Unit rationale, description and aim
This unit develops the foundational knowledge of scientific, technological, engineering and mathematical principles and the confidence to apply those principles to design problems that will provide a firm foundation for further study in the discipline of Design and Technologies. This unit also contributes to an accredited sequence of Design and Technologies units that is recognised by state-based Initial Teacher Education standards authorities (NESA, VIT and QCT) and aligns with the Australian Curriculum: Design and Technologies.
Students will explore foundational Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) concepts and principles. Laboratory experiments and activities will deepen students’ understanding of STEM principles and allow them to investigate their utility in food, textile, material and product design technologies. Knowledge and skills in laboratory experimentation, report writing, and safe use of materials and equipment will be developed.
The aim of this unit is to help students develop knowledge and understanding of STEM concepts and principles which will be applied in subsequent units in the technologies sequence.
Learning outcomes
To successfully complete this unit you will be able to demonstrate you have achieved the learning outcomes (LO) detailed in the below table.
Each outcome is informed by a number of graduate capabilities (GC) to ensure your work in this, and every unit, is part of a larger goal of graduating from ACU with the attributes of insight, empathy, imagination and impact.
Explore the graduate capabilities.
Identify and discuss STEM (Science, Technology, En...
Learning Outcome 01
Utilise scientific methods to investigate STEM pri...
Learning Outcome 02
Critically analyse experimental results and report...
Learning Outcome 03
Content
Topics will include:
Methods and Practice
- Safe use of materials and equipment
- The scientific method
- Laboratory report writing
Materials
- Structure
- Function
- Properties
- Chemical bonds
- Chemical reactions
- Technological applications
- Engineering principles and systems
Mathematics
- Measurement
- Basic arithmetic and algebra
- Perimeters, areas and volumes
- Plane geometry
- Linear and simultaneous equations
- Trigonometry
Assessment strategy and rationale
This unit uses an assessment-for-learning approach, designed to support your development and success as a future Technological and Applied Studies teacher. Assessment tasks are scaffolded progressively to build and assess your knowledge, understanding and skills across core STEM principles and practices. Tasks are aligned with relevant professional standards.
The first task is a mathematics quiz that assesses your ability to apply foundational skills relevant to technologies and engineering contexts. This task is supported by regular opportunities to practise and receive formative feedback in mathematics tutorials. Online modules and practical workshops support STEM knowledge and skill development and provide opportunities for formative assessment and feedback. The second task involves preparing laboratory reports, where feedback on one report helps you improve the next. This task supports the integration of theory and practice. The unit concludes with a final invigilated examination that assesses your ability to apply STEM knowledge and skills in an integrated and professional context.
Overview of assessments
Assessment Task 1: Mathematics Quiz Enables...
Assessment Task 1: Mathematics Quiz
Enables students to demonstrate application of mathematical skills.
10%
Assessment Task 2: Laboratory reports Enables s...
Assessment Task 2: Laboratory reports
Enables students to apply scientific principles and methods. Enables students to demonstrate their written and graphical communication skills.
50%
Assessment Task 3: Examination ...
Assessment Task 3: Examination
Enables students to demonstrate application of STEM knowledge and skills.
40%
Learning and teaching strategy and rationale
A student-focused, problem-based learning approach is used in this unit. Students encounter concepts and principles of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) through lectures and tutorials. Concepts are discussed and understanding of them broadened through experiments and practical activities. STEM skills are introduced through a practice-oriented learning method. This involves the parallel development of procedural and conceptual skills required for design, development and evaluation of materials and methods in technologies. The unit aims to enable the development of conceptual, procedural and professional knowledge and skill which needed to investigate and solve problems in technologies contexts.
To achieve a passing standard in this unit, students will find it helpful to engage in the full range of learning activities and assessments utilised in this unit, as described in the learning and teaching strategy and the assessment strategy. The learning and teaching and assessment strategies include a range of approaches to support your learning such as reading, reflection, discussion, webinars, podcasts, video etc.
Representative texts and references
Alldis, B.K., & Kelly, V. (2012). Mathematics for technicians (7th ed.). North Ryde, NSW: McGraw-Hill Education.
Aylward, G., & Findlay, T. (2013). SI chemical data (7th ed.). Milton, Qld: Jacaranda Wiley.
Bootsma, K., Badger, D., & Hamper, S. (2013). New century maths: Advanced 9 for the Australian curriculum: NSW stages 5.2/5.3. South Melbourne, Vic: Cengage Learning.
Croxford, S., & Stirling, E. (2017). Understanding the science of food: From molecules to mouthfeel. Crows Nest, NSW: Allen & Unwin.
Kaldolph, S.J. (2017). Textiles (12th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson.
Knight, R. (2016). Physics for scientists and engineers: A strategic approach with modern physics (4th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.
Smith, W.F., & Hashemi, J. (2018). Foundations of materials science and engineering (6th ed.). Boston, MA: McGraw-Hill.
Timberlake, K. C., & Timberlake, W. (2017). Basic chemistry (5th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson.
Zumdahl, S.S., & DeCoste, D.J. (2019). Introductory chemistry: A foundation (9th ed.). Boston, MA: Cengage Learning.
Websites
CSIRO Manufacturing Science and Technology http://www.cmst.csiro.au/