Engaging Children in Science
UndergraduateCUR-EDE2552026
Previously CUR-EDE272
Course information for 2026 intake View information for 2025 course intake
Learn how to support young children’s inquiry into natural science by engaging their curiosity and desire to explore science content. Extend your knowledge and application of learning theories, teaching and learning approaches for science.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Enrol by
- 24 May 2026
- Entry requirements
- Part of a degree
- Duration
- 13 weeks
- Price from
- $766
- Upfront cost
- $0
- Loan available
- HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP available
Engaging Children in Science
About this subject
At the completion of this subject students will be able to:
- explain science concepts and demonstrate science skills
demonstrate knowledge and application of learning theories, teaching and learning approaches from current literature and relevant curriculum documents for birth to 8 year old children’s science learning and assessments
- design effective science learning experiences for birth to 8 year old children that develop scientific language and scientific literacy that incorporates Indigenous knowledge and understandings
- differentiate and contextualise learning experiences to meet children’s cultural backgrounds and specific learning needs.
- What does Science look like in Early Childhood (EC) Education?;
- The Australian Science Curriculum & Science in the EYLF;
- Science inquiry - Process Skills & Investigating;
- Learning theories in EC science;
- Conceptual Development & Biological Understandings;
- Managing Science & Chemical Understandings;
- Sequencing Experiences: Physical Science Understandings;
- Cross-curricular priorities applied in science: Exploring Earth & Space Understandings;
- Planning Constructively & Assessment in Science;
- Enhancing Young Children's Learning of Science;
- Science Learning Environments.
This subject was previously known as EDE272 Engaging Children in Science.
This subject investigates ways to support young children’s inquiry into natural science including environmental education and sustainability by engaging their curiosity and desire to explore science content. The subject examines pedagogical approaches, theoretical perspectives, and research which assist educators to plan and implement teaching and learning programs which engage children (birth - 8 years) in authentic and meaningful science experiences.
Please Note: If it’s your first time studying a Curtin University subject you’ll need to complete their compulsory ‘Academic Integrity Program’. It only takes two hours to complete online, and provides you with vital information about studying with Curtin University. The Academic Integrity Program is compulsory, so if it’s not completed your subject grades will be withheld.
Find out more about theAcademic Integrity module.
- Case study (50%)
- Report planning document (50%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
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Entry requirements
Part of a degree
To enrol in this subject you must be accepted into one of the following degrees:
Core
- CUR-ECE-DEG-2026 - Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Education)
Elective
- CUR-FAST-DEG-2026 - Fast track your Curtin on campus study
Prior study
You must either have successfully completed the following subject(s) before starting this subject, or currently be enrolled in the following subject(s) in a prior study period; or enrol in the following subject(s) to study prior to this subject:
Please note that your enrolment in this subject is conditional on successful completion of these prerequisite subject(s). If you study the prerequisite subject(s) in the study period immediately prior to studying this subject, your result for the prerequisite subject(s) will not be finalised prior to the close of enrolment. In this situation, should you not complete your prerequisite subject(s) successfully you should not continue with your enrolment in this subject. If you are currently enrolled in the prerequisite subject(s) and believe you may not complete these all successfully, it is your responsibility to reschedule your study of this subject to give you time to re-attempt the prerequisite subject(s).
Equivalent subjects
You should not enrol in this subject if you have successfully completed any of the following subject(s) because they are considered academically equivalent:
CUR-EDE272 (Not currently available)
Others
Enrolment into this subject requires students to meet any subject requisites as well as successful completion of 100 credits in the Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Education) program.
Additional requirements
- Other requirements -
Additional materials
Study load
- 0.125 EFTSL
- This is in the range of 10 to 12 hours of study each week.
Equivalent full time study load (EFTSL) is one way to calculate your study load. One (1.0) EFTSL is equivalent to a full-time study load for one year.
Find out more information on Commonwealth Loans to understand what this means to your eligibility for financial support.
Related degrees
Once you’ve completed this subject it can be credited towards one of the following courses
Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Education)
UndergraduateCUR-ECE-DEG
Fast track your Curtin on campus study
UndergraduateCUR-FAST-DEG