Module Details

The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title Science Communication
Code CHEM390
Coordinator Prof HC Aspinall
Chemistry
Hca@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2019-20 Level 6 FHEQ Whole Session 15

Pre-requisites before taking this module (or general academic requirements):

 

Aims

The aims of this module are to:

• Provide key transferable skills to undergraduates, including: communication, presentation, practical classroom skills and team-working
• Provide classroom based experience for undergraduates who are considering teaching as a potential career
• Encourage a new generation of STEM teachers
• Provide role models for pupils within schools located in areas of high deprivation
• Increase University of Liverpool widening participation activities within Merseyside


Learning Outcomes

(LO1) Have an understanding of the UK educational system and relevant teaching and learning styles

(LO2) Have an understanding of the widening participation agenda

(LO3) Ability to apply the relevant protocols and safeguarding practice when delivering sessions

(LO4) be able to apply practical knowledge of effective delivery styles when engaging with primary or secondary aged pupils

(LO5) have experience of planning and delivery of a project

(LO6) How to reflect on and evaluate the effectiveness of the delivery of a project

(LO7) have experience of science communication in a variety of situations

(S1) have experience of team working


Teaching and Learning Strategies

This module consists of a theory and generic training component (Semester 1) and a practical component (Semester 2).

The theory component in Semester 1 will consist of lectures and training delivered by module academic staff and members of the Widening Participation (WP). Based on what they have learned during Semester 1, students will produce a detailed lesson plan for a STEM topic at KS2 or KS3. Students will also write an essay on an appropriate STEM component of the National Curriculum at KS2 or KS3.

In Semester 2, students will prepare interactive outreach sessions based on their choices from a menu of tested activities. They will prepare presentations based around these activities. They will lead the presentation of at least 2 sessions and assist with the delivery of at least a further 4 sessions in the University. These will be either to Key Stage 2 or Key Stage 3 pupils. Students will choose practical activities from a menu of tested activities, but will develop their own presentations and delivery styles, ensuring that their sessions are relevant to the National Curriculum. Students will evaluate the effectiveness of the sessions that they deliver.

Students will write a report on their outreach work, explaining how their sessions link into the National Curriculum, reflecting on what they have learned, and evaluating the effectiveness of the sessions that they have delivered.


Syllabus

 

Semester 1: Induction and training

A series of lectures delivered by module academic staff and WP team members will cover the following topics:
• The UK educational system
• Key stage 2 & 3 learning styles
• Widening Participation
• Safeguarding

Students will produce a detailed lesson plan for a KS2 or KS3 lesson on a STEM topic, and will write an essay on a relevant science component of the KS2 or KS3 National Curriculum.

Semester 2: Delivery

Students will prepare interactive outreach sessions based on their choices from a menu of tested activities. They will lead the presentation of at least 2 sessions and assist with the delivery of at least a further 4 sessions in the University.

They will evaluate the effectiveness of the sessions they deliver, and report on their outreach work both through a written report.


Recommended Texts

Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.

Teaching Schedule

  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 20

        120

140
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 10
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment

EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
             
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
Delivery of Outreach sessions, incl. Lesson plan There is no re-submission opportunity. This assignment is not marked anonymously. Students must complete delivery of a session to meet the learnin      50       
Essay on science topic in National Curriculum Standard UoL penalties apply for late submission. This assignment is not marked anonymously. There is a re-submission opportunity.  2500-3500 words    20       
Final report Standard UoL penalties apply for late submission. There is a re-submission opportunity. This assignment is not marked anonymously.  2500-3500 words    30