Primary Science & Technology Education unit (EMT592)

Online

Introduction

In this unit you will learn how the Australian Curriculum: Science describes the ultimate goal of science education as being the development of scientific literacy. Science is not simply a body of knowledge but should also be understood as a process of inquiry and a human endeavour. You will engage with scientific understanding about the natural world and learn how science can be taught to primary students in a meaningful way that develops their curiosity and inquiry skills. The relationship between science and technology will also be explored through hands on activities and readings.

Summary

Unit name	Primary Science & Technology Education
Unit code	EMT592
Credit points	12.5
College/School	Arts and Society Faculty of Education
Discipline	Education
Coordinator	Doctor Bruce Duncan
Delivered By	University of Tasmania
Level	Postgraduate

Availability

Location	Study period	Attendance options		Available to
Online	Semester 2

Note

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Key Dates

Study Period	Start date	Census date	WW date	End date
Semester 2	05/07/2027	27/07/2027	30/08/2027	24/10/2027

* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).

Unit census dates currently displaying for 2027 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2027 will be available from the 1st October 2026. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

• explain the content of current science curriculum documents appropriately to primary school children
• evaluate planning decisions and teaching practices for their potential to initiate and support effective and equitable learning in primary science.
• develop and justify a repertoire of fair, valid and reliable assessment procedures for use in the teaching of primary science.
• select and organise teaching approaches and resources to plan a program for effective learning in science with appropriately embedded connections to the general capabilities and cross- curriculum priorities of the Australian curriculum.

Fee Information

Field of Education	Commencing Student Contribution 1,3	Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3	Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3	Domestic Full Fee 4
070103	$613.00	$613.00	not applicable

• Available as a Commonwealth Supported Place
• HECS-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility³
• FEE-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility⁴

¹ Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
² Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
³ Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
⁴ Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.

If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UniConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.

Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.

Requisites

Concurrent Prerequisites

EMT502

Teaching

Teaching Pattern	The lecture and MyLO page are the starting points for weekly learning activities. The tutorials are for the consolidation of concepts and follow up discussions.
Assessment	Analysis of Prior Knowledge (10%)|Determine Prior Understanding (40%)|Reflect on a Teaching Experience (50%)
Timetable	View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required

Skamp, K., & Preston, C. (Eds.) (2021). Teaching Primary Science Constructively (7th ed.). South Melbourne, Victoria, Australia: Cengage Learning. The Australian Curriculum, v9. https://v9.australiancurriculum.edu.au/

Recommended

Australian Academy of Science. Primary Connections. (This is a series of science units and materials for Primary schools published by the Australian Academy of Science). https://primaryconnections.org.au/ Bybee, R.W. (1997). Achieving Scientific Literacy: From purposes to practical action. Portsmouth: NH: Heinemann. Dawson, V. and Venville, G. (Eds.) (2007). The art of teaching primary science. Crows Nest, NSW: Allen & Unwin. Fleer, M., Jane, B., & Hardy, T. (2007). Science for children: Developing a personal approach to teaching (3rd. ed.) Sydney, NSW: Prentice Hall. Harlen, W. & Qualter A. (2009). The Teaching of Science in Primary School. (5th ed.) Oxon, UK: Routledge. Koch, J. (2013). Science stories: Science methods for elementary and middle school teachers. (5th ed.) Belmont, CA: Wadsworth. Johnson, J. (2005). Early explorations in science. Maidenhead: Open University Press. University of Tasmania (2015). APA. In Referencing and assignment writing. Retrieved from http://utas.libguides.com/content.php?pid=27520&sid=199805

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