Key facts
UNE unit code: EDSE312
*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 1 - On Campus
- Trimester 1 - Online
- Armidale Campus
- Yes
- No
- No
- 6
Unit information
Protecting and preserving the environment are among the biggest global challenges for the 21st Century. As a primary school teacher, you can lay the groundwork for children to be able to confront issues of environmental sustainability in the future.
Studying this unit will equip you with the skills to teach environmental science and technology for sustainability in the primary school years.
With a focus on the Australian environment and current issues of sustainability, you will examine and apply key concepts, attitudes, and skills in the NSW primary science and technology syllabus.
You will examine the role and key characteristics of education for sustainability in primary education and consider ways to integrate sustainability education into primary science and technology school lessons.
You will also explore ways to safely and effectively use a range of teaching tools, including digital technologies, in the classroom.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 1 | On Campus, Armidale Campus |
| Trimester 1 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
This unit addresses Australian Professional Standards for Teachers at the Graduate Stage, otherwise referred to as Graduate Teacher Standard Descriptors (GTSD).
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the concepts, substance and structure of the content and teaching strategies of the teaching areas of Science and Technology and of Education for Sustainability (GTSD 2.1.1, 2.5.1, 2.6.1);
- organise content into an effective learning and teaching sequence when designing science and technology lessons and with attention to the cross-curricular priority of sustainability, including use of digital technologies (GTSD 2.2.1, 2.6.1, 3.2.1, 3.3.1, 3.4.1);
- describe strategies that support students’ well-being and safety working within school and/or system, curriculum and legislative requirements by recognising the importance of safe learning environments and teaching practice in science and sustainability (GTSD 4.4.1);
- demonstrate broad knowledge of strategies and criteria that can be used to evaluate teaching programs to improve student learning, by critically evaluating contemporary Australian teaching resources and units of work for primary students/teachers within (i) primary Science and Technology, and (ii) education for sustainability themes (GTSD 2.1.1, 3.6.1); and
- articulate and justify their personal position in relation to the concepts of education for sustainability, and its implications for their professional practice within the Science and Technology KLA (GTSD 2.1.1).
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
| Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment 1 | Yes | 10% | All offerings | Online tasks.Relates to GTSD: 2.1.1, 2.2.1, 3.4.1 No. Words: 300 (equivalent) |
| Assessment 2 | Yes | 50% | All offerings | Planning a unit of work in science and sustainability. Relates to GTSD: 2.1.1, 2.2.1, 2.6.1, 3.2.1, 3.3.1, 3.4.1, 4.4.1 No. Words: 2000 |
| Assessment 3 | Yes | 40% | All offerings | Written assignment. Relates to GTSD: 2.1.1, 3.6.1, 4.4.1 No. Words: 1700 |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
Teaching Primary Science Constructively
ISBN: 9780170474814
Skamp, K. and Preston, C. (eds), Cengage Learning 8th ed. (Note 6th or 7th editions also acceptable) 2024
Text refers to: All offerings
NESA (2024) Science and Technology K-6 Syllabus.
NESA, NESA 2024
Text refers to: All offerings
NSW syllabus for the Australian Curriculum: Science and Technology K–6 Syllabus.
NESA, NESA 2017
Text refers to: All offerings
Educating for Sustainability in Primary Schools: Teaching for the Future
ISBN: 9789463000444
Taylor, N., Quinn, F. and Eames, C., Sense Publisher 2015
Text refers to: All offerings
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