EDU30011 - Assignment 1 - Essay
EDU30011 - Assignment 1 - Essay
EDU30011 - Assignment 1 - Essay
Assignment 1: Essay
Jody Zonneveld- 101025075
Due 02/12/19
Science gives us the fundamental learning of language and mathematics, allows for the
wonderment of how the natural world works, and now more than even can prepare
[ACARA], 2018a).
When we explore the idea of science within a primary setting, it is undeniable that there
is genuine importance of its inclusion. Through the learning of science students can
inquisitiveness about the world around them, students cultivate critical and imaginative
thinking skills that are transferable to all aspects of life and study. By challenging
strengthening their 'scientific literacy'. When looking at the broader gains of this
and can see the changes made to that environment through human action (Skamp,
2015).
When we as eductors foster a students ability to reflect and respond in scientific ways,
we help to develop more comprehensive abilities, allowing students to grow into self-
motivated, positive, and active members of the community (Duit, & Treagust, 2003).
This essay will aim to explore the role of an educator as a nurturer, to bolster and
cultivate and our ability to increase and encourage the learning of science, prepare and
influence students and their career choices through the dissection of two quotes.
Science education is important due to its relevance to students’ lives and the
universally applicable problem-solving and critical thinking skills it uses and develops.
Science aims to ensure that students develop an interest in science as a means of
expanding their curiosity and willingness to explore, ask questions about and
changing and more overbearing workforce commitments, and further demands of
economic competitiveness. All of these concerns placed more pressure and increased
study load on students as they hope to be more prepared to enter today's workforce
and be sufficiently qualified to engage in and add to today's society (Levy and Murnane
Here in Australia, we are fortunate to be working within a progressive and international
recognised curriculum that genuinely values all aspects of science and scientific
The Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (2018) states that
and relevant science theories, concepts and methods. The application and study of
sciences enrich our culture, society, and our lives. Here it is possible to see that
skills that develop and are related to the learning of science (ACARA, 2018c).
Science within the Australian Curriculum has three interdependent sections, science
2018). ACARA establishes that the practice of the three strands of science
understanding, science as a human endeavour and science inquiry skills are closely
integrated and because of this closeness the three should be taught in and combined
way. ACARA states as students advance into the curriculum they will examine how
ACARA says "Together, the three strands of the science curriculum provide students
with understanding, knowledge and skills through which they can develop a scientific
view of the world. Students are challenged to explore science, its concepts, nature and
The curriculum promotes students to advance their scientific knowledge and inquiry, in
other words, their scientific literacy. Students gain understanding and experiences and
make informed judgments about not only global but local, and national issues on a
Students need to be involved and present in the learning process and when a student
is engaged and encouraged in the topic or subject by a passionate teacher they are
naturally more likely to ask further questions and be more interested in the subject as a
whole (Kelly, 2000). Scientific literacy offers students the capability to make sense and
students gain a broader knowledge of the world/ universe around them (ACARA,
2018g).
promote and nurture the genuine benefit of science in our everyday lives. By helping
offering an authentic and beneficial learning experience (Sumida & Taber, 2017).
Fleer in Science for Children (2015) states "Science as a human endeavour also
considers science as a unique way of knowing and doing, where it must be
acknowledged that making decisions about science practices and applications take
Teachers need to projects that there are tremendous individual benefits to learning
collecting information, promoting the capacity to ask questions, organise and question
ideas and resolve problems or puzzles. Furthermore, science may contribute to an
studying at the world around us —a world that is becoming exceedingly more shaped
may not be shared by our students. It is our responsibility to encourage and motivate
science, they will be able to correlate sciences to things that are previously natural and
relevant to them (ACARA, 2014b). Students will learn to discuss and investigate
subjects that may influence their lives and the course of society and the prospect of
the world. Students will explore scientific concepts and how they contribute to
technological change. Students will see that these changes impact medicine, business
and industry, furthermore enhancing quality of life (Sumida & Taber, 2017).
With the help of educators, students need to discern that science is an essential and
engaging subject, having the potential to invigorate interest in the physical world.
Moreover, scientific literacy stimulates the enquiring qualities and imagination required
individual learning and thinking skills, students have opportunities to prepare and
Some may argue that science within the primary years is fruitless (Mongeau, 2018),
(2012) examines an influential push during the 1970s and 1980s, where teachers
experience and increased scientific literacy, helping to influence study and career
choices making science a welcome and worthwhile addition to the primary classroom.
This essay has discussed the importance of scientific literacy and the role of the
Australian curriculum in providing this. ACARA provides teachers with motivation and
solid knowledge to help students learn. Via a three-strand science approach, ACARA
2018i).
Problem-solving and critical thinking skills remain powerful and every present
As educators, we must remain aware of our student's needs and abilities, but also the
ever-changing world around us and the value of teaching for the future. By
encouraging and motivating students to strive for and be proud of their own scientific