Key facts
UNE unit code: EDEC367
*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 2 - Online
- Trimester 3 - Online
- Yes
- No
- No
- 6
Unit information
This unit introduces you to the ‘big ideas’ of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) in early childhood education. You will explore how young children demonstrate STEM thinking in their play in diverse ways, depending on their developmental stage and play contexts.
By understanding the core disciplinary ideas in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, you will be able to recognise and respond to children’s thinking in what they make, say, and do. The unit equips you to identify and understand STEM learning in playful contexts, and to design integrated, multi-discipline STEM experiences that support inquiry, exploration, and problem-solving in early childhood settings.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 2 | Online |
| Trimester 3 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
This unit addresses ACECQA's Curriculum requirements, referred to as Curriculum Specifications (CS).
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:
- identify evidence of young children’s mathematical and engineering thinking during play (CS: 1.1, 2.1, 2.2, 3.1, 3.3, 4.1, 6.3)
- summarise the contribution of mathematical and engineering thinking to a play-based curriculum (CS: 2.1, 2.2, 3.1, 3.3);
- identify evidence of children’s learning about different forms of technology and how they are used (CS: 2.2, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 6.2, 6.5); and
- describe scientific process skills and language that children demonstrate during play and exploration (CS: 1.1, 2.2, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 5.3).
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 | 50% | All offerings | Presentation of information on children’s mathematical and engineering thinking aimed at parents, synthesising information on mathematical and engineering thinking from guiding documents. Relates to CS: 1.1, 1.2, 2.1, 2.2, 3.1, 3.3, 4.1, 6.3 No. Words: 2000 (equivalent) |
| Assessment 2 | Yes | 50% | All offerings | Examine how children demonstrate scientific process skills during playful learning experiences and critically evaluate how different technologies can be embedded to enhance, extend, and scaffold these skills. Relates to CS: 1.1, 2.2, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 6.2, 6.5 No. Words: 2000 (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.
Embedding STEAM in Early Childhood Education and Care.
ISBN: 9783030656249
Cohrssen, C., & Garvis, S. (Eds)., Palgrave Macmillan 2021
Text refers to: All offerings
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