Key facts
UNE unit code: EDSE101
*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

Science education in the primary and middle school years opens children’s eyes to the wonders of physics, biology, chemistry, earth and space sciences. As a teacher, you can lay the groundwork to inspire students in these junior years to explore the sciences as they progress through their education.
This entry-level unit gives you a foundation in selected school science topics that are covered in primary and middle school programs.
Studying this unit, you will examine ideas from the physical, biological, chemical and earth and space sciences as they relate to the following topics: Energy, Electricity, Movement and Forces, Materials and their properties, Chemical Reactions, Earth and Space, Weather and Environment and Living things and their properties.
This unit also aims at developing your knowledge of the nature of science, and scientific processes such as using scientific inquiry methods, and communicating scientific findings. No specific science content knowledge background will be assumed.
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
Students in the Pathways Enabling Course and TRACKS should note that the content of this unit is aimed at intending primary initial teacher education students and does not prepare students for first-year level learning in Science-based degrees.
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:
- develop knowledge and skills of school science topics;
- demonstrate an understanding of science processing skills;
- apply technologies to complete a range of activities; and
- communicate scientific information and skills to others.
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 | 45% | All offerings | Written task. No. Words: 1800 |
| Assessment 2 | Yes | 45% | All offerings | Written task. No. Words: 1800 |
| Assessment 3 | Yes | 10% | All offerings | Quizzes x 2 (5% each) No. Words: 400 (equivalent) |
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: 9780170472814
Skamp, K. and Preston, C. (eds), Cengage Learning 8th ed. 2024
Text refers to: All offerings
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