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Hi Claire,
Thank you so much for your response to Module 1.
I agree with your perspective on the value of teaching aquaculture and social license in the classroom. Learning about these topics give students a clearer picture of where their food comes from, and encourage them to think about the environmental and social responsibilities tied to food production.
The immersive nature of the Aquaculture Remote Classroom helps students connect classroom learning on a deeper level. As you mentioned, replicating that level of engagement in a traditional classroom is challenging, so access to such modern and dynamic learning spaces is a great asset.
These topics empower students. They help young people see themselves as active citizens who can contribute to more sustainable and community-focused decisions in the future. Understanding the impact of your actions on the wider world is a skill valuable outside of the classroom as well.
Grace
Hi Susan,
Thank you for your reply to Module 2!
The areas not suitable for traditional farming along Irelands North, South and West coast were definitely made use of in the aquaculture industry. Places like Clare Island where so many members of their community depend on the Salmon farm for income demonstrate geographical conditions perfect for the sea pens. With the deep water, easy accessibility and strong currents coming in from the Atlantic to ensure the constant flow of water in out of the pens to keep the marine environment free from built-up debris; it is most suitable for a salmon farm whereas traditional farming might not be as ideal therefore not as lucrative or economically supportive of the inhabitants there.
As we are an island, it makes sense that we utilise more of the underwater resources which surrounds us! It can be used in different ways across different sectors that can support each other. From food production to tourism as you have so cleverly highlighted. Taste the Atlantic is a project developed by Bord Iascaigh Mhara which brings financial gain to areas along the West Coast from the tourists that take part in the trail from Malin Head to Kinsale, it is a lucrative programme for the Irish food producers involved.
Spreading the word of authentic, locally sourced and sustainably produced food on social media is the way forward! It is so encouraging to see many new festivals highlighting the importance of homegrown produce such as Seafest in Cromane and Glenbeigh Summer festival where locally sourced mussels and oysters take centre stage!
Showing off the high quality, delicious and nutritious cuisine produced in Irish waters should be exhibited at every opportunity 🙂
Grace
Hi Mark,
Thank you for your response to Module 4!
The classroom is a great place to start the conversation about nutrition as a basis for kids. As you said yourself it can springboard into multiple different learning opportunities whether it be through the school healthy eating policies/SPHE/Nutritional Science. With so many young children involved in sport it is crucial that they understand the basics of nutrition for correct fuelling so they have enough energy to learn and take part in sports! So many kids are running and racing from school to practice it would be useful to have the knowledge about which foods are the best for healthy/convenient snacks.
I agree that the idea of the food pyramid is outdated and perhaps a more exaggerated emphasis on hydration wouldn’t go amiss! The food labelling information here is applicable to all ages as I know many adults who wouldn’t have the same knowledge as the kids do after this module. It is so important for kids to be aware of what they’re eating and how it got to their table in the first place! We are so proud of the high quality seafood that we produce in Ireland, it is fantastic for the kids to have a basic understanding of the rules and regulations in place for this to be so.
We should definitely take more advantage of this remarkable resource as an island with such unique conditions that are perfect for aquaculture! Hopefully these lessons will encourage the kids to consider having more fish for dinner. A tasty meal that’s good for you! That’s a win-win to me.
Grace
Hi Louise,
Thank you for you responses to Module 5!
It’s so lovely to hear how sustainability has taken root in the everyday lives of families and the wider community in south west Dublin. Having accessible initiatives like community gardens, allotments, and a local recycling centre provides context for young learners to explore and understand environmental responsibility in meaningful ways.
Your approach to draw from these local examples and implement them into junior primary curriculum is a great idea! Encouraging hands-on involvement—whether it be growing vegetables, participating in clean-up projects, or designing eco-awareness campaigns—pupils gain not just knowledge but a sense of purpose and connection. These kinds of activities can be empowering for young children, helping them see themselves as capable changemakers in their own community.
It’s so clever that you’re building on habits already present in students’ home lives. This continuity between school and home supports long-term change and reinforces the message that sustainability is not just a school subject, but a way of living.
Grace
Hi Mark,
Thank you for your response to Module 3!
It is really fantastic to hear how the ARC’s lessons have sparked such thoughtful reflection on how STEM can be brought into your teaching practice! Project-based lessons where students work with real data is a powerful way to bring the curriculum to life but will also give the students a sense of autonomy over what they are learning. This approach can really help students see the value in STEM as it connects directly to issues they can relate to, making it more tangible and meaningful.
Bringing STEM into the broader whole-school practices, particularly through the School Self-Evaluation process (SSE). Reviewing how STEM is currently being taught and looking for opportunities to strengthen inquiry-based learning across all subjects sounds like a great way to create a more holistic approach. Sharing good practices among staff and tracking skills like problem-solving and collaboration is key, as those are exactly the kinds of competencies that will benefit students in the long run.
Outside the classroom is where a lot of useful learning can take place as well. Applying those skills in real life situations only benefits the student by practicing what they have learned in an environment that is unique and personal to the student themself.
Grace
Hi Andrea,
Thank you for your response to Module 5!
It’s lovely to see how sustainability is so deeply integrated into your local community. The idea of using local walks, surveys, and projects is an excellent way to bring sustainability into the classroom in a meaningful, practical way. Partnering with the Tidy Towns group is a fantastic idea as well; fostering community involvement and gives students a sense of ownership and respect for their environment.
I also love the idea of a school-wide Green Week! That could be a great opportunity to inspire students to take small but impactful steps in their day to day lives, whether through biking to school or reducing waste at home. I think it would be interesting to explore the potential long-term impact of these kinds of activities, such as how students might carry these eco-conscious habits into their adulthood.
Grace
Hi Barbara,
Thank you for your forum post on Module 1:Introduction to Aquaculture!
Social licensing plays a crucial role across this industry. It encourages the involvement of the public and ensures that diverse perspectives are considered.
The ARC helps students connect classroom learning to real-world situations in their local communities, fostering a sense of engagement and participation. It is so often we visit areas that would have a rich history of aquaculture but the everyday person wouldn’t know the ins and outs of what takes place on the sites on a daily basis.
The interactive nature of the ARC is a great way to spread knowledge and awareness of such a crucial building block in many communities.
Grace
