC4008: STEM in Early Childhood

2024 unit information

Dispositions towards science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) begin to form early in a child's development. Students will explore the relationships between ways of thinking and doing in these areas of learning, and effective approaches for implementing STEM education in early childhood settings. The unit will be structured around several integrated themes and underpinned by a play- based problem solving pedagogy. A major aim of the unit will be to develop in students the skills and confidence to be leaders in STEM education in early childhood education settings.

Unit details and rules

Managing faculty or University school:

Education

Code EDEC4008
Academic unit Education
Credit points 6
Prerequisites:
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132cp including EDEC2007 and EDEC3003
Corequisites:
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None
Prohibitions:
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None
Assumed knowledge:
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None

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. Articulate advanced understandings about science, technology, mathematics, engineering (STEM) topics, and ways of integrated thinking and doing in these disciplines.
  • LO2. Apply principles of ‘play-based problem solving’ for developing positive dispositions for engagement in STEM activities, and building STEM concepts and skills in toddlers and young children.
  • LO3. Analyse young children’s engagement with STEM activities and plan appropriate learning experiences to encourage creativity, and develop their thinking and problem solving.
  • LO4. Critically evaluate STEM resources in relation to their potential for supporting children’s overall learning and development.
  • LO5. Engage with and explain the nexus between practice, theory and research in relation to STEM education.
  • LO6. Reflect on the value of STEM education in relation to the development, strengths and interests of toddlers and young children.
  • LO7. Articulate an increased understanding of their leadership role as a member of an early childhood team and community of learners.
  • LO8. Design an educative resource for professional development of early childhood educators in relation to STEM education.

Unit availability

This section lists the session, attendance modes and locations the unit is available in. There is a unit outline for each of the unit availabilities, which gives you information about the unit including assessment details and a schedule of weekly activities.

The outline is published 2 weeks before the first day of teaching. You can look at previous outlines for a guide to the details of a unit.

Session MoA ?  Location Outline ? 
Semester 1 2024
Normal day Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Session MoA ?  Location Outline ? 
Semester 1 2020
Normal day Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Outline unavailable
Semester 1 2021
Normal day Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Semester 1 2021
Normal day Remote
Semester 1 2022
Normal day Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Semester 1 2022
Normal day Remote
Semester 1 2023
Normal day Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Modes of attendance (MoA)

This refers to the Mode of attendance (MoA) for the unit as it appears when you’re selecting your units in Sydney Student. Find more information about modes of attendance on our website.