Students in this course develop their science communication skills while training for and touring with the Shell Questacon Science Circus. The course includes experience in the development of science presentations and workshops, the presentation of science shows to audiences of all ages (with an emphasis on school-age audiences), the presentation of teacher development workshops, explaining science and exhibits to members of the public, promotion of a science outreach program, the operation of a travelling science exhibition, and the coordination of activities while on tour.
SCOM8004A is taught in semester 1. It is continued as SCOM8004B in semester 2.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Explain science and technology concepts to audiences of varied ages and backgrounds, including school students, teachers, general public, remote communities and Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islanders.
- Design and deliver science shows, resource materials and workshops on science and technology topics, including considering their relevance and tailoring to diverse audiences based on aspects such as age, geography, context and culture – including Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander cultures.
- Efficiently and effectively function as a team, as well as have an understanding of group dynamics and some experience in small team management.
- Operate an outreach education program (including a travelling science exhibition).
- Implement a media campaign to promote a travelling science outreach program.
Indicative Assessment
- Formalised rating by convener, other staff and peers of professionalism, communication and teamwork skills developed while touring in the Shell Questacon Science Circus. (20) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
- Science presentations analysis - written critique (10) [LO 1,2,4]
- Science presentations development - written report (15) [LO 1,2]
- Science presentations - video recordings (25) [LO 1,2]
- Documentation of new props and demos creation process (concept note, risk management worksheet, written report and video) (15) [LO 1,2,4]
- Cross-cultural and indigenous communication (written plan and justification - 10%, oral debrief - 5%). (15) [LO 1,2,4]
In response to COVID-19: Please note that Semester 2 Class Summary information (available under the classes tab) is as up to date as possible. Changes to Class Summaries not captured by this publication will be available to enrolled students via Wattle.
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Workload
The expected workload will consist of approximately 260 hours in Semester 1 and 260 hours in Semester 2 (as it continues into SCOM8004B) including (per semester):
- Face-to face component which may consist of show instruction, development and safety training, workshop/exhibit facilitation, cultural awareness training, teacher Professional Learning (PL) and touring to a total of approximately 160 hours.
- Approximately 100 hours of self-study which will include preparation for workshops, demonstrations, tour activity and other assessment tasks.
Inherent Requirements
To be determined
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
None
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
If you are a domestic graduate coursework or international student you will be required to pay tuition fees. Tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 2
- Unit value:
- 12 units
If you are an undergraduate student and have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). You can find your student contribution amount for each course at Fees. Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 12.00 | 0.25000 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2020 | $8100 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2020 | $11520 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
First Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3946 | 24 Feb 2020 | 02 Mar 2020 | 08 May 2020 | 05 Jun 2020 | In Person | View |
