Module: Teaching & Assessing Junior Cycle Science

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Teaching & Assessing Junior Cycle Science
Module Code	EDS1104
Faculty	STEM Ed, Innov, Global Studies	School	DCU Institute of Education
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

This module provides students with a detailed knowledge and understanding of the learning outcomes of Junior Cycle Science, and considers relevant teaching pedagogies aimed at the delivery of those learning outcomes.

Learning Outcomes

1. Design minds-on, active and inclusive lessons for Junior cycle science
2. Assess student learning and prior scientific knowledge
3. Anticipate common student misconceptions in science
4. Design science lessons for streamed and mixed-ability settings
5. Facilitate student learning in the science laboratory
6. Develop conceptual understanding in physics, chemistry and biology
7. Enhance student's scientific literacy
8. Address Health and Safety and Laboratory Management issues in the secondary school setting

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Laboratory	36	Junior Cycle science methodologies
Independent Study	89	Preparation and reflection on laboratory activites
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	11996	Part of Term	Semester 1 & 2
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC2	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	James Lovatt	Module Teacher	Natalie O'Neill

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Laboratory Portfolio	Range of assignments to demonstrate understanding of different strategies and methods that support student learning and assessment in science.	100%	As required

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Context
Exploration of the development of science in Irish Post Primary schools

Specification
Analysis of Junior Cycle science specification.

Methodology
Examination and development of appropriate methodological approaches to the teaching of the Junior Cycle Science

Assessment
Identification and development of the appropriate knowledge and skills necessary to assess student learning and progression and facilitation of classroom based assessments

Classroom Management
Organisation of effective science teaching and learning in the classroom, laboratory and on-line environment

Health and Safety
Awareness and understanding of health and safey regulations and procedures relating to biological, chemical and physical materials.

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Moore, C.: 2017, Creating scientists: Teaching and assessing science practice for the NGSS, Routledge,
Llewellyn, D.: 2013, Teaching high school science through inquiry,
Steve Alsop, Larry Bencze and Erminia Pedretti: 2005, Analysing exemplary science teaching, 335213111
Rosalind Driver: 1994, Making Sense of Secondary Science, Psychology Press, 464, 0415097673

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None