Unit rationale, description and aim
This unit is designed to establish a knowledge base for teachers in the areas of curriculum, pedagogy and assessment for science-focused learning within the integrated STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) classroom, based on content in the Australian Curriculum, and state and territory curriculum/syllabi (P-6 and 7-10). Teachers will explore concepts inherent in scientific investigations and will develop capabilities in designing practical hands-on activities using inquiry-based learning pedagogies in STEM contexts and creating learning experiences that are responsive to the needs of diverse learners. Teachers will also explore best practice strategies for teaching science in order to plan and implement major student group work projects, taking into account research related to students' alternative conceptions.
Campus offering
No unit offerings are currently available for this unit.Learning outcomes
To successfully complete this unit you will be able to demonstrate you have achieved the learning outcomes (LO) detailed in the below table.
Each outcome is informed by a number of graduate capabilities (GC) to ensure your work in this, and every unit, is part of a larger goal of graduating from ACU with the attributes of insight, empathy, imagination and impact.
Explore the graduate capabilities.
Demonstrate knowledge (fluid and creative implemen...
Learning Outcome 01
Critically analyse, synthesise, develop, and imple...
Learning Outcome 02
Describe, design, evaluate and implement a variety...
Learning Outcome 03
Analyse the relationships between learning task de...
Learning Outcome 04
Content
The topics will include:
- Scientific concepts related to Earth and Space Science, Biological Science, Chemical Science, and Physical Science as well as Science as a Human Endeavour
- Incorporating general capabilities and cross curriculum priorities, including the integration of literacy and numeracy and local, state, territory and national perspectives when teaching Science in an Integrated STEM classroom
- Contemporary understandings of the unique ways in which students learn Science
- Key pedagogical approaches related to teaching and learning Science to promote problem solving, critical thinking and project-based learning
- Strategies to develop skills for innovation and creativity
- Formulation of questions that can be investigated using an integrated STEM approach
- Planning and evaluating sequences of learning activities when teaching Science in an Integrated STEM classroom
- Catering for a diverse range of learners when teaching Science in an Integrated STEM classroom
- Effective use of a range of resources for teaching, including ICTs and technologies to engage learners, specific to teaching Science in an Integrated STEM classroom
- A range of approaches and strategies for assessment, feedback, and reporting when teaching Science in Integrated STEM Education
Assessment strategy and rationale
The assessment tasks are used to meet the unit learning outcomes and develop graduate attributes and professional standards and criteria consistent with University assessment requirements.
A variety of assessment procedures will be used to ascertain the extent to which graduates achieve stated outcomes. The total of assessment tasks will amount to the equivalent of 5,000 words. In order to pass this unit, teachers are required to submit or participate in all assessment tasks.
Overview of assessments
Assessment Task 1: Resource Folio and Discussion...
Assessment Task 1: Resource Folio and Discussion
Create a folio of 8 – 10 practical activities that cover a range of curriculum topics and skills, and which focus on Science in a STEM classroom.
Following each activity, discuss how the activity:
- addresses identified curriculum content,
- promotes student higher order thinking,
- caters for the needs of diverse learners, and
- addresses the cross curricular priorities and General Capabilities of the Australian Curriculum (or state/territory curriculum equivalents) including the integration of literacy and numeracy.
(word count approx. 2,500)
50%
Assessment Task 2: Option 1: Teaching Unit desig...
Assessment Task 2: Option 1: Teaching Unit design
Develop a unit of work during which students will engage with a Science themed STEM project.
The lessons and project must demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of:
- the concepts and structure of Science in a classroom (LO1);
- the ways in which students learn using project-based learning in a STEM classroom (LO1);
- learning objectives, teaching content, strategies and assessment appropriate to the identified outcome/s, topic and year level (LO2);
- nominated pedagogical approach/es (LO2,3);
- sequencing (LO2); and
- appropriate resources and strategies, including ICT, to meet the identified strengths and needs of diverse learners and to promote critical and creative thinking (LO3)
(word count approx. 2,500)
50%
Assessment Task 2: Option 2 :Student Learning Re...
Assessment Task 2: Option 2 :Student Learning Resource
Develop an ICT/digital learning resource for students, which requires them to gather and present evidence of their learning of a focus area of Science in a STEM classroom.
The resource must demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- the concepts and structure of Science in a STEM classroom (LO1);
- the ways in which students learn using project-based learning in a STEM classroom (LO1);
- learning objectives, teaching content, strategies and assessment appropriate to the identified outcome/s, topic and year level (LO2);
- a range of pedagogical approach/es (LO2,3);
- sequencing (LO2); and
- appropriate resources and strategies, including ICT, to meet the identified strengths and needs of diverse learners and to promote critical and creative thinking (LO3)
(word count approx. 2,500)
50%
Learning and teaching strategy and rationale
Mode: This unit is offered in multi-mode and will be supported by a Canvas site. Engagement for learning is the key driver in the delivery of this curriculum, therefore an active learning approach is utilised to support graduates in their exploration and demonstration of achievement of the unit’s identified learning outcomes.
A variety of techniques will be used, dependent upon the mode of enrolment. Regardless of face to face or online enrolment, a range of synchronous and asynchronous learning strategies will be used. These will include lectures, tutorials, workshops, student presentations, co-operative group work, experiential learning and authentic problem solving.
Duration: 150 hours in total with a normal expectation of 36 hours of directed study and the total contact hours should not exceed 36 hours. Directed study might include lectures, tutorials, webinars, podcasts, etc. The balance of the hours becomes private study.
Australian Professional Standards For Teachers - Proficient
This unit provides participants with an additional level of proficiency as a classroom teacher with a specific level of expertise. The following standards are particularly addressed:
Representative texts and references
Curriculum Documents
Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA). Australian Curriculum: F-10 Curriculum: Mathematics.
Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA). Australian Curriculum: F-10 Curriculum: Science.
Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA). Australian Curriculum: F-10 Curriculum: Technologies.
General Integrated STEM Education
Bawaka Country. Wright, S., Suchet-Pearson, S., Lloyd, K., Burarrwanga, L., Ganambarr, R., Ganambarr-Stubbs, M.& Maymuru, D. (2015). Working with and learning from Country: decentring human author-ity. Cultural Geographies, 22(2), pp.269-283.
Bencze, J.L. (2010). Promoting student-led science and technology projects in elementary teacher education: Entry into core pedagogical practices through technological design. International Journal of Technology and Design Education, 20(1), 43-62.
Brown, R., Brown, J., Reardon, K., & Merrill, C. (2011). Understanding STEM: Current Perceptions. Technology and Engineering Teacher, 70(6), 5-9.
Burarrwanga, Laklak, Ritjilili Ganambarr, Merrkiyawuy Ganambarr-Stubbs, Banbapuy Ganambarr, Djawundil Maymuru, Sarah Wright, Sandie Suchet-Pearson, and Kate Lloyd. (2013) Welcome to my country. Sydney: Allan & Unwin.
Harrison,N., & Sellwood, J. (2016). Learning and teaching in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education (3rd ed.). Chapter 10. Learning from Country. Australia, Oxford University Press.
Johnson, C.C. (2013). Conceptualizing integrated STEM education. School Science and Mathematics, 113(8), 367-368.
Stohlmann, M., Moore, T. J., & Roehrig, G. H. (2012). Considerations for teaching integrated STEM education. Journal of Pre-College Engineering Education Research (J-PEER), 2(1), 4.
Science Focus
Asghar, A., Ellington, R., Rice, E., Johnson, F., & Prime, G. M. (2012). Supporting STEM education in secondary science contexts. Interdisciplinary Journal of Problem-based Learning, 6(2), 4.
Fleer, M. (2015). Science for children. Port Melbourne, Vic: Cambridge University Press.
Howitt, C., & Blake, E. (Eds.). (2010). Planting the seeds of science: A flexible, integrated and engaging resource for teacher of 3 to 8 year olds. Perth: Curtin University and Australian Learning and Teaching Council.
Merrill, C., & Daugherty, J. (2010). STEM education and leadership: A mathematics and science partnership approach. Journal of Technology Education, 21(2). P.21-34.
Skamp, K., & Preston, C. (Eds.). (2015). Teaching primary science constructively (5th ed.). South Melbourne, Vic: Cengage Learning.