SCI3910 - Schools science project - 2017

In this unit students further develop employability skills through a placement in a school. Each student is required to research, develop, manage and deliver (teach) a science based module that matches the learning outcomes specified to them by their client (supervising teacher). Prior to their school placement, students participate in a series of workshops on: understanding and catering for different learning styles, motivation, team work, goal setting, planning, management, leadership, effective communication and presentation skills, asking the right questions and reflection. While there is an emphasis on how the students can directly apply this knowledge in the short term (during their school placements), they are also required to reflect how they will transfer this learning into their future workplaces.

On completion of this unit students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate they have identified and further developed the generic skills for the workplace: effective communication with a range of audiences, analyse and solve problems, develop new innovative ideas, learn new skills, effective teamwork, lead and motivate small teams, think on their feet and cope with the pressures of working in a professional environment where 'conditions' are constantly changing;
2. Correctly interpret the brief from their client (supervising teacher). Research, design and deliver an individually tailored learning project that specifically meets the desired outcomes within the available scope;
3. Appropriately manage: client expectations, schedules, resources, risk, personnel (school students') skill and knowledge levels, personal travel to and from site (allocated school), as well as their other commitments;
4. Assess their own understanding of the fundamental science principles relevant to a project. Design activities and explanations that will assist lay personnel (their students) to understand and accurately use these principles;
5. Actively seek out and act upon constructive feedback.

Journal entries: 40%

Final presentation to peers: 10%

Written report (2000 words): 50%

Weeks 1 - 3: One 2-hour workshop and 10 hours individual study per week

Weeks 4 - 12: 12 hours of individual work per week to prepare for and deliver science module in school and to complete assessment tasks

See also Unit timetable information

Dr Julie Boyce

36 points of science units