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Unit of study_

EDMT5667: Science Curriculum 2

Semester 2, 2022 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

This unit of study builds upon the work done in the prerequisite course Science Curriculum 1. The unit is designed to develop students' understanding of the nature of science teaching and high school pupils' learning of science. The unit will examine: the planning of science teaching and learning activities; the interpretation and implementation of syllabus aims; objectives, outcomes and content guidelines in the development of lessons and units of work; the integration of individual science disciplines within a multidisciplinary science curriculum. Across-curriculum perspectives and policies in science curriculum will be discussed.

Unit details and rules

Unit code EDMT5667
Academic unit Education
Credit points 6
Prohibitions
? 
None
Prerequisites
? 
24 credit points including EDMT5617 and EDMT5676
Corequisites
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

No

Teaching staff

Coordinator Louise Sutherland, louise.sutherland@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Patricia Stockbridge, patricia.stockbridge@sydney.edu.au
Louise Sutherland, louise.sutherland@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Assignment group assignment Analysis of a section of the syllabus
Analysis to identify breadth and depth of section of the syllabus
45% Week 04 Equivalent to 2000 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO5 LO6
Assignment Lesson Sequence and resources
A sequence of 5 consecutive lessons and the associated resources
55% Week 12
Due date: 30 Oct 2022 at 23:59
Equivalent to 2500 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
group assignment = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

  • Assessment task 1:  Scaffolding students learning using a SHE focus.
  • Assessment task 2:  Summary lesson plans and support materials for 3 sequential lessons.

See details on your canvas site

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.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

University penalties will apply for late work

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
Multiple weeks Review and consultation before the final assessment One-to-one tuition (4 hr) LO2 LO3
Week 01 1. Unit of study overview & Organisation of pairs for assessment tasks 1; 2. Planning to support students' learning; Backward Mapping and Understanding by Design 3. Revising Lesson Plans 4. Adding value; Selecting learning experiences to enhance students' learning Seminar (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5
Week 02 1) Learning sequences - supporting the development of students' ideas 2) Challenging students misconceptions (predict, observe, explain) 3) Using assessment to support students' learning; diagnostic and formative assessment 4) What can I do to monitor my students' progress? Workshop (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5
Week 03 1) Literacy and science; catering for the diversity in the classroom 2) Using argumentation from a systems perspective 3) Numeracy and Science 4) Catering for diversity in numeracy Workshop (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 04 1) Managing the learning environment 2) Managing practical work in science Workshop (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 09 1) Assessment as learning 2) Planning tasks to support the development of students' knowledge and understanding 3) Reviewing expected standards in students' work 4) Reviewing model assessment tasks Workshop (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 10 Ethical and Social Issues in Science 1) Teaching Evolution 2) Engaging in Socio-scientific argumentation (e.g. climate change) Seminar (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 11 Diversity in the classroom 1) It is not all "Dead White Males" Including cultural diversity and an indigenous perspective in your science teaching 2) Engaging students with specific learning needs in Science The Life Skills syllabus Workshop (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 12 Peer Review Reflecting on your professional journey: identifying and planning your next step. Seminar (4 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.

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. analyse and interpret the progressive development of the central ideas of science within science curriculum documents including the 2012 NSW syllabus documents for Yr 7-10
  • LO2. develop appropriately resourced learning experiences which involve Stage 4 and 5 students in scientific investigations, problem-solving and the analysis of second-hand data to support their achievement of outcomes in the 2012 NSW syllabus Stage 4 & 5
  • LO3. understand and apply a variety of pedagogical approaches to planning and designing assessment tasks which are cognisant of students' learning of science and are designed to assess curriculum outcomes for the diversity of students
  • LO4. incorporate across-curriculum policies and perspectives in planning science units/modules and in school science programs (including literacy, numeracy, ICT education, WHS and animals in schools)
  • LO5. plan lesson sequences and modules of work (scope and sequence and unit plans) to integrate Stage 4-5 syllabus requirements and across-curriculum policies and perspectives based on the syllabus requirements for high school science
  • LO6. demonstrate professional competence in your written communication skills including academic writing and the development of materials for 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
LO1         
LO2         
LO3         
LO4         
LO5         
LO6         

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes Competency standards
LO1
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.
3.1.1. (Graduate) Set learning goals that provide achievable challenges for students of varying abilities and characteristics.
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.
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.
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.
LO3
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.
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.
5.1.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate understanding of assessment strategies, including informal and formal, diagnostic, formative and summative approaches to assess student learning.
5.2.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate an understanding of the purpose of providing timely and appropriate feedback to students about their learning.
LO4
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.
2.5.1. (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.
3.2.1. (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.
LO5
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.
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.
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.
Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (Graduate Level – UG and MTeach) -
Competency code Taught, Practiced or Assessed Competency standard
1.1.1 A P (Graduate) Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of physical, social and intellectual development and characteristics of students and how these may affect learning.
1.2.1 A P (Graduate) Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of research into how students learn and the implications for teaching.
1.3.1 P (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.
1.4.1 P (Graduate) Demonstrate broad knowledge and understanding of the impact of culture, cultural identity and linguistic background on the education of students from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds.
1.5.1 P (Graduate) Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of strategies for differentiating teaching to meet the specific learning needs of students across the full range of abilities.
1.6.1 P (Graduate) Demonstrate broad knowledge and understanding of legislative requirements and teaching strategies that support participation and learning of students with disability.
2.1.1 A P (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 T P (Graduate) Organise content into an effective learning and teaching sequence.
2.3.1 P T (Graduate) Use curriculum, assessment and reporting knowledge to design learning sequences and lesson plans.
2.4.1 P (Graduate) Demonstrate broad knowledge of, understanding of and respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures and languages.
2.5.1 P T (Graduate) Know and understand literacy and numeracy teaching strategies and their application in teaching areas.
2.6.1 P (Graduate) Implement teaching strategies for using ICT to expand curriculum learning opportunities for students.
3.1.1 A P T (Graduate) Set learning goals that provide achievable challenges for students of varying abilities and characteristics.
3.2.1 P (Graduate) Plan lesson sequences using knowledge of student learning, content and effective teaching strategies.
3.3.1 A P (Graduate) Include a range of teaching strategies.
3.4.1 P (Graduate) Demonstrate knowledge of a range of resources, including ICT, that engage students in their learning.
3.5.1 T P (Graduate) Demonstrate a range of verbal and non-verbal communication strategies to support student engagement.
4.3.1 T P (Graduate) Demonstrate knowledge of practical approaches to manage challenging behaviour.
4.4.1 P T (Graduate) Describe strategies that support students’ wellbeing and safety working within school and/or system, curriculum and legislative requirements.
4.5.1 P (Graduate) Demonstrate an understanding of the relevant issues and the strategies available to support the safe, responsible and ethical use of ICT in learning and teaching.
5.1.1 P T (Graduate) Demonstrate understanding of assessment strategies, including informal and formal, diagnostic, formative and summative approaches to assess student learning.

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

At content and assessments have be revised based on the work covered in Semester 1 and the students feedback from Semester 2 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

Students will need to bring their own lab coats for any practical work.

Students must wear closed-in shoes to all face-2-face sessions.

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.