Micro-credential Practical Earth Science Education

Program Overview

This 5-week micro-credential equips primary and secondary teachers with the confidence to incorporate hands-on Earth Science activities into their classrooms. Through online lectures, discussions, and an in-person workshop, participants gain a deeper understanding of Earth science concepts, practical skills, and STEM activities tailored to different year groups. Upon completion, educators will receive a Certificate of Achievement, two PD Points, and enhanced professional development in creative teaching and project-based learning.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This UWA micro-credential is designed to give primary and secondary teachers and educators the confidence to effectively engage in quality Earth Science teaching in their own classrooms. Earth Science is increasingly relevant to many aspects of our society, and it is an integral part of national K-10 curriculum. Yet many teachers have limited opportunities to learn Earth Science in a way that adequately prepares them to deliver curriculum-appropriate content in an interactive, engaging, hands-on and project-based learning context.

Outline:

• Delivery mode: Online, with a 1-day in-person workshop (Week 3, date to be confirmed).
• Duration: 5 weeks
• Effort: 50 hours of total effort:
• Recorded lectures and online discussions after school hours (up to 3 hours per week, for 5 weeks)
• 1-day in-person practical workshop at UWA (Week 3)
• Personal study toward a final project
• Academic lead: Dr Naomi Tucker

Teaching:

• Teaching methods: Online lectures, online discussions, in-person workshop
• Unique approaches: The program emphasizes hands-on and project-based learning, providing teachers with practical skills and resources to implement Earth Science activities in their classrooms.

Careers:

This course will enhance your professional experience in creative teaching and project-based learning activities throughout the science curriculum. Participants will upskill their knowledge and understanding of core Earth science concepts and practical skills relevant to the K-10 curriculum.

Other:

• Upon successful completion, you'll receive:
• Two PD Points - stackable for unspecified academic credit in award courses
• A Certificate of Achievement
• A UWA Plus Professional Development Transcript, listing all successfully completed micro-credentials
• Cost: $660 inc. GST
• Critical information summary: GEOSM505 Practical Earth Science Education [PDF 41KB]
• What you'll learn:
• Develop a deeper understanding of core Earth science concepts and practical skills relevant to the K-10 curriculum
• Join a practical skills workshop at UWA to equip you with a range of tools to identify suitable activities, resources and ideas on the types of practical activities that can be used to meet the Earth science curriculum over a number of year groups
• Built on-going collaborations that support strong Earth science teaching in the K-10 curriculum
• Develop a personal and program-level initiative to strengthen Earth science teaching in the context of your institution and region
• Why study this course?

• Gain the confidence to effectively engage in quality Earth Science teaching in your own classrooms.
• Prepare yourself to implement Earth Science activities for your students, and have a better appreciation of the range and types of STEM activities that can be conducted in your classroom, and how to adapt these activities for different year groups.