Course Objectives

Students will:

• acquire skills and experience in nature studies including the collection, observation and identification of organisms in nature, and bedrock and soil types.
• acquire knowledge of general ecology, ecosystems and biodiversity.
• acquire knowledge about environmental problems such as global climate change and waste, and develop an understanding of the importance of nature conservation.
• acquire knowledge of the human sense organs and about nutrition and common children’s diseases.
• acquire knowledge of stars, planets and climate.
• acquire knowledge of sound, light, magnetism, electricity, water and air.
• gain knowledge and experience of practical work in the natural sciences and the organisation of children’s activities.

Course Description

Natural sciences activities provide the opportunity for direct contact with nature and natural phenomena. It also provides a good basis for developing language and arithmetic skills, and an introduction to disciplinary concepts. Specific experiences linked to natural sciences topics may also provide all-round stimulation of the senses and stimulate children’s curiosity, desire to discover, creativity and motor skills.

It is also important to regard natural sciences as part of common knowledge in an ever more complicated and technologically driven society. In kindergartens, simple experiments related to everyday phenomena may spark an interest in natural sciences at an early age.

The course consists of 5 course units:

1. Plants and Animals

This course unit includes observation, collection and identification of:

• trees, flower plants, vascular plants, mosses, fungi and lichen
• insects in forests and freshwater
• amphibians and reptiles
• birds and mammals
• animal tracks and signs

2. Ecology

This course unit includes:

• general ecology with special emphasis on freshwater ecosystems and forests
• seasonal variations in nature
• rock and soil types

3. Knowledge of the Environment

This course unit includes:

• global climate change
• ozone and UV radiation
• conservation of biological diversity
• waste as an environmental problem

4. The Physical World View

This course unit includes:

• simple physics and chemistry with practical exercises
• basic astronomy
• weather and climate topics

5. The Human Body

This course unit includes:

• the human senses
• children’s diet and nutrition
• common children’s diseases and preventive health care in the kindergartens

Learning Methods

Organisation

The course is designed so that theory and practice form a whole. The course emphasises field studies and practical exercises. Much of the practical work will be conducted outdoors.

The teaching and learning methods alternate between lectures, guidance and practical exercises (individually and in groups). The course also includes an interdisciplinary project.

During the course of the programme three individual portfolio assignments must be submitted and a group assignment.

Field trips and practical assignments are obligatory. Other obligatory attendance will be specified in the year plan provided at the start of the course.

Through teaching practice students will gain experience in integrating natural sciences subjects into the daily operation of kindergartens. Students will gain experience in planning, facilitating and carrying out natural sciences exercises in the kindergarten. Students will receive training in the use of outdoor and local areas in their educational activities.

Assessment Methods

Portfolio assignments

During the course of the year students must submit two portfolio assignments which will receive graded marks; together, they count for 40% of the final grade. In addition, students must submit group assignments that will be assessed pass/fail. Students must receive approval of the portfolio assignments at least one month before the date of the examination in order to be allowed to sit the final examination.

Final examination

Four-hour individual final examination that is assessed on a graded scale, which counts for 60% of the final grade.

The course yields a single grade, graded from A to F, where A is the highest and E is the lowest passing grade. In order to achieve a final passing grade, students must achieve a passing grade in each part of the assessment.

For further information, please refer to Telemark University College’s examination regulations.

Minor adjustments may occur during the academic year, subject to the decision of the Dean