The Practice (PCK) of Teaching Science (9889.2)

Required texts

Required Text:

Gregson, R. and Doidge, N. (Eds.) (2018). Connecting with Science Education 2^nd Ed. Victoria, Australia: Oxford University Press. 9780190309343. Available from the School Locker. 

Recommended Texts:

Skamp, K., (2015). Teaching primary science constructively 5^th Ed. Cengage Learning, South Melbourne.

Fitzgerald, A. (Ed.). (2013). Learning and Teaching Primary Science. Cambridge University Press.

Fleer, M. (2015). Science for Children. Cambridge University Press.

Murdoch, K. (2015) The Power of Inquiry. Seastar Education. (From http://www.kathmurdoch.com.au/shop/).

Additional resources will be made available on the unit Canvas site or through the library.

Submission of assessment items

Extensions & Late submissions

Special assessment requirements

Normally an aggregate mark of 50% is required to pass the unit. In addition to this, the required Professional Experience must be passed to receive a pass in this unit.

Use of text matching software

Please note that the University takes student conduct very seriously. All documentation provided to University staff must be valid and the provision of fraudulent documentation carries with it potentially serious consequences, including suspension and/or exclusion from the University. Note that all allegations of student misconduct will be referred to the Associate Dean for Education (ADE) as a prescribed authority for investigation.

Learner engagement

Face-to face workshops on campus or at a participating school: 33 hours

Readings, online learning activities and assessment preparation: 68 hours

Lesson and workshop preparation: 49 hours

Participation requirements

Active participation in the face-to-face classes is required in order to demonstrate the achievement of learning outcomes (a, b, c and d). Refer to assessment (5b) on the Canvas site for further details.

Attendance at all scheduled sessions in this unit is compulsory and absences could result in a fail. All absences need to be supported by appropriate documentation (e.g. medical certificate).

Successful engagement with all learning activities in this accredited Initial Teacher Education course is necessary to demonstrate that you have met the Graduate career stage of the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (AITSL, 2011).

It is recognised that sometimes absence is unavoidable. If you are absent for more than two sessions, however, your engagement with the unit could be considered unsatisfactory.

Successful completion of the professional experience component (equivalent to 3.5 days) is critical to success in the whole unit.  Refer to assessment (5a) on the Canvas site for further details. Students must make themselves familiar with the processes and policies of professional experience.

Participation in ‘school based' tutorial classes is a compulsory condition of this unit, and attendance will be recorded. You must participate in 100% of the ‘school based' tutorial classes to pass this unit. In the event that you cannot attend your assigned session due to illness or extreme circumstances, you must provide appropriate documentation to the Unit Convener as soon as possible. In the case of sessions missed due to illness or extreme circumstances, both the academic content and the professional experience component are required to be made up. More than two documented absences may lead to failure of the unit due to non-completion.

*Note: This unit commences with weeks 1 on campus (see timetable for rooms) and weeks 2 to 8 will be school-based, to meet accreditation requirements of 3.5 days professional experience.

Required IT skills

It is an expectation of this Unit that students can present all submissions in a word processed format. Students should keep copies of all submitted work. Students should also become familiar with Microsoft/Apple applications such as: Excel, PowerPoint and Word or equivalent Mac applications.

In-unit costs

Purchase of text/s is the principal cost associated with this Unit, as well as related resource costs for the teaching clinic sessions.

Work placement, internships or practicums

This is a Work Integrated Learning (WIL) unit, and therefore additional student responsibilities are required in addition to those described in section 6. This unit involves Teaching Clinics and hence requires strict adherence to professional practice and principles and ethics. School, student, and/or research participant confidentiality must always be maintained, including for assessment items such as reports or essays etc. The professional nature of this unit also requires 100% attendance at all WIL learning activities for the successful completion of this unit. If attendance requirements cannot be satisfied (e.g. timetable clash), it is recommended that you meet with your course adviser to re-schedule this unit for a future semester.

Due to the professional experience/ WIL nature of this unit students are expected to wear appropriate clothing/shoes that reflects the status of being a teacher, generally as a guide this would be smart casual. Please note that some schools do not allow jeans, t-shirts or denim. If you are unsure please discuss this with the unit convener. Students are also required to ensure that their name badges are visible at all times while on school campus.   

As this is a professional experience/WIL unit students are required to undergo a Working with Vulnerable People (WWVP) background check to undertake a placement for the unit. Students are responsible for arranging their own checks through the ACT Office of Regulatory Services and should register as a volunteer. There is no cost for the application when doing so.

Additional information

• Semester 1, 2021, On-Campus, UC - Canberra, Bruce (200872)
• Semester 1, 2020, On-Campus, UC - Canberra, Bruce (193513)
• Semester 1, 2019, On-Campus, UC - Canberra, Bruce (186818)
• Semester 1, 2018, On-Campus, UC - Canberra, Bruce (182649)