Course Objectives

After completion of the course the student will be able to:

• Develop the pupils’ senses, joy of discovery, and curiosity related to the target area, “the young scientist”.
• Facilitate learning that promotes pupils’ love of nature, knowledge and concern for the environment.
• Relate to the pupils’ everyday experiences when planning teaching, using local learning arenas in such a way that the subject matter is made more relevant.
• Plan, implement and evaluate teaching in natural sciences at various levels for years 5 to 10.

The course will emphasise oral presentations, argumentation, reading and interpretation of natural sciences texts and written reports from field work and experiments. Calculations will be used to record and produce results from students’ research and to create tables and charts relating to natural sciences. Digital skills in natural sciences will be used in experiments and fieldwork, as well as mediation, communication and visualisation.

Learning objectives for Natural Sciences (NAT 503):

Human Biology: The main organ systems in the body. Fetal development and birth, nutrition, health and lifestyle. Sexuality, sexually transmitted diseases, substance abuse and drugs. Students should have knowledge of the body’s organ systems. Students should have knowledge of health, lifestyle diseases and the effect of drugs. They should also have knowledge of puberty, sexuality and related health issues related.

Chemistry: Basic chemistry with special emphasis on chemical reactions, organic chemistry and laboratory experiments. Students should have knowledge of simple chemical reactions. They should be able to identify chemical substances and explain the basic structure and properties of organic substances. They should be able to plan and conduct chemical experiments.

Space: The Earth, solar system and universe. Students should have knowledge of the Earth and solar system. They should also have knowledge of the evolution of the universe.

The weather and climate: Weather systems and their impact on nature and society in Norway. Students should have knowledge of the major weather systems and their impact on weather and climate in Norway. Students should have knowledge of the properties of the atmosphere including temperature, precipitation, wind, low and high pressure.

The Environment: Global warming, waste and other environmental challenges. Students should have knowledge of global warming, waste issues and the impact of substances on the environment.

Learning Methods

Teaching methods will alternate between lectures, guidance, practical assignments individually and in groups and written assignments. Attendance of the teaching that includes practical exercises is compulsory. The semester schedule available at the beginning of each semester provides information concerning the teaching that requires mandatory attendance.

Course requirements

Chemistry: 1 assignment

Space/weather and climate: 1 assignment

The course requirements will be described in more detail in the semester plan.

Assessment Methods

Assignments are assessed on a pass / fail basis.

The written examination will be graded.

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