Teaching Science and Technology With Imagination
Tuesdays 24 April & 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 May 2007
4–6pm
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Overview
It is well documented that students’ achievement levels can be increased through motivation and interest. This program encourages teachers to develop innovative strategies for utilising toys to improve science and technology outcomes in primary age children.
While 'Teaching Science and Technology With Imagination' focuses on the value of learning through enjoyable tasks with familiar objects, it also stresses that teaching in the science and technology key learning area must focus on the development of conceptual understanding in combination with learning processes.
Learning Outcomes
As a result of successfully completing this course, teachers should:
- be knowledgeable about and skilled in the Key Learning Area of Science and Technology;
- see toys as both powerful teaching and learning tools and evaluate their effectiveness in different situations;
- be able to develop the capacity to critically analyse and reflect on ways to use toys creatively in their teaching of Science and Technology to K-6 students;
- be able to engage with and understand the nexus between practice, theory and research and as a result, justify the use of toys as teaching aids in the primary curriculum;
- reflect on current research regarding the value of the Science and Technology as a central component of the curriculum.
Presenter
Dr Christine Preston
Associate Lecturer in Primary Curriculum Studies
Faculty of Education and Social Work, The University of Sydney
I began my teaching career as a secondary science teacher and received the inaugural Rotary Club of Sydney Award for Innovation and Excellence in the Vocation of Teaching. I commenced lecturing as a secondary science teacher educator at Macquarie University. After completing my masters degree I conducted educational research and taught K-12 in a field studies centre before moving into the field of primary science teacher education (also at Macquarie). I taught primary science K-6 at Abbotsleigh Junior School where I continue to teach kindergarten science on a weekly basis. I have lectured in early childhood science, primary pedagogy and science and technology and secondary science teacher education at Macquarie University in a variety of part-time and full-time positions since 1997. I was awarded an Inaugural NSW Minister for Education and Training & The Australian College of Education NSW Chapter Quality Teaching Award in 2001 being the first Lecturer from Macquarie University to receive this award.
My research interests are primary science education; primary students’ understanding of scientific diagrams, teaching science and technology with toys, and marine education
Format
Six Tuesday evening workshops, 4-6pm.
Program
| 24 April |
Course introduction. Grappling with gravity - Investigating a range of different 'gravity' toys; designing and making a gravity toy; and using toys to support children's learning about the concept of gravity. | |
| 1 May |
Pedagogy with puppets - Exploring the use of puppets in teaching including investigating a range of puppets; developing and performing a lesson sequence involving puppets; and discussing research. | |
| 8 May |
Motivators, meaning-makers and managers - Investigating a wide range of toys for lesson starters; supporting concept development and classroom management; and evaluating the effectiveness of toys used for different teaching purposes. | |
| 15 May |
Technology toys - Investigating toys for teaching about technology; and designing and making a technology toy. | |
| 22 May |
Lessons with Lego - Introducing a range of Lego resources including Lego Dacta and Lego Robotics, and considering their use in Science and Technology lessons; and development of fine motor skills and fair testing using Lego cars. | |
| 29 May |
Toys for Teaching - Student presentations of Teaching Toys. |
Accreditation
On completion of the program you may be eligible to apply for partial exemption from a unit of study in the primary science program, MTeach and BTeach.
Fees & Registration
Six evening workshops - $420 GST inclusive (includes catering and materials)
Infomation for visitors
Venue:
Science Education Lab - Rm 433
Old Teachers College
The University of Sydney
Camperdown NSW
Download a PDF map of the campus. The Old Teachers College is located next to the Education Building on Manning Road. It is north of 'The Square', near the geographical centre of the Camperdown campus.
Please find University of Sydney Camperdown campus parking information here.
Please find public transport information here.
Contact
On administrative matters, including registration, please contact at the DPL.
For course content enquiries, please contact