TP006

Finding space in the crowded curriculum: The development of an integrated programme using Nature of Technology and Nature of Science as a framework

Paul Neveldsen, School of Science, Mathematics and Technology Education, Faculty of Education, The University of Auckland
Bev France, School of Science, Mathematics and Technology Education, Faculty of Education, The University of Auckland.

Abstract

An integrated technology and science programme with a focus on the Nature of Technology and Science is presented as a way of demonstrating how to develop a teaching programme using sun safety as a context. This presentation provides classroom activities to develop students' understanding of the philosophy of each learning area while ensuring the integrity of discipline is not lost when such integration occurs.

The session will present a model of integration, justify the focus on NOT and NOS and demonstrate a range of activities that were used to develop understandings of this philosophical stance. The resulting programme reflects the requirements of NZC (2007) both for technology and science education and the context uses resources from www.techlink.org.nz and www.sciencelearn.org.nz.

Intended Audience

Primary and intermediate and junior secondary teachers who may be considering teaching an integrated programme.

Specialist technology teachers who are looking for strategies to develop NOT and technological knowledge understandings within their programmes.

Teacher educators within technology and science education

Presenter Biography

Paul Neveldsen is a primary trained teacher who has been lecturing technology teacher trainees part time at the Faculty of Education, University of Auckland for the past five years. In addition he is a technology facilitator for Team Solutions with a focus on primary and intermediate levels.

Bev France has been involved in technology education for many years. She teaches post graduate technology and science education at the Faculty of Education, The University of Auckland. She is particularly interested in the integration of technology and science education and her doctoral thesis used biotechnology education to explore this concept.

Paul Neveldsen and Bev France together with Denis Burchill have developed this integrated programme which has been taught for the past two years at the Faculty of Education, The University of Auckland.