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Hi Dolores, I really like your research question because it encourages pupils to investigate their own school environment and take meaningful action. Your activities are practical, cross-curricular and promote teamwork, problem-solving and critical thinking. Giving pupils the opportunity to present their findings is a great way to develop confidence while encouraging the whole school community to become more environmentally aware.
Module 5 Assignment – Climate Detectives
Research Question: How can reducing single-use plastics in our school help protect the environment and reduce climate change?This research question is suitable because it focuses on a real environmental issue that pupils can investigate and influence. Using the ESERO Ireland Climate Detectives framework,
I would encourage children to identify sources of single-use plastic around the school, such as lunch packaging and drink bottles. They could collect and record data, create graphs, and compare results over several weeks.
Pupils would work collaboratively in small groups, sharing ideas and developing critical thinking, problem-solving and STEM skills.
They could investigate alternatives to plastic and discuss simple actions the school community could take to reduce waste.
Finally, pupils would present their findings through posters, presentations or assemblies and encourage others to make environmentally friendly choices.
This inquiry-based approach gives children ownership of their learning while helping them understand that small actions can make a positive difference in tackling climate change and protecting our planet.Hi Cathal, I really enjoyed reading your post. I liked how you explained the different roles of each satellite in a clear and easy-to-understand way. Your reflection shows how useful satellite tracking can be for learning about weather, communication and environmental monitoring. It certainly highlights how important space technology is in our everyday lives.
Module 4 Assignment – Satellite Tracking
For this assignment, I explored the Satellite Tracker app to identify satellites that had recently passed over Ireland. Five examples included the International Space Station (ISS), Sentinel-1A, Sentinel-2A, Sentinel-3A and NOAA-20. Each satellite has an important role in helping scientists better understand our planet. The ISS supports scientific research in space, while the Sentinel satellites monitor land, oceans, forests and the effects of climate change. NOAA-20 collects weather and environmental data that improves forecasting and helps monitor natural disasters.This activity helped me appreciate how satellites provide valuable information about Earth’s environment. I would use a satellite tracking app with my Senior Infants and First Class pupils to spark curiosity about space and technology. Pupils could track the ISS, discuss what satellites do and create simple fact files, linking Science, Geography, Mathematics and Digital Technologies in an engaging, hands-on way.
Hi Aisling, I really enjoyed reading your post. I agree that the visuals in HOME are a fantastic way to engage younger pupils and spark discussion about climate change. Focusing on positive actions children can take, rather than the more worrying aspects, is an excellent approach. It helps pupils feel empowered while developing an appreciation for protecting our environment.
Module 3 Assignment – Climate Change Challenge
The documentary HOME provides a powerful and thought-provoking introduction to climate change by showing the beauty of our planet and the impact that human activities have on the environment. The film highlights the importance of protecting natural resources, reducing carbon emissions and making sustainable choices for the future. The additional videos on the Paris Agreement, climate action and carbon footprints help explain how governments, organisations and individuals all have a role in addressing climate change.I would introduce these concepts to my Senior Infants and First Class pupils through age-appropriate discussions, picture books and short video clips. We would explore simple everyday actions such as recycling, saving electricity, walking to school where possible and caring for plants and wildlife. Pupils could calculate a simple classroom carbon footprint, create posters promoting climate-friendly habits and take part in a class recycling challenge. These practical activities would encourage responsibility, teamwork and environmental awareness while helping children understand that even small actions can make a positive difference to our planet.
Hi Mark, I really enjoyed reading your post. I agree that the Paxi video is an engaging introduction to climate change, even if older pupils may need a little encouragement at first. I also like your idea of assigning group roles and using the TEAL app to explore future climate scenarios. It encourages teamwork, critical thinking and helps pupils understand how their everyday actions can make a positive difference.
Module 2 Assignment – Climate Reporters
The Climate Reporters activity is an excellent way to introduce pupils to climate change through engaging, inquiry-based learning. After watching the Paxi video on greenhouse gases, pupils gain a clear understanding of how greenhouse gases affect Earth’s temperature. Using the future temperature prediction tool allows children to investigate real climate data, interpret graphs and identify patterns over time. This supports the development of scientific enquiry, mathematical data-handling skills and critical thinking.I would use this activity with Senior Infants and First Class by simplifying the graphs and encouraging pupils to discuss what they notice before making predictions. We could compare today’s weather with long-term climate trends and explore simple actions that help protect the environment. To extend the lesson, pupils could create posters promoting climate-friendly habits or keep a class climate diary. Overall, this ESERO activity provides an engaging, cross-curricular approach that helps children understand climate change while developing observation, communication and problem-solving skills.
Hi Fionnuala, I enjoyed reading your post. I agree that STEM learning is most effective when pupils investigate real-world problems through practical, hands-on activities. Your ideas for using digital weather forecasts and designing simple weather instruments are excellent ways to deepen learning while encouraging teamwork, critical thinking and problem-solving across a range of curriculum areas.
Module 1 Assignment – Weather and Climate
After completing Module 1, I have developed a greater understanding of the difference between weather and climate and the important role that STEM education plays in helping children explore these concepts through active learning. The ESERO resources, particularly ‘Nose Up High in the Sky’ and ‘Weather vs Climate’, provide engaging, hands-on activities that encourage pupils to observe, question, investigate and communicate their findings.In my classroom, I would establish a simple weather station where pupils could record daily temperature, rainfall, wind direction and cloud cover. They would compare daily weather observations over time to identify patterns and understand how climate differs from day-to-day weather. This activity develops STEM skills by encouraging scientific enquiry, measuring, recording data, analysing results and drawing conclusions. It also promotes teamwork, communication and problem-solving.
I would share our findings with other classes through displays, assemblies and digital presentations, helping to foster a whole-school understanding of weather, climate and environmental awareness while encouraging curiosity about our changing world.
Hi Sinéad, I really enjoyed your post. You shared an excellent range of songs, poems, books and artwork that would engage children across different curriculum areas. I especially liked your recommendation of *How to Catch a Star*, as it provides wonderful opportunities to link literacy, art, science and imagination in a meaningful and enjoyable way.
Hi Caoimhe, I really enjoyed reading your post. You included a lovely variety of songs, poems and artwork that make meaningful connections with the night sky. I especially liked how you integrated literature, music, art and science to inspire curiosity and creativity. Your classroom activity ideas are engaging and would encourage children to explore the wonders of the night sky in a fun, cross-curricular way.
Module 5 Assignment – Design Your Own Dark Sky Place
For this assignment, I would implement a “Design Your Own Dark Sky Place” project with Senior Infants and First Class. The lesson would begin by discussing why dark skies are important for people, wildlife and the environment. Pupils would explore how artificial light affects our ability to see the stars and how reducing light pollution can help protect nature and save energy.Working in small groups, children would design a model or drawing of a Dark Sky Place using recycled materials. They would include features such as shielded lighting, trees, open viewing areas and signs encouraging responsible lighting. Pupils would explain how their design supports biodiversity and sustainability while allowing people to enjoy the beauty of the night sky.
This activity integrates Science, Geography, Visual Arts and STEM while promoting creativity, teamwork and problem-solving. Using ESERO Ireland resources, pupils would develop an appreciation of the night sky and understand the importance of protecting dark skies for future generations.
Hi Orla, I really enjoyed reading your response. Your idea of using a real video of a local bat makes the lesson meaningful and engaging for pupils. I also like the cross-curricular links through art, drama and mapping activities, which encourage children to understand and protect biodiversity in their own community.
Hi Monica, I really enjoyed reading your ideas. I like how you use Think, Pair, Share and video clips to actively involve pupils in learning about biodiversity and light pollution. Including families through a homework activity is a great way to extend learning and encourage positive environmental action beyond the classroom.
