Dive into the world of aquaculture with our new blended (2days face to face 3 days online) summer course designed for primary school teachers seeking innovative STEM approaches to bring to their classroom. Aquaculture, the process of farming fish, shellfish, and seaweeds underwater, stands as the fastest-growing food supply sector worldwide. The Aquaculture Remote Classroom (ARC) is Ireland’s only marine mobile classroom and has travelled the entirety of Ireland, educating primary school students about Ireland’s aquaculture industry.
Explore Ireland’s aquaculture industry amidst the scenic landscapes of Carlingford, Co. Louth, renowned for its thriving oyster farming and delve deeper into the geographical and economic importance of aquaculture, while gaining insights into its sustainability practices. Teachers will explore inquiry-based investigations and design and make activities by using lessons and digital content developed for the Aquaculture Remote Classroom and other online resources from Bord Iascaigh Mhara which can enhance teaching and learning across the curriculum through engaging STEM education. Teachers will also have the chance to connect with colleagues virtually to enhance professional networks while embracing inclusive teaching methodologies and reflecting on teaching practices with the support of experienced ARC educators.
Technical Requirements
All our courses require broadband Internet access and participants need to be familiar with using the internet, downloading and installing software.
Course Objectives
- To introduce participants to Aquaculture through inquiry-based STEM investigations and Design and Make activities using lessons and digital content developed for the Aquaculture Remote Classroom (ARC).
- To provide participants with background knowledge on main types of aquaculture in Ireland, our geographic and climatic suitability, economic impact and employment opportunities, the importance of seafood for health and nutrition and the sustainability of Irish seafood.
- To use the existing online primary resources BIM – Online Lessons & Resources to promote inquiry-based teaching and learning across strands of the of SESE Science, SESE Geography SPHE and Mathematics curricula.
- To provide examples of how the ARC lessons and resources can be used in class for active learning, problem solving, discussion and group-based learning
Expected Outcomes
- Gain insights into Ireland’s aquaculture industry.
- Understand the economic and environmental importance of aquaculture.
- Enhance knowledge of STEM education through inquiry-based learning approaches.
- Discover hands-on strategies for active learning, problem-solving, and group discussions.
- Foster connections with peers and expand professional networks.
- Reflect on teaching practices and consider how aquaculture themes can be integrated into classroom settings.
Course Duration
July 1st & 2nd – In the Aquaculture Remote Classroom (ARC) at Carlingford Oyster Company, Mullatee, Carlingford, Co. Louth, A91K316
Online: July 3rd to August 16th
This is a blended course, 2 Days in the Aquaculture Remote Classroom (ARC) and the remainder (Approx 12 hours) of the course online at teachnet.ie, anytime between July 3rd and August 16th. Participants are required to attend the Aquaculture Remote Classroom (ARC) workshops and engage meaningfully with online content for approximately 12 hours. Whilst participation and engagement with the course content will be primarily judged on the quality of their contributions, an attendance roll will be kept and a log of their time spent working online.
ARC Face to Face Workshops July 1st & 2nd
July 1st:
09:30 – 09:45 – Daily Introduction
9:45 – 11:00 – Activity One
11:00 – 11:30 – Break
11:30 – 1:00 – Activity Two
1:00 – 1:30 – Lunch
1:30 – 2:30 – Activity Three
July 2nd
9:30 – 9:45 – Daily Introduction
9:45 – 11:00 – Walking tour of Oyster Farm
11:00 – 11:30 – Break
11:30 – 1:00 – Tour of Oyster processing facilities
1:00 – 1:30 – Lunch
1:30 – 2:30 – Group round-up discussion and reflection onboard the ARC
