Science Concepts I and Representations

Basic Science concepts are introduced which are used in prediction, description and interpretation of simple natural phenomena. Moreover, alternative students and infants’ conceptions for these concepts are discussed, as well as, instructional proposals for conceptual change are studied. The studied areas are: Structure of Matter (Physical state of matter and their changes, atomic model, atoms, molecules), Pressure of liquids and gases, Buoyancy and floating / sinking, Heat, temperature and thermal phenomena.

Objectives

Students will be able to use basic science concepts for predicting, describing and interpreting simple natural phenomena. E.g. How and why a liquid becomes gas, when an object floats /sinks. Moreover, students will be aware of the basic alternative conceptions of infants, for the phenomena and concept under study, or even for the reason of existence of alternative conceptions. Simultaneously, students will be expected to know simple activities / experiments for confronting these alternative conceptions. E.g. the non recognition of objects’ identity after the change of their physical state, or the view that the heavy objects sing and the light float.

Prerequisites

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Syllabus

Course structure • 1st: Introduction: Why science in pre-school Education / description of the course and course requirements • 2nd: Students/infants’ conceptions and their characteristics • 3rd: Method of revealing students / infants' conceptions, Workshop • 4th: Physical state of matter and their changes • 5th: Students/infants’ conceptions about Physical state of matter and their changes • 6th: Atomic model, atoms, molecules, structure of atom • 7th: Students/infants’ conceptions about the structure of matter • 8th: Buoyancy, Floating/sinking, Pressure • 9th: Students/infants’ conceptions about Buoyancy, Floating/sinking, Pressure • 10th: Heat and Temperature, Expansions, Heat convection. • 11th: Students/infants’ conceptions about heat, temperature and thermal phenomena • 12th: Sound, sound phenomena and the relevant students and infants' conceptions • 13th: Summing up, Preparation for the exams