Learning Area Science 1 (EDUC90473)

This subject explores the rationale, resources, methodology and specific pedagogical approaches appropriate to teaching and assessing Year 7-10 Science. Teacher Candidates will use, develop and critically evaluate resources for teaching secondary science within the contexts of the physical, chemical, biological, earth and space sciences. In particular, they will draw upon and elaborate science curricula including mandated science curriculum guides such as the Victorian Curriculum (2016). Teacher Candidates will analyze their own and other’s use of classroom demonstrations. Teaching skills in science investigation and inquiry and communication of science-related understandings will be developed. The literature of science education will be used to inform teaching practices and engage Teacher Candidates in debates about the nature and purpose of science and science education.

The Teacher Candidate is supported in their development of skills and pedagogies to enhance the learning experiences of Years 7-10 Science students through their participation in Science Learning Area workshops and completion of the required assignments. Assignment 1 involves the writing of a reflective essay relating to the way Years 7-10 students build up their understanding of Science. The assignment reflects the focus of the Science Learning Area workshops, which investigate teaching practices in Science to enhance student learning, and makes connections to the suggested readings. In Assignment 2, Teacher Candidates interpret the Victorian Curriculum by designing a unit of Year 7-10 Science, including teaching, learning and assessment in a differentiated Science classroom. In addition, the Combined Science Reflection of Microteaching assignment (for Teacher Candidates enrolled in one Science Learning Area subject) and Workshop Reflections (for Teacher Candidates enrolled in two Science Learning Area subjects) support the assignments completed in the Science Learning Area.

ICT is recognised and used as an essential component of contemporary science practice and will be embedded in the Science Learning Area subject to support conceptual understanding and enhance student learning.

Many elements of ICT literacy and numeracy are evident in the Year 7-10 Science curriculum, particularly with regard to Inquiry Skills. These include practical measurement and the collection, representation and interpretation of data from investigations.

A component of this subject (and for the other science methods) is Combined Science. This component focuses on the design and management of the general science curriculum and teaching in years 7-10. Teacher Candidates will explore pedagogical strategies to engage science learners in the middle years of secondary school. This is taught through practice with students in small groups in school classrooms, and through workshops and excursions delivered by Science education experts. Teacher Candidates will be introduced to the use of research on student’s misconceptions in various science topics, principles of constructivist teaching, socially situated and peer-based learning, lesson planning, laboratory and classroom management and, laboratory safety (includes preparation of risk assessments).