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The ARC’s online lessons and resources has given me a deep understanding of how inquiry-based aquaculture content, when used in the classroom, can enrich teaching across the SESE subjects. By using these models, teachers can integrate science (i.e. marine biology, ecosystems) geography (coastal environments, mapping, farming) and maths (data collection, measures) through active lessons which involve problem solving. This supports the objectives in the STEM Eduction policy statement as they focus on real-world and hand on investigation that can be integrated across different subjects.
With regards to SSE, the school could decide to hold STEM fairs which could showcase different projects, such as aquaculture project e.g. inviting a local farmer to come into the school to discuss oyster farming in the area. This could include project work prior to the visit as well as data gathering. The children could also visit the local seashore and/or a local oyster farm. This would provide a link with the community and would bring the curriculum ‘alive’ and make it relatable to the children.
Absolutely, festivals such as the Galway International Oyster festival draw tourists to the city annually which is a great boost at the end of the summer season.
Irish Aquaculture farms are mainly located along the west and south coasts of Ireland e.g. Counties Galway, Mayo, Donegal, Clare, Cork and Kerry. Most of the farms are salmon, mussel, oyster and seaweed farms. There farms not only employ people on the farms but they also provide additional jobs in other industries such as restaurants, couriers, packaging factories etc. Because of these farms, our traditions and cultures are preserved and also reduces the number of people who are forced to emigrate. Many of these farms also help the tourist industry by not only supplying food stuffs but also doing tours around the farms. The government’s National Strategic Plan (up to 2030) aims to support these socio-economic advantages by supporting this industry. Aquaculture is vital for rural areas because they not only provide livelihoods but are very important for secondary industries e.g. feed suppliers use seaweed. We have a responsibility as a nation to continue to support and encourage aquaculture in Ireland because it is vital for regional development.
Hi Niamh,
Yes, I too agree. I hadn’t really thought about the nutritious content of seafood for children and I do believe as you mentioned, that it is important that children and their parents are taught this too.
By giving children the opportunity to exam tools related to Aquaculture and Social license it provides them with an opportunity to view the world around them. I work in a school which is beside the sea and by teaching the children about the valuable resource that is aquaculture as well as the social responsibilities that comes with living and working near the sea, it will give them a sense of understanding, responsibility and appreciation for the world around them. This also gives them an opportunity to understand the different careers and appreciate the amazing work of the various stakeholders involved in the aquaculture industry.
Schools are very important places for the teaching of responsibilities in our community. The social licence part of the module is a very valuable resource. In most schools children are taught about the environment and specifically the ‘Green Flag’ programme, this social license part of the module can tie in nicely with this initiative.