Forum Replies Created
-
Posts
-
Reflecting on Liston’s paper “Unravelling STEM: Beyond the Acronym of Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths” (2018), my classroom’s STEM education embodies an integrated and real-world approach. Projects often combine multiple disciplines, such as a renewable energy task involving scientific principles, technology simulations, engineering designs, and mathematical calculations. Real-world problems are central, with students tackling local environmental issues and presenting solutions to community stakeholders. Collaborative teamwork mirrors professional environments, and inquiry-based learning encourages students to explore and experiment. Technology is a tool used across the curriculum, enhancing engagement and preparedness for modern careers. Reflective practices, such as journals, help students internalise learning and develop a growth mindset. A key example is the sustainable city project, where students research, design, calculate, and present comprehensive solutions, embodying all STEM principles and fostering a dynamic learning environment
Hi Cathriona,
It sounds like your school is in a very beautiful place. I have started picking up rubbish from the beach when I go for a walk. Much of it brought in from the sea. Another project that your pupils might be interested in is what can be created from Food waste. We used cabbage and tomato seeds to grow more – it required some work but the students loved it!
I live in Killarney, County Kerry and the tow is leading the way in sustainability through various initiatives, including its recent commitment to becoming Ireland’s first single-use coffee cup-free town. Launched on July 11, 2023, the Killarney Coffee Cup Project aims to eliminate over one million single-use coffee cups annually, reducing waste by 18.5 tonnes. This ambitious goal is supported by 25 local independent coffee shops and 21 hotels, who have collectively agreed to transition to a reusable takeaway system.
Students can contribute to Killarney’s sustainability efforts by participating in local conservation projects, promoting renewable energy, supporting waste reduction, and encouraging the use of sustainable transport options. By raising awareness and supporting local businesses that prioritise eco-friendly practices, students play a vital role in enhancing these initiatives and ensuring a greener future for their community.
Killarney’s unique ecosystems, such as Killarney National Park, are protected through various conservation measures. The park is home to rare species and ancient woodlands, and efforts are made to maintain its natural balance. Sustainable tourism practices are promoted to ensure that visitors can enjoy the park without causing harm to the environment.
I would ask students to survey local businesses about their sustainability goals. As the town is very progressive in this are I think the students would find this very interesting .
I think it could be a good exercise for children to look at countries that have lots of fish in their diet and their life expectancies. This report might be a good thing to examine with 6th class pupils https://www.who.int/data/gho/data/indicators/indicator-details/GHO/gho-ghe-hale-healthy-life-expectancy-at-birth
Irish seafood is rich in essential nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals, making it a highly nutritious choice for a healthy diet. These nutrients are vital for brain development, heart health, and overall well-being. In my primary classroom, I would teach this topic through interactive lessons that engage students with hands-on activities. For example, I could organize taste tests of different types of local seafood, have students research the health benefits of each, and create informative posters. Inviting a local fishmonger to speak about the journey of seafood from ocean to plate would make the learning experience more tangible. Incorporating multimedia resources, such as videos and quizzes from the ARC, would also enhance understanding. By linking the nutritional value of seafood to broader topics like sustainability and the local economy, I can help students gain a holistic understanding of why choosing Irish seafood is beneficial both for their health and their community.
I agree that the map is a wonderful resource. It would be wonderful if the children could create their own infographics on Aquaculture and create a presentation for the younger classes.
I totally agree Sarah, so many children think they don’t like fish but I think if it was introduced to them in a different way they might be more willing to try it.
The salmon of knowledge is a perfect way to introduce the benefits of eating fish for brain development!
I think the resources created by the ARC are incredible, and I would love to use them in the classroom. One of the lessons that resonated with me was Lesson 4 on Sustainable Irish Seafood. I plan to bring the children to meet a local fishmonger or invite them to speak to the class. Since our town has two restaurants and one fishmonger run by the same company, this would be possible. I believe this would make the learning real and relevant.
I would start the topic with a question like, “Can choosing eco-friendly fish really make us healthier and save the oceans?” Then, I would show the video from the ARC. The attached quiz would help students self-assess their knowledge before moving on to their project, identifying areas for further research.
The children would then create a project. The STEM aspect would involve creating an app prototype on sustainable food and nutrition or a prototype for an Atlantic fish farm using different materials.
I think this topic could be part of an oral language or problem-solving SSE.
Aquaculture farms in Ireland are located along the beautiful coastline, where the ocean provides perfect conditions for growing seafood like salmon, mussels, and oysters. These farms are very important for the people living in coastal communities. I live in Co Kerry and can see the impact it has in places like Cromane, Valentia and Portmagee. My grandfather worked in the fisheries in Cromane in Co Kerry in the 1950’s and 60’sThe two pubs in Portmagee draw tourists from around the world just to eat the fresh seafood.
Aquaculture creates jobs for local families, helping them earn a living and stay in their hometowns. This is especially important in rural areas where traditional fishing jobs have become less common. The seafood farms also support other local businesses, like those that process and package the seafood or provide equipment for the farms. By selling their products around the world, these farms bring money into the community, making it a better place to live. Plus, they use sustainable practices, which means they take care of the environment while helping the community grow and thrive.
I really enjoyed this module, finding it the most mindful and relaxing one I’ve ever done in an online summer course. Living in Kerry, I’m familiar with aquaculture but never thought about bringing it into my urban classroom. My class visits to Muckross Farms revealed their unfamiliarity with food origins. The social licensing projects, including the ARC and the Young Chef Programme, brilliantly promote Ireland’s rich aquaculture. Introducing children to aquaculture concepts helps them understand sustainable food sources and offers numerous benefits, including promoting sustainability, appreciating environmental conservation, and integrating biology, ecology, and technology. This hands-on learning boosts engagement, practical skills, and fosters awareness of global and local economies, cultural practices, and potential career opportunities. Through aquaculture, students develop critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and interdisciplinary knowledge, making it a valuable addition to their education.
