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PED150

Primary Science Curriculum And Methods

  • Education
  • 100 level
  • 2 credit units
  • 65 pages
  • 14 units

This course introduces students to the primary science curriculum and effective teaching methods. It explores the meaning and history of science, curriculum development principles, and various teaching methodologies suitable for primary school science. The course also covers basic foundations of science, including biology, chemistry, and physics, and integrates current issues like environmental education, drug abuse, and HIV/AIDS into the curriculum.

About this course

Difficulty
Beginner
Study hours
50 hours
Maths
Basic
Content
Theoretical, practical
Practical work
Yes
How it is assessed
  • Assignments
  • Tutor marked assignments
  • Final examination

One paragraph, so you can see how it reads

PED150 · UNIT 1 UNDERSTANDING SCIENCE AND HISTORY OF SCIENCE

In Britain, Nuffield Science Project (NSP) was established in 1962 under the auspices of Nuffield foundation. In 1965, Africa also came into limelight with the inauguration of the African Primary Science Programme (APSP) which later became Science Education Programme for Africa (SEPA).

What you should be able to do

  1. Define science and explain its historical development.
  2. Describe the principles of curriculum development for primary science.
  3. Apply various teaching methods effectively in primary science education.
  4. Explain basic concepts in biology, chemistry, and physics.
  5. Discuss the structure and function of cells.
  6. Describe the principles of machines, pulleys, and friction.
  7. Explain the importance of environmental education and its key concepts.
  8. Discuss the causes and consequences of drug abuse and misuse.
  9. Describe the transmission and prevention of HIV/AIDS.

What it prepares you for

Careers
  • Primary School Teacher
  • Science Educator
  • Curriculum Developer
  • Educational Consultant
  • Science Communicator
Where it is applied
  • Education
  • Curriculum Development
  • Science Outreach
  • Public Health
  • Environmental Conservation

Where it gets hard

The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.

  • Module 3: Basic Foundations of Primary Science

    Unit 2: Introduction to Chemistry

    Understanding the chemical properties of water requires grasping complex interactions at a molecular level, which can be challenging for primary school teachers without a strong chemistry background.

  • Module 3: Basic Foundations of Primary Science

    Unit 5: Machines, Pulleys and Friction

    The concepts of velocity ratio and mechanical advantage require a solid understanding of mathematical principles and their application to real-world scenarios, which can be difficult for some learners.

A suggested way through it

Suggested

13 weeks, about 47 hours in total. Yours will differ.

  1. Week 1Module 1: Meaning, History of Science and Science Teaching in Nigeria
    • Unit 1: Understanding Science and History of Science · 2 hours

      Read the unit introduction and objectives.. Define science and explain its importance.. Discuss the history of science and its teaching in Nigeria.. Complete Self Assessment Exercise 1.. Reflect on the tutor-marked assignment questions..

    • Unit 2: Primary Science Education · 2 hours

      Review the rationale for teaching primary science.. Identify the objectives of teaching primary science.. Discuss the suggested steps for effective primary science learning.. Complete Self Assessment Exercise 2.. Summarize the key points of the unit..

  2. Week 2Module 2: Curriculum and Primary Science Teaching Methods
    • Unit 1: Basic Principles of Curriculum Development and Primary Science · 2 hours

      Define curriculum and differentiate it from related terms.. Identify the elements of curriculum.. Explain what curriculum is not.. Complete Self Assessment Exercise.. Reflect on the tutor-marked assignment questions..

    • Unit 2: The Elements of Curriculum · 2 hours

      Explore the aims and objectives of curriculum.. Identify the sources of aims and objectives.. Discuss the classes of objectives.. Complete Self Assessment Exercise 1.. Summarize the key points of the unit..

  3. Week 3Module 2: Curriculum and Primary Science Teaching Methods
    • Unit 3: Methods of Teaching Primary Science · 3 hours

      Examine different methods of teaching primary science.. Discuss the problem-solving method and its advantages and disadvantages.. Explore the role-play method and its advantages and disadvantages.. Complete Self Assessment Exercise 1.. Reflect on the tutor-marked assignment questions..

  4. Week 4Module 2: Curriculum and Primary Science Teaching Methods
    • Unit 4: Resources for Primary Science Teaching · 2 hours

      Identify resources for primary science teaching.. Discuss human resources and their importance.. Explore material resources and their role.. Complete Self Assessment Exercise 1.. Summarize the key points of the unit..

  5. Week 5Module 3: Basic Foundations of Primary Science
    • Unit 1: Introduction to Biology · 2 hours

      Introduce the study of biology.. Discuss the characteristics of living things.. Explore movement, reproduction, and nutrition.. Complete Self Assessment Exercise 1.. Reflect on the tutor-marked assignment questions..

  6. Week 6Module 3: Basic Foundations of Primary Science
    • Unit 1: Introduction to Biology · 2 hours

      Continue exploring the characteristics of living things: respiration, growth, excretion, irritability.. Discuss the classification of living things.. Explore the classification of plants and animals.. Complete Self Assessment Exercise 2.. Summarize the key points of the unit..

  7. Week 7Module 3: Basic Foundations of Primary Science
    • Unit 2: Introduction to Chemistry · 2 hours

      Introduce the study of chemistry.. Discuss the classification of matter.. Explore physical classification: solid, liquids, and gases.. Complete Self Assessment Exercise 1.. Reflect on the tutor-marked assignment questions..

  8. Week 8Module 3: Basic Foundations of Primary Science
    • Unit 2: Introduction to Chemistry · 2 hours

      Continue exploring chemistry: air and water.. Discuss the characteristics and uses of air.. Explore air pollution and its sources and effects.. Complete Self Assessment Exercise 2.. Summarize the key points of the unit..

  9. Week 9Module 3: Basic Foundations of Primary Science
    • Unit 2: Introduction to Chemistry · 2 hours

      Continue exploring chemistry: water.. Discuss the uses and treatment of water.. Explore the physical and chemical properties of water.. Complete Self Assessment Exercise 2.. Reflect on the tutor-marked assignment questions..

  10. Week 10Module 3: Basic Foundations of Primary Science
    • Unit 3: Introduction to Physics · 2 hours

      Introduce the study of physics.. Discuss measurement and its importance.. Explore the use of measuring instruments.. Complete Self Assessment Exercise 1.. Reflect on the tutor-marked assignment questions..

    • Unit 3: Introduction to Physics · 2 hours

      Continue exploring physics: light and sound.. Discuss the sources and properties of light.. Explore phenomena resulting from light traveling in a straight line.. Complete Self Assessment Exercise 2.. Summarize the key points of the unit..

  11. Week 11Module 3: Basic Foundations of Primary Science
    • Unit 4: Cell Structure and Physiology · 2 hours

      Introduce the study of cell structure and physiology.. Discuss the similarities and differences between plant and animal cells.. Explore reproduction and heredity.. Complete Self Assessment Exercise 1.. Reflect on the tutor-marked assignment questions..

    • Unit 4: Cell Structure and Physiology · 2 hours

      Continue exploring cell structure and physiology: reproduction in plants and animals.. Discuss heredity, dominant genes, and recessive genes.. Explore the application of genetics to agriculture.. Complete Self Assessment Exercise 2.. Summarize the key points of the unit..

  12. Week 12Module 3: Basic Foundations of Primary Science
    • Unit 5: Machines, Pulleys and Friction · 2 hours

      Introduce the study of machines, pulleys, and friction.. Define a machine and differentiate between simple and complex machines.. Explore machine and friction.. Complete Self Assessment Exercise 1.. Reflect on the tutor-marked assignment questions..

    • Unit 5: Machines, Pulleys and Friction · 2 hours

      Continue exploring machines, pulleys, and friction: types of simple machines.. Discuss inclined machines, screws, and pulleys.. Explore the advantages of friction.. Complete Self Assessment Exercise 2.. Summarize the key points of the unit..

  13. Week 13Module 4: Current Infusion into Primary Science Curriculum
    • Unit 1: Environmental Education (EE) · 2 hours

      Introduce environmental education.. Discuss the aims and objectives of environmental education.. Explore global warming and ozone depletion.. Complete Self Assessment Exercise 1.. Reflect on the tutor-marked assignment questions..

    • Unit 1: Environmental Education (EE) · 2 hours

      Continue exploring environmental education: water pollution and loss of biodiversity.. Discuss the causes and effects of water pollution.. Explore the causes and consequences of loss of biodiversity.. Complete Self Assessment Exercise 2.. Summarize the key points of the unit..

    • Unit 2: Drug Abuse and Drug Misuse · 2 hours

      Introduce drug abuse and drug misuse.. Discuss the causes of drug abuse and misuse.. Explore the types of drugs commonly abused and misused.. Complete Self Assessment Exercise 1.. Reflect on the tutor-marked assignment questions..

    • Unit 2: Drug Abuse and Drug Misuse · 2 hours

      Continue exploring drug abuse and drug misuse: consequences.. Discuss the consequences of drug abuse and misuse.. Explore methods of prevention.. Complete Self Assessment Exercise 2.. Summarize the key points of the unit..

    • Unit 3: HIV/AIDS · 2 hours

      Introduce HIV/AIDS.. Discuss the origin of HIV/AIDS.. Explore transmission and symptoms of HIV/AIDS.. Complete Self Assessment Exercise 1.. Reflect on the tutor-marked assignment questions..

    • Unit 3: HIV/AIDS · 2 hours

      Continue exploring HIV/AIDS: prevention and society.. Discuss methods of prevention.. Explore the society and people living with HIV/AIDS.. Complete Self Assessment Exercise 2.. Summarize the key points of the unit..

Preparing for the exam

What to do
  • Create detailed concept maps linking key topics from Modules 1-4.
  • Practice explaining scientific concepts from Units 1-3 in simple terms.
  • Review all self-assessment exercises and tutor-marked assignments.
  • Focus on understanding the differences between various teaching methods.
  • Study the characteristics of living things and the basics of cell structure.
  • Understand the causes and effects of environmental issues like global warming.
  • Review the modes of transmission and prevention strategies for HIV/AIDS.

Questions students ask about this course

What is PED150 about?

This course introduces students to the primary science curriculum and effective teaching methods. It explores the meaning and history of science, curriculum development principles, and various teaching methodologies suitable for primary school science. The course also covers basic foundations of science, including biology, chemistry, and physics, and integrates current issues like environmental education, drug abuse, and HIV/AIDS into the curriculum.

How many units does PED150 have?

PED150, Primary Science Curriculum And Methods, has 14 units across 4 modules, over 65 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.

How many credit units is PED150?

PED150 carries 2 credit units, at 100 level in Education.

Is PED150 hard?

PED150 is rated beginner level, with basic mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical and practical work, and it has a practical component.

How long does PED150 take to study?

About 50 hours of study, spread across its 14 units.

How is PED150 assessed?

PED150 is assessed by assignments, tutor marked assignments and final examination.

What can I do with PED150?

Primary School Teacher, Science Educator, Curriculum Developer, Educational Consultant and Science Communicator.

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