Volunteer

Description

The Science Hub is an education outreach project which forms part of Learning Hub Limerick - an organistation located quite near to Thomond Park on the Northside of Limerick City.

The aim of the project is to give primary school children from (predominantly) DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in schools) schools positive experiences of STEM subjects before they enter second level. Education stats show that children from lower socio-economic backgrounds are less likely to be retained in STEM subjects at second level and the Science Hub aims to combat this imbalance.

We run a number of different activities both in schools and at the Learning Hub to immerse children in the exciting world of STEM. Our workshops are developed on the "learning by doing" model which means that the children do not use textbooks. The lessons are taught solely on the basis of experimentation and practical work.

The role itself would be classed as a mentoring role. Your main duty would be to guide a small group of children (4-5 kids) throuhg a set of prescribed experiments related to a certain topic. All materials and resources will be made available to you prior to the session.

This opportunity provides excellent experience for preservice teachers in an informal educational setting but it is not exclusively for teachers! Anyone with a science background that would like some experience working with young people would be very suited to this role.

CONTACT: sean@learninghub.ie for more info.

Is training provided?: Yes

Please note that Garda Vetting is required for this position.

Tasks that the volunteer(s) will be expected to undertake:

• Your main duty will be to guide children through a set of prescribed activites relating to the topic being explored in each session.
• Monitor progress and behaviour
• Revise materials prior to the workshop to ensure you understand the topic
• Ensure safety in the lab
• Assist the facilitator where appropriate
• Provide feedback on the programme
• You will also be given the opportunity to co-facilitate a workshop topic of your choice if you wish.

Skills required for this role:

• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• The ability to work with children (experience here would be beneficial but not essential)
• A background in some science subject (Leaving Cert level, Science degree students preferable)
• Commitment to the role.
• Ability to follow sets of instructions meticulously (i.e. experiment methods).
• Willingness to travel to workshops off UL campus (expenses covered).
• This is a team teaching opportunity so you must be able to work well in groups.

Details of time commitment needed for role:
1 - 2 hours per week for at least 1 semester. Approximate time slots as follows (exact timetable TBC): >Mon 11am - 12pm, 4.30pm - 5.30pm >Tue 9.30am - 12pm, 4pm - 5pm >Wed 9.30am - 11am, 12pm - 1pm >Thu 9.30am - 12pm, 4pm - 5pm NOTE: Volunteers may select one or more of the above sessions on any days that suit. However, volunteers must be able to stay for the ENTIRE session they have selected. For example, if you select the Tuesday morning slot you must be able to commit for the 2.5hour session.

Minimum time commitment per week:
1 hour p/week

Additional screening required for this role:
CV, Informal interview, training