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Unit of study_

EDMT5617: Science Curriculum 1

Semester 1, 2020 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

This unit of study is the first of two core units undertaken by all students preparing to teach Science in high schools as one of their two teaching specialisations. Students will investigate the nature and purpose of science education in the secondary school, contemporary syllabuses in science for 7-10 children's understanding of science, teaching and learning strategies, the planning of learning activities to support high school students achievement of the NSW Board of studies (2012) 7-10 syllabus outcomes. All students must participate as mentors in the i-science project.

Unit details and rules

Unit code EDMT5617
Academic unit Education
Credit points 6
Prohibitions
? 
None
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

No

Teaching staff

Coordinator Louise Sutherland, louise.sutherland@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s) Patricia Stockbridge, patricia.stockbridge@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Assignment group assignment Analysis of the syllabus
n/a
30% Week 06 equivalent to 1000 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO5
Assignment group assignment Sequence of Ideas
n/a
25% Week 10 equivalent to 750 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Assignment Selecting resources to support students' learning of a concept
n/a
25% Week 12 Equivalent to 2250 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Assignment Planning a lesson
n/a
20% Week 13 Equivalent to 1500 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO5 LO4 LO3 LO2
group assignment = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

The tasks in this unit will assess the development of your knowledge and understanding of how to translate the syllabus documents into a set of learning experiences for your students.

  • What do I need to teach: The purpose of this assignment is to help you identify the knowledge and understanding you will need in teaching one aspect of the NSW syllabus. This assignment will be completed in pairs.
  • Planning a lesson: Using the template provided write a lesson plan for a 50-minute lesson. By the end of the lesson the students should have a greater knowledge and understanding of a scientific concept (ie. the lesson should include the ‘explore and explain’ components of the 5E's).  In this lesson, the students should spend the majority of their time actively engaged in doing science. 
  • Introducing a new concept in a unit: You and your partner will have 15 minutes to provide an overview of a unit.  Each member of the pair will introduce one new concept to be taught in the unit. 
  • Selecting resources to teach a concept: Justify your selection of a set of resources that you could use to support the development of Stage 4 students’ knowledge and understanding of a science concept. 

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a High distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a Distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

 

Distinction

75 - 84

 

Credit

65 - 74

 

Pass

50 - 64

 

Fail

0 - 49

When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website  provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.  

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

You may only use artificial intelligence and writing assistance tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator, and if you do use them, you must also acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section.

Studiosity is permitted for postgraduate units unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Curriculum, Syllabus, and School Programs & Lessons Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO3
Expectations and Challenges for teaching science in the secondary school Workshop (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 02 From the syllabus to your work as a teacher Workshop (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 03 Inquiry-based science: Engaging students in doing science Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Inquiry in Science: Earth and Space Workshop (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 04 Working with students’ prior knowledge & understanding; misconceptions Workshop (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 05 Planning science instruction: 5E’s framework Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Planning a lesson Workshop (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 06 Supporting the development of students understanding: the role of language. Workshop (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 07 Scaffolding the development of skills in working scientifically Workshop (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 08 Representations and models in supporting students learning in science Workshop (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 09 Identifying and sequencing concepts in a unit of work Workshop (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 10 Review and consultation before the final assessment One-to-one tuition (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 11 Presentation Seminar (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 12 Presentation Seminar (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: The Sydney School of Education and Social Work requires attendance of at least 90 percent of all seminars, workshops or lectures. Where a student is unable to attend at the required rate evidence of illness or misadventure may be required and the student may be required to undertake extra work. Students should discuss the circumstances of their absence(s) with the co-ordinator of the unit of study. Further details are provided in the School canvas site: https://canvas.sydney.edu.au/courses/13426

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

 

  • Suggested textbook: Venville, G. & Dawson, V. (2012). The art of teaching science for middle and secondary school (2nd ed.). Sydney: Allen & Unwin.

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

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

  • LO1. Demonstrate a research-based knowledge of appropriate strategies to support Stage 4 students' achievements of the syllabus outcomes in the construction of lesson plans and sequences of lessons
  • LO2. Demonstrate a research-based knowledge of appropriate approaches to cater for the diverse needs of students learning science in the construction of lesson plans and sequences of lessons
  • LO3. Evaluate the suitability of a range of resources and materials to support Stage 4 students' learning in Science
  • LO4. Plan learning experiences to support Stage 4 students to achieve the Science syllabus outcomes
  • LO5. Demonstrate professional competence in their communication skills including presentations to peers, academic writing and the development of materials which could be used directly in a Stage 4- 5 high school students.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes Competency standards
LO1
Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (Graduate Level – UG and MTeach) - AITSL
1.1.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of physical, social and intellectual development and characteristics of students and how these may affect learning.
1.2.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of research into how students learn and the implications for teaching.
1.3.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate knowledge of teaching strategies that are responsive to the learning strengths and needs of students from diverse linguistic, cultural, religious and socio-economic backgrounds.
2.1.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the concepts, substance and structure of the content and teaching strategies of the teaching area.
LO2
Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (Graduate Level – UG and MTeach) - AITSL
1.1.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of physical, social and intellectual development and characteristics of students and how these may affect learning.
1.2.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of research into how students learn and the implications for teaching.
1.3.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate knowledge of teaching strategies that are responsive to the learning strengths and needs of students from diverse linguistic, cultural, religious and socio-economic backgrounds.
1.5.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of strategies for differentiating teaching to meet the specific learning needs of students across the full range of abilities.
2.1.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the concepts, substance and structure of the content and teaching strategies of the teaching area.
2.3.1. (Graduate) Use curriculum, assessment and reporting knowledge to design learning sequences and lesson plans.
2.5.1. (Graduate) Know and understand literacy and numeracy teaching strategies and their application in teaching areas.
3.1.1. (Graduate) Set learning goals that provide achievable challenges for students of varying abilities and characteristics.
3.3.1. (Graduate) Include a range of teaching strategies.
LO3
Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (Graduate Level – UG and MTeach) - AITSL
2.1.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the concepts, substance and structure of the content and teaching strategies of the teaching area.
2.2.1. (Graduate) Organise content into an effective learning and teaching sequence.
2.3.1. (Graduate) Use curriculum, assessment and reporting knowledge to design learning sequences and lesson plans.
2.5.1. (Graduate) Know and understand literacy and numeracy teaching strategies and their application in teaching areas.
3.2.1. (Graduate) Plan lesson sequences using knowledge of student learning, content and effective teaching strategies.
3.3.1. (Graduate) Include a range of teaching strategies.
3.4.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate knowledge of a range of resources, including ICT, that engage students in their learning.
LO4
Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (Graduate Level – UG and MTeach) - AITSL
1.2.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of research into how students learn and the implications for teaching.
1.3.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate knowledge of teaching strategies that are responsive to the learning strengths and needs of students from diverse linguistic, cultural, religious and socio-economic backgrounds.
2.1.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the concepts, substance and structure of the content and teaching strategies of the teaching area.
2.2.1. (Graduate) Organise content into an effective learning and teaching sequence.
2.3.1. (Graduate) Use curriculum, assessment and reporting knowledge to design learning sequences and lesson plans.
2.5.1. (Graduate) Know and understand literacy and numeracy teaching strategies and their application in teaching areas.
2.6.1. (Graduate) Implement teaching strategies for using ICT to expand curriculum learning opportunities for students.
3.1.1. (Graduate) Set learning goals that provide achievable challenges for students of varying abilities and characteristics.
3.2.1. (Graduate) Plan lesson sequences using knowledge of student learning, content and effective teaching strategies.
3.3.1. (Graduate) Include a range of teaching strategies.
3.4.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate knowledge of a range of resources, including ICT, that engage students in their learning.
Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (Graduate Level – UG and MTeach) -
Competency code Taught, Practiced or Assessed Competency standard
1.2.1 A (Graduate) Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of research into how students learn and the implications for teaching.
2.1.1 A (Graduate) Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the concepts, substance and structure of the content and teaching strategies of the teaching area.
2.2.1 A (Graduate) Organise content into an effective learning and teaching sequence.
2.3.1 A (Graduate) Use curriculum, assessment and reporting knowledge to design learning sequences and lesson plans.
2.5.1 A (Graduate) Know and understand literacy and numeracy teaching strategies and their application in teaching areas.
2.6.1 A (Graduate) Implement teaching strategies for using ICT to expand curriculum learning opportunities for students.
3.1.1 A (Graduate) Set learning goals that provide achievable challenges for students of varying abilities and characteristics.
3.2.1 A (Graduate) Plan lesson sequences using knowledge of student learning, content and effective teaching strategies.
3.4.1 A (Graduate) Demonstrate knowledge of a range of resources, including ICT, that engage students in their learning.

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

The assessment tasks have been modified based on our reflections and the feedback from students last year.

Site visit guidelines

If you are undertaking professional experience/field education placement as part of your enrolment in this unit of study, please assess your specific needs and requirements for the safe and successful completion of an external placement within a host organisation. You will be given the opportunity to disclose any health issues that have a work health and safety significance before arranging a placement so that your safety, and the safety of others, can be properly assessed. The Professional Experience Coordinator/Field Education Manager will work to ensure that the workplace assignment to you is appropriate for your needs and requirements. If you are experiencing disability, and require reasonable adjustments to be arranged, please contact Disability Services as early as possible prior to commencing the internship. Please note, in all cases, and for the purpose of organising reasonable adjustments, only the impact and not the nature, of your disability will be disclosed to the host organisation.

Work, health and safety

In the workshops you may be expected to undertake practical activities which are suitable for students in Stage 4. 

You must must follow the safety procedures discussed before the commencement of any activity.  

Safety glasses, disposable gloves will be supplied.  Some lab coats are available if you want to use them. 

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.