Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

Many people develop a life-long interest in astronomy and related topics as a result of initial studies at school. Preservice teachers need to be at the forefront of astronomy and understand contemporary, factual and theory-based information in this area relevant to the appropriate teaching level. The rapid pace of astronomical discoveries has meant information readily available in schools may be partially or completely incorrect. This unit provides you with opportunities to understand concepts in contemporary astronomy by linking knowledge and practical investigations for practical topics within the classroom.

Aims

The aims of this unit are to:

- Provide you with opportunities to demonstrate your understandings of basic theories and concepts of contemporary astronomy and earth science with particular emphasis on the interconnectedness between theory, knowledge, and practical investigations.
- Provide a platform for teaching through exploration of relevant pedagogical content knowledge, and a foundation for lifelong learning.

Objectives

On completion of this unit, you should be able to:

1. Gather, form and critique knowledge (or new configurations of knowledge) from a variety of sources [QCT Standard One]
2. As a scholar-educator-researcher, adopt a problem-solving and inquiry-based approach to your own learning and that of others [QCT Standard Three]
3. Implement learning opportunities that promote higher order thinking and critical inquiry, and are socially just and inclusive [QCT Standard Three]
4. Design learning experience programs that draw upon pedagogical, curriculum and assessment knowledge and skills, to respond to the diverse abilities and interests of all learners [QCT Standard One)
5. Model and promote inquiring, cooperative and independent approaches to learning [QCT Standard Three]

Content

This unit will cover the following topics on astronomy and Earth science.

Topics in Astronomy include:

- Ancient astronomers and the development of astronomy;
- Our universe, galaxies, and star constellations;
- Our Solar system with terrestrial and Jovian planets;
- Our Moon;
- The Sun,
- asteroids,
- meteors,
- and comets.

Topics in Earth science include:

- The Earth's structure;
- Plate tectonics;
- Erosion;
- Rocks and minerals;
- Meteorology;
- Seasons;
- Changes to Earth's climate;
- Weather systems and global patterns;
- Greenhouse effect;
- Weather instrumentation, measurements, and data interpretation.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

Lectures, directed and undirected reading, demonstrations, and practical activities in the laboratory and field will be used in this unit. All practical activities are designed to establish problem-solving techniques within a constructivist approach. The use of information technology will be demonstrated through lectures and you will use these technologies in your own investigations and research. Lecture/laboratory work: 3 hours per week.

Assessment

Formative assessment is provided through feedback in tutorial sessions and/or e-mail discussions and through written comments on initial assignment work. Summative assessment will be through two assessment items as below.

Assessment name: Part C
Description: A teaching resource package in which a broad conceptual plan for implementing a relevant topic in the classroom, school or community (Group submission)
Length: 1000 words
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 3 , 4, & 5
Weight: 20%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Group
Due date: Late semester

Assessment name: Final examination
Description: 2 hours
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 3 , 4, & 5
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: End of Semester

Assessment name: Part A
Description: A report of field-based observations in astronomy (individual submission)
Length: 700 words
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 3 , 4, & 5
Weight: 20%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Mid semester

Assessment name: Part B
Description: A research report on an Earth science topic (individual submission)
Length: 700 words as individual contribution to group)
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 3 , 4, & 5
Weight: 20%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Group with Individual Component
Due date: Week 11

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

Text

Broadfoot, J. B. (2004). Weather and climate. Brisbane: QUT.

Broadfoot, J. B., Ginns, I., & Lucas, K. B. (2003). The changing sky: Observational exercises in astronomy. Brisbane: QUT.

Lutgens, F. K., & Tarbuck, E. J. (2005). Foundations of earth science. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall.

Seeds, M. A. (2007). Foundations of astronomy. Belmont, CA: Thomson.

Risk assessment statement

There are no out-of-the-ordinary risks associated with the general conduct of this unit. Workplace Health and Safety protocols in relation to computer use will apply. This unit may entail working in potentially hazardous sites and with heavy equipment. To participate in these activities you must follow any instructions given by your lecturer and you must abide by the regulations set out in the Information for Students booklet provided to you by the School of Mathematics, Science and Technology Education. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have a copy of this booklet and that you have read the contents of the document.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 31-Oct-2012