Module: STEAM Education in Youthreach

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	STEAM Education in Youthreach
Module Code	IDS1000 (ITS: PS434M)
Faculty	Physical Sciences	School	Science & Health
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

This is a level 8 (Batchelors level) 5 ECTS credit stand-alone module, accredited by DCU as a micro-credential to support module participants to design and implement STEAM activities within the alternative education settings of Youthreach. Within STEAM Education the learning outcomes of knowledge, skills and attitudes & values are developed interdependently across all the STEAM disciplines through exploration of real-world contexts with links to three or more disciplines from Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics with each supporting the development of the others. Participants will examine how the breakdown of each of these allow learners to develop a range of skills, knowledge and positive attitudes towards STEAM. Youthreach is a nationwide programme that provides early school leavers with opportunities to progress their education and acquire certification in supportive, alternative settings. This module has been developed as part of the Full STEAM Ahead! A Partnership Approach to STEAM in Youthreach in partnership with NYCI (National Youth Council of Ireland); ETBI (Education and Training Boards Ireland) and the National Coordination Unit, Office of the National Coordinator for Youthreach/VTOS. The aim of this module is to develop teachers and educators theoretical and practical skills so they can provide STEAM Education experiences to almost 6,000 learners engaged in Youthreach Education in Ireland and support the development of a QQI Award in STEAM Education in Youthreach. This module will be delivered using a blended learning approach and development of participants STEAM theoretical and practical skills will be facilitated by expert educators through face to face and online workshops and support for participants to adopt their learning in their own work environment. Participants will analyse the integrative nature of STEAM subjects within Youthreach programmes through exploring the seven characteristics of STEAM Education. The focus of the participants will be on how to meaningfully identify and incorporate these characteristics into the various programmes thus enhancing the teaching and learning process for all. Throughout the module, the emphasis will be on practical applications of STEAM with participants designing and developing activities, which incorporate a wide variety of teaching and learning approaches. Participants will examine the role of assessment, be it summative or formative, they would use in supporting learning and providing feedback. Having completed the module, participants will have acquired the skills and knowledge enabling them to design, plan and deliver STEAM education activities which contribute to the development of knowledge, skills/life skills, attitudes while emphasising the personal development of the learner.

Learning Outcomes

1. Explain the concept of STEAM Education and the links to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
2. Reflect on the potential impact of STEAM Education for a Youthreach centre, its staff, and learners.
3. Implement the Framework for STEAM Education in Youthreach within teaching.
4. Implement STEAM lessons with Youthreach learners and support students in integrating the STEAM cross-curricular knowledge and skills.
5. Design and develop STEAM lessons that support the diverse needs of Youthreach learners.
6. Effectively deliver and adapt STEAM activities and lessons to the intended targeted cohorts of Youthreach learners.
7. Collaborate as part of the professional learning community to share knowledge and experiences of STEAM education.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Workshop	12	Introduction to STEAM Framework Participating in four STEAM-orientated activities. Planning for trailing these activities in participants’ own Youthreach centers. Role of Professional Development Folder
Professional Practice	8	On-line professional learning community meetings to share and discuss Experiences of trailing above activities Other STEAM activities Ideas for own unit/lesson activities
Workshop	6	Teachers share experiences of implementing own STEAM related units/lessons/activities. Teacher reflect on STEAM teaching and learning.
Independent Study	99	Self-directed learning to design, implement and evaluate STEAM activities and complete two assignments.
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	12194	Part of Term	Semester 1 & 2
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Eilish McLoughlin	Module Teacher

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Assignment	Discuss how the Learners’ prior knowledge influences design and implenttation of STEAM activities.	20%	As required
Assignment	Discuss how formative and summative assessment practices support STEAM learning and feedback	20%	As required
Professional Practice	Design and implementSTEAM activities in a Youthreach context.	60%	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
Development of accredited STEAM Education awards at levels 3 and 4 of the National Qualifications Framework.

Context
Preparation of staff to implement new QQI awards within Youthreach Centres.

Methodology
Identification and trailing of STEAM activities with learners

Methodology
Using Professional Learning Community meetings to share/discuss experiences /develop own STEAM activities

Methodology
Implementation of these new activities with learners and review of outcomes.

Indicative Reading List

Books:
None

Articles:
None

Other Resources

1: STEAM Education Framework for Youthreach, STEAM Education Framework for Youthreach,
414458: 1, Sustainable Development Goals, Sustainable Development Goals,
https://sdgs.un.org/goals: