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I really like the idea of using Birr Castle as an outdoor classroom for an art lesson. I think the children would enjoy being outdoors and using the castle and its surroundings to inspire their artwork.
I would plan a project based on the natural and scientific heritage of our local area. We could begin by discussing local wildlife, plants, rivers and other features that the children are familiar with. The class could then work in groups, with each group choosing something different to find out about.
A walk around the local area would be a good part of the project. The children could take photos, make notes and record what they see. We could then use their findings back in school to make a class display or some posters.
I would spread the project over a few weeks and include Science, Geography and Art. I think the children would enjoy learning outdoors and finding out more about their own area. It would also help them to see why it is important to look after the environment.
I would use the suspension bridge in Birr Castle Demesne to do a bridge-building challenge with the class. We could start by looking at some pictures of the bridge and talking about what makes a bridge strong. The children could then work in groups to design and make their own bridge using simple materials such as straws, lolly sticks and cardboard.
We could bring Maths into the activity by measuring the bridges and looking at shapes and angles. The children could test how much weight their bridge can hold and record the results. Afterwards, we could compare the different bridges and talk about what worked and what could be improved. I think this would be a nice practical activity that would combine Maths, Science and STEM while also encouraging the children to work together and solve problems.
I would use the resources from this module to carry out a biodiversity project over the course of the school year. Every few weeks, the class could spend time outside looking for different plants, insects and birds in the school grounds. The children could record what they find using simple worksheets and take photographs to compare how the area changes from season to season. Identification guides and online resources would help them learn the names of the different species.
This project could fit into several subjects. In Science, pupils would explore living things and habitats. In Maths, they could count their findings and present the information in charts. They could also draw what they observe in Art and write short reports or nature diaries in English. I think this would be an enjoyable way to bring learning outdoors and help children become more aware of the wildlife around them. I t would also encourage curiosity, observation and respect for the natural environment.
I really liked the ideas in this module for using online resources to explore the local area. I would use google maps, Geohive and the Met Eireann website with my class to investigate our local environment. The children could look at different types of land use, check the weather, and identify local plants and animals. We could then go outside to see what we can find around the school and compare our observations with the information online.
This lesson would fit well with Science, Geography and Maths. The pupils could record what they find, create simple charts and maps, and discuss any patterns they notice. I think activities like this help children become more aware of their surroundings while also building their digital skills. It is a practical, hands-on way of learning that encourages curiosity and helps pupils make real-life connections with what they are learning in the classroom.
I agree with you, Katie. This module provides some excellent resources that will be really useful for teaching STEM. I can see myself using many of these activities in the classroom.
One of the things I enjoyed most in this module was learning about the scientific history of Birr Castle. I hadn’t realised how important it was in the development of astronomy and engineering. I think using local places like this can really help children see that science isn’t just something they learn from a book.
In my own classroom, I would use this as a starting point for practical activities where pupils can investigate, ask questions and work together. They could explore how telescopes work, carry out simple investigations using light, or look at nature around the school to make links with biodiversity. I think children learn best when they are actively involved and can relate lessons to real places and experiences.
This module reminded me that STEM is about curiosity, problem-solving and creativity. By connecting lessons to our own heritage, pupils are more likely to become interested in science and understand why it matters.
I agree that the 45 minutes would not be enough for this activity. There are lots of links with Geography and Science and it could be explored over a few lessons
5 satellites i tracked- Sentinel 1A, Sentinel 2A, Sentinel 3A, Landsat 9, NOAA 20
I found this activity interesting because I had never used a satellite tracker before. It was surprising to see how many satellites pass over Ireland each day. I learned that they all have different jobs. Some collect weather information, while others tale pictures of the Earth or monitor changes to the environment. This information helps scientists learn more about climate and protect our planet.
I think this would work well in the classroom. Most children are interested in space, so tracking real satellites would capture their attention. I t would fit in well with science and geography and could lead to good discussions about weather, climate and the environment. The activity is easy to follow and gives pupils a chance to use technology while learning something new. I t would help them understand that satellites play an important role in our everyday lives
I really like this idea Cliona. Looking into this research question with the class will help pupils notice how much waste they create and encourage them to think about simple ways to reduce it.
Research question- How does planting more trees around our school help the environment?
I would introduce this topic by asking the children what they already know about climate change and why trees are important. We would then go outside to explore the school grounds. In small groups, the pupils could count the trees, compare temperatures in sunny and shaded areas, and look for insects and birds living nearby. They would record their observations and discuss what they notice.
Back in the classroom, we would look at the results together and compare them with satellite images from ESA. This would help the children see how what happens in our school is connected to the wider environment. I think pupils are more interested when they can investigate real-life questions themselves. At the end of the project, the class could suggest simple ways to make our school greener, such as planting more trees or flowers. This would help them see that everyone can play a part in caring for the environment.