As Junior Certificate students sit their science exam today, the ASTI has issued a warning that the introduction of the new science curriculum will have "serious health and safety implications for schools".
The ASTI claims that the new Junior Certificate science syllabus has been introduced by the Minister for Education and Science without the provision of adequate supports and resources.
Teachers cannot comply with health and safety legislation under these conditions, according to the ASTI. It warned that an explosion in a school lab six years ago, which injured three people, could be repeated.
The ASTI president, Mr P.J. Sheehy, said the new syllabus, due to be introduced in September, was a welcome reform for science education. It included a significant proportion of practical work, requiring all students to perform a number of experiments, as well as new methodology and assessment procedures for teachers.
"However, it should be introduced in a rational, coherent manner. If you have a class of 24 then every experiment on the course must be done 12 times, which allows for two pupils sharing each experiment.
"Practical laboratory work is diverse and more difficult to supervise than traditional classroom-based learning activities. Science education often involves the use of potentially hazardous chemicals and other substances that must be prepared, stored and disposed of safely.
"To implement this new syllabus safely schools need funding for technical assistants to support teachers carrying out practical and laboratory work."
Mr Sheehy said the Task Force on Physical Sciences published a six-point action strategy in 2002 aimed at reversing the decline in the number of students opting for science by making the subject more interesting.
"It is remiss of the Minister to attempt to introduce this new syllabus without adequate preparation and resources," said Mr Sheehy.