MGUNA301 Natural Science 2, module 1 - Physics and chemistry in education for sustainability

Contents and structure

Natural Science 2 is composed of two courses, each worth 15 credits:

• Natural Science 2, module 1 - Physics and Chemistry in Education for Sustainability
• Natural Science 2, module 2 - The Living Nature 2

Both courses are scheduled for the spring semester of the third year of study, and provisions are made for exchange programs during this semester.

Natural Science 2 complements Natural Science 1 in both breadth and depth, with a focus on the environment and sustainable development in the course.

Subject matter and teaching methods are considered in context, and the topics covered are intended to provide both academic and didactic competence for working with key areas of science for grades 5.-10. in primary and lower secondary school. Note that we in Norway use didactic in an germanic tradition and not in an aglo-american tradition.

Natural Science 2, module 1 builds upon Natural Science 1, module 2. Through this course, you will gain deeper knowledge in physics and chemistry, with a connection to technology and environmental and climate issues. You will learn to build progression from initial learning to the acquisition of more advanced and complex conceptual structures. Additionally, you will further develop your ability to guide exploratory work and enhance students' exploratory skills. Subject matter and teaching methods are considered in context.

The course plan follows the progression in practice and in the overarching 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 students choose the course.

Learning Outcome

Knowledge

The student

• Has knowledge of various substances' cycles in nature and their role in human-induced changes in the environment.
• Possesses knowledge of organic substances used in everyday life.
• Has in-depth knowledge of chemical reactions and the calculation of concentrations and preparation of solutions.
• Has knowledge of how context-based teaching methods can be linked to scientific, ethical, and environmental issues.
• Is knowledgeable about electronics, gravity, and electromagnetism related to the production of electrical energy.
• Has knowledge of the development of models in physics in the 20th century and how this created new insights from the smallest to the largest scales.
• Understands how natural science has developed various models and how such models are used to understand scientific ideas.
• Has in-depth knowledge of exploratory teaching and can relate it to scientific practices and ways of thinking.

Skills

The student

• Can handle chemicals and create chemical mixtures and solutions.
• Can assess uncertainty and sources of error in measurements.
• Can apply knowledge in physics and chemistry in relation to issues related to technology and society.
• Can facilitate creative, practical exploratory teaching in science that provides good progression between different stages.
• Can analyze, evaluate, and document students' learning and provide learning-promoting feedback in science.
• Can find, evaluate, and refer to scientific and science education research, information, and content and use it in teaching and discussions with colleagues.

General Competence

The student

• Has a research-based approach to their own practice as a science teacher.
• Has insight into the specific role of science as a general educational subject.
• Can relate their role as a science teacher to ethical, social, economic, and political issues related to science and technology in society.

Entry requirements

None

Recommended previous knowledge

Natural Science 1, module 2 - Physics and chemistry for lower secondary school or similar.

Teaching methods

The teaching methods will vary between lectures, demonstrations, laboratory work, problem-solving, and teaching exercises. Emphasis will be placed on methods suitable for the primary school level.

Parts of the curriculum must be studied through self-study. It is recommended to process the study material through study groups (kollokvier).

Compulsory learning activities

Throughout the semester, students will continuously engage in mandatory learning activities that document the development of academic and didactic competence. These activities will include:

• Tasks related to practical experience.
• Outdoor teaching using digital tools.
• Visiting a local business and writing a reflection note.
• Participation in teaching related to a socio-scientific issue and writing a reflection note.
• Reports from experiments:
  • Preparation of solutions.
  • Acids and bases.
  • Organic chemistry with models.
  • Within a topic from physics.

The semester plan will provide detailed guidelines for the mandatory learning activities. These activities must be completed by the specified deadlines and approved before students are eligible to take the exam.

Assessment

Oral exam, 30 minutes.

Grading scale A-F, where F corresponds to a fail.

Examination support material

Tables and formulas in physics and chemistry.

Calculator.

More about examination support material