MGUNA201 Natural Science 1, module 2 - Physics and chemistry for lower secondary school

Contents and structure

Natural Science 1 is composed of two courses, each worth 15 credits:

• The Living Nature 1
• Physics and Chemistry for lower secondary school

Through Natural Science 1, pupils encounter key scientific and science education themes relevant to teaching science in primary school for grades 5.-10.

The course provides pupils with academic confidence in topics within physics, chemistry, geology, and technology that are central to science for grades 5.-10. The student develops skills and general competence in working with natural science with pupils at lower secondary school, and guides pupils in the transition between the school stages. The development of pupils' sensory perception, sense of discovery, wonder, appreciation of nature, and scientific language is an essential part of this competence. Pupils also learn to facilitate exploratory teaching, where both subject matter and teaching methods are considered.

The course plan follows the progression in practice and interdisciplinary themes as outlined in the study program plan and the practice course plan for the current year.

The course can be taught in English if three or more exchange pupils choose the course.

Learning Outcome

Upon completion of this course, pupils should have the following overall learning outcomes:

Knowledge

The student:

• Has knowledge of the naming, structure, and properties of common chemical substances, and can use the periodic table to explain this.
• Has knowledge of calculating amounts of substance and mass.
• Has knowledge of using various types of models to explain and concretize different phenomena in chemistry and physics.
• Has knowledge that the concept of energy can connect different phenomena within physics and chemistry, and can illustrate this through practical and varied teaching.
• Has knowledge of models for the solar system and can explain how these can be used to understand various distant and nearby phenomena.
• Has knowledge of waves, sound, and light, is familiar with experiments and activities that can be explained with knowledge of various wave phenomena, such as the greenhouse effect.
• Has basic knowledge of the geological cycle, plate tectonics, and external forces, and how geology, together with physics and chemistry, is used to understand climate and the Earth's development over time.
• Has knowledge of weather and climate and can relate it to issues regarding education for sustainability.
• Has basic knowledge of technology and digital tools related to natural science, and understands the purpose of technology as a topic in school.
• Has basic knowledge of exploratory methods and how this is related to pupils' development of scientific language.

Skills

The student:

• Can conduct interdisciplinary teaching that connects physics, geoscience, chemistry, and technology.
• Can use relevant equipment to conduct activities and measurements, and assess necessary safety measures.
• Can make connections between observations and models.
• Can use scientific knowledge for simple problem-solving.
• Can conduct scientific teaching with a focus on technology and programming, using relevant digital tools.

General Competence

The student:

• Can analyze and use the current curriculum to develop and evaluate their own science teaching.
• Can facilitate the transition between the school's age levels.
• Can discuss their own role, practices, and development opportunities as a science teacher.
• Has insight into science and the role of science teachers in education for sustainability.
• Has basic knowledge of scientific practices and ways of thinking as a basis for critical thinking.

Entry requirements

None

Recommended previous knowledge

It is advantageous to have had science (physics, chemistry, and other relevant subjects) from upper secondary school.

Teaching methods

Teaching methods will vary between lectures, demonstrations, laboratory work, problem-solving, and teaching exercises. Emphasis will be placed on methods suitable for the primary and middle school levels. Parts of the curriculum must be studied through self-study, and it is recommended to work with the material through study groups.

Compulsory learning activities

Throughout the semester, pupils must continuously complete obligatory learning activities that document the development of academic and didactic competence. These may include:

• Participation and journaling from three practical exercises.
• Oral presentation of practical work.
• Two didactic assignments, where at least one involves the use of digital equipment and one is related to outdoor teaching.

Detailed descriptions and guidelines for the obligatory learning activities will be provided at the start of the semester. Obligatory learning activities must be completed by the specified deadlines and approved to be eligible for examination.

Assessment

School exam, 6 hours.

All parts of the exam (chemistry, physics, and geoscience) must be passed.

Graded on a scale from A-F, where F corresponds to a fail.

Examination support material

Tables and formulas in physics and chemistry, calculator.

More about examination support material