Students

EDUC2190 – Opening Real Science: Specialisation in Primary Science and Mathematics

2020 – Session 2, Fully online/virtual

Notice

As part of Phase 3 of our return to campus plan, most units will now run tutorials, seminars and other small group learning activities on campus for the second half-year, while keeping an online version available for those students unable to return or those who choose to continue their studies online.

To check the availability of face to face activities for your unit, please go to timetable viewer. To check detailed information on unit assessments visit your unit's iLearn space or consult your unit convenor.

General Information

Download as PDF
Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff
Susan Busatto
Credit points Credit points
10
Prerequisites Prerequisites
80cp at 1000 level or above
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description

This unit promotes mathematical and scientific competencies within STEM education. Students select to study either the mathematics or science option. The mathematics option incorporates three online modules in mathematics education (Gateway to Numeracy, Smart Budgeting and Statistical Literacy). The science option incorporates three online modules in science education (Discovering Real Science through Big History, Frontiers of Real Science and Clocks in Rocks - focused on geological history). These modules have been purposefully designed to connect key themes in the historical development of scientific thinking and the future of cutting-edge scientific research, and to promote understanding of key aspects of numeracy for effective participation in modern society. The modules designed for this unit were developed under the Opening Real Science (ORS) project. This unit is relevant for students interested in developing STEM competencies and is recommended for teacher education students enrolled in early childhood or primary programs and other interested students. This unit is compulsory for students enrolled in specialisations in primary mathematics or science pre-service teacher education.

Important Academic Dates

Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

  • ULO1: Build knowledge and understanding of foundation scientific or mathematical concepts.
  • ULO2: Demonstrate an awareness of the scientific method and modern applications of science or mathematics.
  • ULO3: Develop an understanding of theories of inquiry based learning in mathematics or science education.
  • ULO4: Identify the ways that science or mathematics is used for effective participation in society.
  • ULO5: Develop communication skills, and learn how to construct a scientific or mathematical argument supported by evidence.

General Assessment Information

Assessment Presentation and Submission Guidelines

Please follow these guidelines when you submit each assignment:

  • Allow a left and right-hand margin of at least 2cm in all assignments.
  • Please type all assignments using 12-point font and 1.5 spacing.
  • All assessments must be submitted through Turnitin in .doc or .pdf format 
  • It is the responsibility of the student to ensure that all assessments are successfully submitted through Turnitin.
  • Faculty assignment cover sheets are NOT required.

Draft Submissions & Turnitin Originality Reports

  • Students may use Turnitin’s Originality Report as a learning tool to improve their academic writing if this option is made available in the unit.
  • Students are strongly encouraged to upload a draft copy of each assessment to Turnitin at least one week prior to the due date to obtain an Originality Report.
  • The Originality Report provides students with a similarity index that may indicate if plagiarism has occurred. Students will be able to make amendments to their drafts prior to their final submission on the due date.
  • Generally, one Originality Report is generated every 24 hours up to the due date.

Please note:

  • Students should regularly save a copy of all assignments before submission,
  • Students are responsible for checking that their submission has been successful and has been submitted by the due date and time.
  • You are required to use an appropriate form of software to present your assignments.
  • Please do NOT contact the Unit Convenor regarding iLearntechnical help. No extensions will be given for any technical issues. Allow enough time for your submissions. Assistance is available from IT Helpdesk ph: 1800 67 4357, or log a request at help.mq.edu.au. OneHelp is the online IT support service for both students and staff.

Assignment extensions and late penalties

 

  • Applications for extensions must be made via AskMQ according to the Special Consideration policy. Extensions can only be granted if they meet the Special Considerations policy and are submitted viahttps://ask.mq.edu.au/. This will ensure consistency in the consideration of such requests is maintained. 

 

  • Late Assessment Penalty Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved,  a)  a penalty for lateness will apply - two (2) marks out of 100 will be deducted per day for assignments submitted after the due date, and b) no assignment will be accepted more than seven (7) days (including weekends) after the original submission deadline.  No late submissions will be accepted for timed assessments - e.g. quizes, online tests. You are reminded that submitting even just 1 day late could be the difference between passing and failing a unit. Late penalties are applied by unit convenors or their delegates after tasks are assessed.

 

  • No assessable work will be accepted after the return/release of marked work on the same topic. If a student is still permitted to submit on the basis of unavoidable disruption, an alternative topic may be set. 

 

  • Students should keep an electronic file of all assessments. Claims regarding "lost" assessments cannot be made if the file cannot be produced. It is also advisable to keep an electronic file of all drafts and the final submission on a USB untouched/unopened after submission. This can be used to demonstrate easily that the assessment has not been amended after the submission date.

Requesting a re-assessment of an assignment

If you have evidence that your task has been incorrectly assessed against the grade descriptors you can request a re-mark. To request a re-mark you need to contact the unit convenor within 7 days of the date of return of the assignment and provide a detailed assessment of your script against the task criteria. Evidence from your assignment must be provided to support your judgements.

Note: Failed assessments cannot be re-marked as they are all double-marked as a part of the moderation process.

Please note: The outcome of a re-mark may be a higher/lower or unchanged grade. Grades are standards referencedand effort is NOT a criterion.

University policy on grading

Criteria for awarding grades for assessment tasks

Assignments will be awarded grades ranging from HD to F according to guidelines set out in the University's Grading Policy. The following descriptive criteria are included for your information.

Descriptive Criteria for awarding grades in the unit

In order to meet the unit outcomes and successfully pass this unit, students must make a genuine attempt at allassessment tasks. Where any submitted assessment task is considered to be unsatisfactory in this regard, the highest possible final grade that can be awarded for the unit will be 45.

Students will be awarded grades ranging from HD to F according to guidelines set out in the policy: https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policies/assessment-in-effect-from-session-2-2016

The following generic grade descriptors provide university-wide standards for awarding final grades.

 

Grade

Descriptor

HD

(High Distinction)

Provides consistent evidence of deep and critical understanding in relation to the learning outcomes. There is substantial originality and insight in identifying, generating and communicating competing arguments, perspectives or problem solving approaches; critical evaluation of problems, their solutions and their implications; creativity in application as appropriate to the discipline.

D

(Distinction)

Provides evidence of integration and evaluation of critical ideas, principles and theories, distinctive insight and ability in applying relevant skills and concepts in relation to learning outcomes. There is demonstration of frequent originality in defining and analysing issues or problems and providing solutions; and the use of means of communication appropriate to the discipline and the audience.

Cr

(Credit)

Provides evidence of learning that goes beyond replication of content knowledge or skills relevant to the learning outcomes. There is demonstration of substantial understanding of fundamental concepts in the field of study and the ability to apply these concepts in a variety of contexts; convincing argumentation with appropriate coherent justification; communication of ideas fluently and clearly in terms of the conventions of the discipline.

P

(Pass).

Provides sufficient evidence of the achievement of learning outcomes. There is demonstration of understanding and application of fundamental concepts of the field of study; routine argumentation with acceptable justification; communication of information and ideas adequately in terms of the conventions of the discipline. The learning attainment is considered satisfactory or adequate or competent or capable in relation to the specified outcomes

F

(Fail)

Does not provide evidence of attainment of learning outcomes. There is missing or partial or superficial or faulty understanding and application of the fundamental concepts in the field of study; missing, undeveloped, inappropriate or confusing argumentation; incomplete, confusing or lacking communication of ideas in ways that give little attention to the conventions of the discipline.

 

Note: If you fail a unit with a professional experience component the fail grade will be on your transcript irrespective of the timing of the placement.

Withdrawing from this UG Unit

If you are considering withdrawing from this unit, please seek academic advice viahttps://ask.m q.edu.aubefore doing so as this unit may be a co-requisite or prerequisite for units in the following sessions and may impact on your progression through the degree.

Results

Results shown in iLearn, or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.m q.edu.au.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Research Report 50% No WEEK 9, Friday, October 23, 8am.
Formal exam 50% No Exam Week

Research Report

Assessment Type 1: Essay
Indicative Time on Task 2: 30 hours
Due: WEEK 9, Friday, October 23, 8am.
Weighting: 50%

 

Report based on a research question related to your specialisation stream: Maths or Science & Technology. Specific details including the research questions to choose from will be provided in iLearn (Length 1500 words).

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Build knowledge and understanding of foundation scientific or mathematical concepts.
  • Demonstrate an awareness of the scientific method and modern applications of science or mathematics.
  • Develop an understanding of theories of inquiry based learning in mathematics or science education.
  • Identify the ways that science or mathematics is used for effective participation in society.
  • Develop communication skills, and learn how to construct a scientific or mathematical argument supported by evidence.

Formal exam

Assessment Type 1: Examination
Indicative Time on Task 2: 30 hours
Due: Exam Week
Weighting: 50%

 

Examination based on key topics covered over the whole semester. Duration will be 2 hours.

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Build knowledge and understanding of foundation scientific or mathematical concepts.
  • Demonstrate an awareness of the scientific method and modern applications of science or mathematics.
  • Develop communication skills, and learn how to construct a scientific or mathematical argument supported by evidence.

1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:

  • the academic teaching staff in your unit for guidance in understanding or completing this type of assessment
  • the Writing Centre for academic skills support.

2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation

Delivery and Resources

EDUC2190 has a full web presence through iLearn

Students will need regular access to a computer and the Internet to complete this unit.

Weekly access to iLearn is compulsory for all students. Important assessment information will be posted here, as will other relevant unit notices and materials.

Electronic links and suggested references will be included in the Resources section. Please check the iLearn unit regularly.

Access and technical assistance

Information for students about access to the online component of this unit is available at ilearn.mq.edu.au/login/MQ/. You will need to enter your student username and password.

Please do NOT contact the Unit Convenor regarding iLearn technical help.

No extensions will be given for any technical issues. Allow enough time for your submissions.

Assistance is available from IT Helpdesk ph: 1800 67 4357, or log a request at help.mq.edu.au. OneHelp is the online IT support service for both students and staff.

This unit requires students to use several ICT and software skills:

  • Internet access: The iLearn site contains materials for this unit; it is also required for the online submission of all Assessment Tasks, and for the use of Turnitin submission for ALL tasks. 
  • Word processing, visual representations, and document formatting: You are required to use an appropriate form of software to present your assignments.
  • Uploading of assessment tasks to iLearn.

Structure

The unit comprises two subject streams: mathematics and science. Students select one of the two streams before beginning any activities on iLearn.  Students should complete all activities for their selected stream in preparation for the exam.

Unit Schedule

Week beg

Maths Stream*

Science Stream*

Aug 10, 17, 24,

31

Module 1: Gateway to numeracy

Topic 1: what is mathematics?

Topic 2: Properties of numbers

Topic 3: What lies beneath statistics

Topic 4: Of what use is maths?

Module 1: Discovering real science through Big History

Topic 1: What is discovering real science through big history?

Topic 2: Real science and big history

Topic 3: Real science, stars and chemical elements

Topic 4: Real science and big planets`

Sept 7, 28,

Oct 5, 12

Module 2: Smart budgeting K-8 introduction

Topic 1: Simple money concepts and resources

Topic 2: Personal budgets

Topic 3: Business / organisational budgets

Topic 4: Government budgets

Module 2: Clocks in rocks

Topic 1: Rocks and minerals

Topic 2: Techniques

Topic 3: The early earth

Topic 4: Earth settling down

Oct 19, 26, Nov 2

Module 3: Statistical Literacy (Primary)

Topic 1: Using statistics in the real world

Topic 2: Critiquing statistical claims?

Topic 3: Using statistical reasoning.

Module 3: Frontiers of Real science.

Topic 1: Perceptions of science and scientists

Topic 2: Science with impact

Topic 3: Engage with a real scientist.

*Please note that some topics may vary slightly before commencement of the Module

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Students seeking more policy resources can visit the Student Policy Gateway (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/student-policy-gateway). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.

If you would like to see all the policies relevant to Learning and Teaching visit Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central).

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/study/getting-started/student-conduct​

Results

Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

Learning Skills

Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to help you improve your marks and take control of your study.

The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources. 

Student Services and Support

Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.

Student Enquiries

For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au

If you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au

IT Help

For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/

When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.