Forum Replies Created
-
Posts
-
Hi Susan,
Thank you for your response to module 2!
The ARC has visited Wexford in the past, the schools there are always completing fantastic marine projects! I really enjoyed reading your points about Kilmore Quay and the role of aquaculture within your local community. I have also experienced the Saltee Islands ferry in the past, it’s great to see how successful they are.
I particularly liked your comments on how aquaculture can provide new opportunities for employment and help strengthen local communities, your point on how aquaculture takes some of the pressure off wild caught species was also brilliant.
The ARC Team
Hi Susan,
Thank you for your response to module 2! You made some great points about the potential for aquaculture to continue growing around Ireland’s coastline and the positive impact it could have on coastal communities. I particularly liked your comments on how aquaculture can provide new opportunities for employment and help strengthen local communities.
The ARC has visited areas in Wexford in the past, there are some oyster farms near Waterford which could provide a link to exploring the topic of local aquaculture in class.
The ARC Team.
Hi Niamh,
Thank you for your response to module 3! It’s great that you have highlighted the inquiry based approach supported by the ARC resources and the opportunities they provide for meaningful STEM learning across subjects such as science, maths and SPHE.
The ARC Team
Hi Susan,
Thank you for your response to module 5! It’s great to see how you connected the ARC resources with your role as the green schools coordinator and recognised the opportunities for STEM learning across the whole school. Activities such as monitoring biodiversity, exploring energy use and learning about aquaculture allow pupils to engage with real world problems while developing important skills in areas such as collaboration, problem solving and critical thinking.
The ARC Team.
Hi Niamh,
Thank you for your response to module 4!
It’s interesting to read your reflection on the nutritional benefits of seafood and the importance of encouraging children to understand the value of including fish as part of a healthy diet. Linking seafood education to the school curriculum provides a great opportunity for pupils to explore the topic. Bringing local examples such as Irish seafood species and local producers into the classroom can help children develop a stronger connection with the food they eat and where it comes from.
I also think your point about seafood being a ‘fast food’ option is fantastic, i often work with schools and explain how quick and easy fish is to prepare for meals!
The ARC Team.
Hi Vera,
Thank you for your response to module 5! It’s great to see how sustainability is being practiced within your local community through initiatives such as tidy towns, biodiversity projects and community gardening. These activities provide valuable opportunities for children to understand how local actions can contribute to protecting the environment.
The ARC Team.
Hi Rebecca,
Thank you for your reflective post!
I like how you highlighted the nutritional benefits of seafood and the importance of teaching children about healthy food choices. Your idea of using children’s natural curiosity to explore seafood found in their local area was particularly effective.
The group research and presentation activity is a great way to develop both teamwork and communication skills. Finishing the lesson with a seafood tasting is an excellent way to reinforce learning and encourage new things.
The ARC Team
Hi Elaine,
Thank you for your reflective post!
I like how you focused on the nutritional benefits of seafood and explained how this knowledge can be applied in the classroom through practical activities. Your suggestions, are simple but effective ways to help children learn about healthy eating. I also liked your mention of the ‘eye spy in the supermarket’ activity, as it encourages students to think about nutrition and sustainability.
The Arc Team
Hi Brónagh,
Thank you for your submission! I like how you connected the resources to your own experience of living on Inis Mór and highlighted the importance of helping students understand their local environment.
It was interesting to see how you linked STEM with SSE process and how a whole school wide approach could help provide a more consistent and meaningful STEM experience for all pupils.
The ARC Team
Hi Molly,
Thank you for your reflective piece! I enjoyed reading how you connected the location of aquaculture farms in Ireland with the natural features on our coastline. You explained clearly how sheltered bays, inlets and our mild climate creates the right conditions.
Your link to teaching was a nice addition to the piece. This topic gives children a great opportunity to explore how the environment influences the way people live and work. Overall a very thoughtful reflection!
The ARC Team
Hi Noreen,
Thank you for your reflection piece! I liked how you explained Ireland’s climate as a ‘Goldilocks’ climate, it was also great that you considered how the farming map could be used in the classroom to help children understand where different types of farming takes place.
You also noted some of the challenges facing aquaculture, such as pollution and disease. Thank you for considering both the benefits and the responsibilities that come with aquaculture
The ARC Team
Hi Caitlin,
Thank you for your response to this module. It was great that you linked aquaculture to Donegal and explained how it can support jobs and communities as traditional fishing has declined. You also made a good point about the importance of educating young people about aquaculture and its benefits.
Aquaculture can also create opportunities through tourism and local businesses, helping to support coastal communities in different ways.
The ARC Team
Hi Caitlin,
Thank you for your reflection. You highlighted many different ways aquaculture can be explored in the classroom and how it connects with everyday life in Ireland. It is great to see how this topic can link across subjects such as geography, science, sustainability and careers.
Learning about both the challenges and benefits of aquaculture can help children become more informed about the choices they make and their impact on the environment. Your mention of BIM also shows the wide range of opportunities within the industry, and it would be a great topic for students to explore through projects, discussions, local examples and guest speakers that can connect learning to the wider world.
The ARC Team
Hi Brónagh,
What an amazing place to be from! Inis Mór is beautiful. It’s very interesting to read your perspective as someone from the islands, where the sea plays such an important role in everyday life.
I really liked your point about educating children in coastal communities about aquaculture from a young age. Helping pupils understand how the marine environment supports local jobs, food production, and sustainable livelihoods can foster environmental awareness and pride in their community.
Go raibh maith agat!
The ARC Team
Hi Hannah,
Thank you for your piece!
You’ve highlighted some great ways to make STEM learning engaging and relevant for pupils. I really liked your focus on cross curricular learning, as it helps students see how science, maths and geography can connect.
The ARC resources are a great starting point, and its encouraging to see how they have increased your confidence in delivering STEM experiences!
The ARC Team