[John Flynn]

Do plants bloom earlier or later than they used to ?

Scientists have found that in many parts of the world, plants are blooming earlier than they did in the past.
For example, cherry blossoms in Japan and Washington, D.C. are now opening several days (sometimes even weeks) earlier than they did a century ago.
This change is closely linked to rising temperatures and shifting seasons caused by climate change.

What does this tell us?
Evidence of Climate Change

Plants are very sensitive to temperature and daylight.
Earlier blooming suggests that winters are shorter and springs are warmer.
Impact on Ecosystems

If flowers bloom too early, they may miss their pollinators (like bees and butterflies).
Animals that depend on those plants for food may struggle.
Long-term Changes

These shifts show us how climate change affects living things, not just weather.
Tracking bloom times helps scientists predict future environmental changes.

• This reply was modified 5 months, 3 weeks ago by John Flynn.

[John Flynn]

Yes questions on rain, especially thundery downpours are very relevant at the moment.

[John Flynn]

Visible Satellite Passes Over Ireland
International Space Station (ISS)

The ISS is one of the easiest satellites to spot—visible to the naked eye and often very bright, sometimes outshining the brightest stars.

It typically makes multiple passes per night, orbiting Earth every 90 minutes.

For example, one recent sighting was predicted between 6:01 pm and 6:07 pm, visible across much of Ireland.

Another evening pass was forecast between 8:42 pm and 8:47 pm, entering from the west and exiting southeast.

Observers across Ireland often share sightings on forums like Reddit:

“As a distraction… the ISS has been passing over Ireland regularly this week … It moves steadily and quickly … west to east…”
Reddit

Starlink Satellite “Trains”

Starlink satellites, part of SpaceX’s internet constellation, often appear as dazzling lines of lights racing across the sky.

These “satellite trains” are most visible shortly after launch when the satellites are still close together.
astronomy.ie

In recent months, skywatchers in Dublin and elsewhere reported seeing these chains of lights, sometimes mistaken for UFOs:

“Galway people have been left baffled … glowing figures ‘moving perfectly in a straight line’ … Alan O’Reilly … said: ‘These are the Starlink satellites moving overhead…’”

“They are Starlink Satellites being launched into the sky. So cool to see.”
Reddit

3. Other Satellite Flares and Passes

Some satellites, particularly Iridium communications satellites, can produce bright, brief flares by reflecting sunlight—also known as “satellite glints.”

For enthusiasts, these fleeting flashes are fascinating but require precise timing to catch.

[John Flynn]

Yes this is truly amazing and kids would adore tracking the satellites.

[John Flynn]

Content: The film uses stunning aerial cinematography to show the beauty of Earth while highlighting the severe threats posed by human activities—deforestation, resource exploitation, urbanization, and especially climate change.

Message: Humanity must urgently shift to sustainable living to preserve the planet.

For Young Kids (5–8 years)

Use stories & characters: Animals, trees, or the Earth as a “friend” that needs care.

Hands-on activities: Planting seeds, recycling games, sorting trash, or making crafts from reused materials.

Simple explanations:

“The Earth is getting warmer, and that makes it harder for animals, plants, and people.”

“We can help by saving energy, planting trees, and reducing waste.”

Visuals: Drawings of Earth with a smile vs. Earth with a “fever.”

For Older Kids (9–12 years)

Science experiments: Show how ice melts faster in warm water (glacier melting).

Connections to daily life: Talk about how hot days, storms, or changing seasons are signs of climate change.

Team projects: Create posters, design eco-friendly inventions, or write a “climate pledge.”

Role models: Share kid-friendly examples like Greta Thunberg or young inventors working on solutions.

[John Flynn]

Yes, definitely a bit heavy for younger kids. A project on Greta Thunberg done in conjunction with this would be a great idea.

[John Flynn]

In this short, ESA’s mascot Paxi explains the greenhouse effect in a child-friendly way, showing how it contributes to global warming and rising temperatures.

Paxi introduces the greenhouse effect and how certain gases trap heat in our atmosphere.

It demonstrates, in simple terms, how this leads to increasing global temperatures.

The animation is designed for younger audiences (ages 6–12) but works well for anyone looking for an accessible explanation

[John Flynn]

Yes, the carbon footprint posters in relation to camping is a great idea, especially with the popularity of camping at the moment.

[John Flynn]

How to Implement STEM in the Classroom
Project-Based Learning
Example: Design a water filtration system using simple materials.

Cross-Curricular Lessons

Combine math (measurements), science (chemistry of water), and technology (coding sensors) into one project.

Hands-On Experiments

Robotics kits, coding games, or building simple machines.

Technology Integration

Use simulations, 3D printing, or VR to explore concepts.

STEM Challenges / Competitions

STEM fairs, coding challenges, or engineering design contests.

Examples of Classroom STEM Activities

Infants: Build bridges with popsicle sticks and test their strength.

Middle classes: Create simple circuits with batteries and LEDs.

6th class: Program a robot to navigate a maze or design an app prototype.

[John Flynn]

Yes setting up a weather station would be such a great idea, as kids really enjoy gathering information on a regular basis. Could easily be integrated with other areas of the curriculum like data in maths.

[Author]

Posts