EDF3035 · Investigating our world: Science, technology, environment, arts and mathematics (STEAM)

Overview

This unit focuses on how young children develop understandings in science, technology, arts, environment and mathematics (STEAM) in a variety of cultural contexts. You will research everyday environments at home and in the community to develop an understanding of a range of key theories and pedagogies for in everyday practices. The teaching of these areas is examined from a range of theoretical perspectives and in relation to relevant regional/national curricula. Attention is paid to learning across the institutional contexts of home, early childhood setting and classrooms and you are expected to research and conceptualise both pedagogies and programs in ways that promote and meaningfully engage young children's learning of STEAM.

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items. That is not a guarantee there is none.

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

The Handbook lists no prerequisite, corequisite or prohibition for this unit.

Learning outcomes

1. apply advanced theoretical knowledge of how young children learn STEAM and sustainability concepts in everyday contexts
2. analyse and apply relevant global and local policy, curriculum and pedagogical frameworks that inform teaching and learning in STEAM and sustainability for children from birth to eight years
3. critique a range of pedagogical approaches that support children's learning in science, emerging technologies, the environment, arts and mathematics
4. critically examine the role of culture, place and world views in shaping STEAM knowledges
5. design and incorporate inclusive STEAM and sustainability learning experiences that support children’s learning from birth to eight years
6. plan and create high-level teaching and learning resources showcasing ways for discerning children's learning of STEAM and sustainability in local learning environments.

Workload

The minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per teaching period comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. Usually, you can expect to engage with: Kaplan enrolment • 18 hours of scheduled learning delivered synchronously on campus and/or online via regular directed learning activities; • 6 hours of scheduled learning delivered online via synchronous and/or asynchronous directed learning activities; and • the remaining hours to be allocated towards self-directed/independent study Scheduled learning activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.