[Aoife Flanagan]

Hi Niamh, I think that idea of connecting classroom learning to real world initiatives is brilliant, such as visits to the local recycling centre. It promotes connection and active citizenship, and it really enhances learner experiences.

[Aoife Flanagan]

Sustainability is practiced in my local area through a variety of initiatives:

• Sustainable transport methods are encouraged, walk/cycle to school which comes from the Green Schools Programme.
  Protecting areas of grassland for pollinators is also encouraged.
  A variety of options for waste management is available around the local area, compost/recycling/general waste.
  A Blueway provides opportunity for sustainable walks/biking where people can commute to nearby areas in a sustainable manner.
  A community allotment allows for people to grow their own produce in a sustainable way.
  In terms of how to promote these practices further in the classroom:
• Continuing to engage meaningfully in the Green Schools Programme which engages the school community in sustainability in a meaningful way, as well as a Green Schools Committee who encourage peers to take action and help organise initiatives.
  Growing vegetables in a school garden.
  Engaging with local community groups, county council, Tidy Towns in order to promote further engagement.

[Aoife Flanagan]

Hi Michaela, the idea of poster making about ‘brain foods’ is fantastic, and the food tasting would also be a wonderful opportunity!

[Aoife Flanagan]

The nutrition of seafood is an area that can contribute to enhanced learner experiences. The nutritional benefits of seafood and the essential nutrients it provides. In terms of how this might look in the classroom, it could cover a wide variety of subject areas:

Science: Food Chains and Ecosystems, examining nutrients and their benefits, what nutrients are found in seafood.
Maths: Data/Cost Benefit Analysis – looking at cost per serving and nutritional value of seafood vs other sources.
Literacy: Procedural Writing – Seafood recipes, Report Writing: Nutritional benefits of seafood, Podcast exploring the same.
SPHE: Media literacy – consumer awareness, reading and interpreting food labels, creating posters exploring the nutritional benefits of seafood. The ‘Eye Spy in the Supermarket’ activity would be brilliant for this too.

[Aoife Flanagan]

The ARC online lessons and resources could definitely be applied in alignment with the STEM Education Policy Statement, particularly aligning with the principle of ‘STEM is about igniting learners’ curiosity so they participate in solving real world problems and make informed career choices,’ whereby the descriptors also detail further areas for development. The general area of aquaculture is definitely an area that could be used to solve real world problems through investigations, aligning with the principle of constructivism. If a school is in a locality that is involved in aquaculture farming, this type of real world learning is essential.

In terms of SSE, the resources could be incorporated as part of a specific STEM focus, whereby engagement in the 6 step process would identify how best the resources could be used across the school. The resources align with the key competencies from the Primary Curriculum Framework.

[Aoife Flanagan]

Hi Michaela, I totally agree, the interdisciplinary nature of the ARC resources also lends itself well to a meaningful interdisciplinary approach to STEM Education.

[Aoife Flanagan]

I totally agree Niamh, it creates lots out employment outside of the direct employment related to the aquaculture farm itself, such as hospitality and tourism, which benefits the locality.

[Aoife Flanagan]

Aquaculture farms contribute hugely to coastal communities in a variety of ways that benefit the area socio-economically. Some areas have quite mountain dominant landscapes making it unsuitable for agriculture so therefore aquaculture becomes more dominant. It supports jobs and direct employment in the area, allowing for people to be employed locally close to their own localities, helping to retain younger generations.. It creates indirect employment by also supporting the hospitality and food sector locally, whereby local restaurants can create a unique selling point by using local high-quality seafood produce on their menus, increasing tourism to areas as well as increasing employment. Other indirect employment opportunities may include retail, research and development as well as other areas. Some aquaculture farms provide tours and tastings which also increase tourism to the area. It also develops innovation and sustainability practices in the local area, which will have environmental benefits.

[Aoife Flanagan]

Hi Niamh,

 

I agree, it definitely has the opportunity to develop critical thinking skills as well as developing responsible citizenship through awareness building.

[Aoife Flanagan]

I think that learning about Aquaculture and Social License is very impactful for primary pupils, with the ARC project being the most beneficial. While the other projects are important, I think that the workshops and online content would provide an interactive experience for pupils to learn about aquaculture, with the mobile classroom offering a unique experience. The lessons explore many different areas, such as nutrition, the farming aspect, how it impacts local communities positively, as well as its impact on sustainability. The videos bring the content to life, reflecting the lived experience of all stakeholders. The quizzes that accompany the videos on the online material also provide good opportunities for assessment. It has the potential to cover lots of different curricular areas, and also explore many of the key competencies from the Primary Curriculum Framework, such as being an active citizen.

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