Explorers Marine Education Programme Expands For New School Year

7th October 2013

#MarineScience - The Explorers Marine Education programme aimed at primary schools has been re-launched in Galway with over 45 schools now taking part in the expanded programme.

Gearing up to celebrate Maths Week (14-18 October), Explorer workshops are being held at Galway Atlantaquaria where primary school pupils will develop maths skills as well as learn about the ocean and Ireland’s seashores.

Supporting the programme for the new school year, Galway Education Centre director Bernard Kirk said: “With over 1,000 primary school students now ready to take part in the Explorers programme, the schools selected are sure to develop an inspiration and enthusiasm for the marine.

"Skills will also be developed through a range of cross-curricular subjects including maths, science, geography, literacy and the arts. The level of interest from teachers is a testament to the programme and we hope it will continue to grow.”

The Marine Institute and Galway Atlantaquaria originally set up the Explorers Education Programme more than eight years ago with the aim of ensuring that primary school pupils developed an interest in Ireland’s marine resources and their future development early in their education.

Explorers education officer Dr Noirin Burke, who will be visiting participating schools, said: “Having a better understanding of our marine environment often begins in the classroom. So by generating a passion in this area, we can bring social, cultural and economic benefits to our communities.

"I’m really looking forward to working with the schools over the next year where the students will learn about our oceans, marine species and Ireland’s marine resource.”

The Explorers programme will involve the unique use of saltwater aquariums in the classroom; seashore safaris on local beaches; marine-based projects about species, habitats and environmental care; as well as a range of workshops offered during Maths, Science and Engineering Weeks. Students and teachers will then be presented with an Explorer Certificate of Participation.

The Explorers programme continues to run in Clare, Mayo, Dublin and Cork in association with partners Galway Atlantaquaria, Blackrock Education Centre, Sea Life Centre Bray and the Lifetime Lab in Cork.

Explorers teaching materials, including a wide maths lesson plans and worksheets, are available to download free of charge at www.explorers.ie

Published in Marine Science

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Explorers marine education

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MacDara Conroy

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MacDara Conroy is a contributor covering all things on the water, from boating and wildlife to science and business

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