93573 - Workshop on Transversal Nature Science (G.B)

Learning outcomes

At the end of the workshop, the student will:

• Be able to apply the concepts covered in the integrated course within a simulated learning environment.
• Be able to critically reflect as part of a group on the proposed topics.

Course contents

Transdisciplinary Workshop in Natural Sciences
(Only for students enrolled starting from the academic year 2020/2021)

STRUCTURE OF THE TRANSDISCIPLINARY WORKSHOPS IN NATURAL SCIENCES
Considering the type of training required for future teachers of preschool and primary school, the Transdisciplinary Workshops in Natural Sciences will not only be interdisciplinary—proposing activities that span the four scientific disciplines of the third-year second semester—but also multidisciplinary and transdisciplinary. They will highlight the connections between the proposed topics and non-scientific disciplines to demonstrate that there is no division between scientific and humanistic culture; culture is unified.

The main goals of this innovative teaching approach in teacher training are to:

• Stimulate curiosity about scientific topics.
• Highlight the ethical and social impact of science and technology.
• Emphasize the importance of providing scientific education starting from the earliest school levels.
• Provide conceptual and practical tools to design and conduct science-based activities in the classroom.

The transdisciplinary workshop addresses a theme common to all scientific disciplines within the curriculum and aims to demonstrate how a single topic can be explored from different perspectives specific to each discipline. Through the integration of these different aspects, it is possible to "read" the topic comprehensively.

The chosen theme for the transdisciplinary workshop is: “Not Just H₂O: The Surprising Properties of Water.” The workshop dates will be announced before the course begins.

Readings/Bibliography

No specific texts are recommended for this course.

Teaching methods

Students, divided into small working groups, will conduct simple experiments under the guidance of the workshop instructor, who will facilitate discussion and comparison of results. The experiments have been selected to be suitable for children and can be easily replicated in primary and preschool classrooms.

Assessment methods

The workshop is worth 1 ECTS credit, corresponding to 8 hours of mandatory attendance plus 17 hours of home study. The workshops require not only active participation but also the creation of a “final product.”
Upon completing the workshop experience, where some disciplinary aspects are explored in-depth, and strategies for developing scientific competence are learned, students are asked to design a teaching plan (at the preschool or primary level, at the student's choice). This plan will also serve as useful material for classroom activities during an internship.

Due to the type of activities and teaching methods employed, attendance at this educational activity requires prior completion of Modules 1 and 2 of the Safety Training program in e-learning format.

The workshops, including both the transdisciplinary and disciplinary ones, are evaluated by the workshop instructors collectively with three possible grades: -1, 0, +1 (on a scale of 30). The evaluation assigned to the Transdisciplinary Workshop in Natural Sciences contributes to the final grade of the integrated exam in Chemistry and Ecology. The workshop evaluation remains valid until the final grade is recorded.
It is not possible to register for the Elements of Chemistry and Ecology exam without first attending the Transdisciplinary Workshop in Natural Sciences.

Teaching tools

Computer and projector. Easily accessible materials and simple laboratory equipment.

Office hours

See the website of Bruna Gumiero