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Unit outline_

EDEC2007: Science and Technology in the Early Years

Semester 1, 2021 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Infants, toddlers and young children are naturally curious about the world around them; questioning, making assumptions and conducting experiments through to determine how things work. A major aim of the unit will be to develop in students the skills and confidence to plan, implement and evaluate children's science learning experiences in play-based contexts. This unit will assist students to help infants, toddlers and young children gain a foundational understanding of scientific concepts and technology as part of their everyday world. Understanding the importance of care and sustainability of the environment should begin at an early age. Students will consider strategies to foster environmental awareness in young children to promote lifelong care attitudes. Students will be encouraged to examine their own scientific experiences, conceptions, and knowlege as means to better understand the emerging scientific conceptions of young children.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Education
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
42 credit points including EDUF1019 and EDEC1005 and EDEC1006
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
EDEC3005
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Marianne Fenech, marianne.fenech@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Assignment Learning experience outline with presentation
n/a
30% Week 04
Due date: 01 Apr 2021 at 05:00

Closing date: 29 May 2021
1,000 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO7
Assignment Portfolio of science learning experiences
n/a
50% Week 07
Due date: 26 Apr 2021 at 05:00
2,500 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8
Assignment Reflective essay
n/a
20% Week 12
Due date: 27 May 2021 at 05:00
1,000 words.
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7

Assessment summary

  • Learning experience outline with presentation: Select a science or technology learning experience that would be suitable for conducting an individual task with a young child (eg. practical task, a collection of objects or organisms, BUT NOT READING A BOOK). 
  • The task must be based around the interests of a 3-5 year old child that you know. The child is not to be identified, but you should include a short section at the start of your paper that cites the child's age and a brief outline of their interests (no more than 70 words). So you need to have knowledge of a child but you are not required to interview or test ideas out on the child. Most students usually select a family member.
  • Portfolio of science learning experience: Construct a science portfolio describing / illustrating 5 developmentally appropriate, play-based learning experiences for infants, toddlers and young children. This will include: one experience suitable for children birth-18 months, one experience suitable for a child 2-3 years of age, two experiences suitable for children 3-5 years and one digital learning resource for 3-5 years.
  • Reflective essay: Provide a reflective summary of key learning and challenges when teaching science and technology, and the nature of these disciplines. Reflections should relate to academic readings and issues raised during class discussion.

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 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.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

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 Children's thinking in science and technology- what does the research tells us? Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4
The air around us Workshop (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 02 Learning science and technology during play Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Colour my world Workshop (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 03 Learning science and technology in classroom contexts Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Building and structures Workshop (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 04 Documenting science and technology learning Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Mixing and messing Workshop (2 hr) LO3 LO4 LO5 LO7
Week 05 Children's science questions and questioning Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Animals everywhere Workshop (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 06 Children's ideas / science thinking Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Big sound Workshop (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 07 Science and technology for 0-2s Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Discovering water Workshop (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 08 Science and technology for 3-5s Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Plants a plenty Workshop (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 09 Science and learning at home Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Weather and the enviornment Workshop (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 10 Describing your world with science Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Children in the garden Workshop (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 11 Environmental education and sustainability in early childhood Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Rock my world Workshop (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 12 Following students' interests Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Marine and other marvels Workshop (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7

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

All readings for this unit can be accessed on the Library eReserve link available on Canvas.

  • Textbook: Campbell, C., Jobling, W. & Howitt, C. (2018). Science in Early Childhood (3rd ed.). Port Melbourne: Cambridge.

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. be knowledgeable about and skilled in the subject of Science and technology, that is, central concepts, tools of inquiry, structure of inquiry, structure of the disciplines engaged in, and the links between these
  • LO2. describe the nature and scope of Science and Technology experiences for young children in early childhood services
  • LO3. draw on their understandings of concepts in science and technology to extend the interests and curiosities of young children and understand how Science experiences can facilitate children’s development
  • LO4. use a variety of strategies and play based experiences to facilitate young children's developing understanding of science and technology concepts
  • LO5. engage with and explain the nexus between practice, theory and research in relationship to science and technology in early childhood education
  • LO6. develop strategies for partnering with families to extend science concepts for their infants, toddlers and young children
  • LO7. identify quality resource materials helpful in science and technology teaching with young children.
  • LO8. Devise children’s learning experiences that enable achievement of outcomes in the EYLF and Foundation Year content in the Australian Curriculum.

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 Children's Education & Care Quality Authority - ACECQA
3.3. Numeracy, science and technology
3.6. Social and environmental education
LO2
Australian Children's Education & Care Quality Authority - ACECQA
2.4. Teaching methods and strategies
3.1. Early Years Learning Framework
3.2. The Australian curriculum
3.3. Numeracy, science and technology
3.6. Social and environmental education
LO3
Australian Children's Education & Care Quality Authority - ACECQA
1.1. Learning, development and care
2.2. Play based pedagogies
2.3. Guiding behaviour / engaging young learners
2.4. Teaching methods and strategies
3.3. Numeracy, science and technology
3.6. Social and environmental education
3.9. Curriculum planning, programming and evaluation
LO4
Australian Children's Education & Care Quality Authority - ACECQA
2.2. Play based pedagogies
2.4. Teaching methods and strategies
3.1. Early Years Learning Framework
3.2. The Australian curriculum
3.3. Numeracy, science and technology
3.6. Social and environmental education
3.9. Curriculum planning, programming and evaluation
LO5
Australian Children's Education & Care Quality Authority - ACECQA
2.4. Teaching methods and strategies
3.3. Numeracy, science and technology
3.6. Social and environmental education
LO6
Australian Children's Education & Care Quality Authority - ACECQA
3.3. Numeracy, science and technology
3.6. Social and environmental education
4.1. Developing family and community partnerships
LO7
Australian Children's Education & Care Quality Authority - ACECQA
2.2. Play based pedagogies
2.4. Teaching methods and strategies
3.3. Numeracy, science and technology
3.6. Social and environmental education
3.9. Curriculum planning, programming and evaluation
LO8
Australian Children's Education & Care Quality Authority - ACECQA
2.2. Play based pedagogies
2.4. Teaching methods and strategies
3.1. Early Years Learning Framework
3.2. The Australian curriculum
3.3. Numeracy, science and technology
3.6. Social and environmental education
3.9. Curriculum planning, programming and evaluation

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

Assessment 2 has been altered based upon student feed-back. The age groups have been narrowed to assist activity choices that would appeal to that cohort.

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

You are required to wear covered footwear in the workshop laboratory. A safety induction will also be held during your first workshop.

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.