Families schooling their children at home during the January lockdown can find a wealth of free online activities and resources from the Marine Institute’s Oceans of Learning series.
According to Marine Institute chief executive Dr Paul Connolly, the series “highlights how the ocean has an impact on our lives every day — from providing food, transport and employment to the influence it has on our climate and weather, as well as our health and wellbeing”.
He adds: “In a challenging time, our online learning resources make it easier for those of all ages to learn about our ocean from home.”
The latest additions to the Oceans of Learning lineup comprise a deep dive on Ireland’s research vessels, including a virtual tour of the RV Celtic Explorer; exploring beneath the waves at the SmartBay Observatory; and learning how the Irish Marine Data Buoy Observation Network is crucial to our understanding of weather.
They add to a packed series of modules last summer, taking in everything from Ireland’s coastal communities to the shipping sector, the changing ocean climate, health and wellbeing, collaboration and sustainability.
A highlight was the exclusive Irish interview with Kathy Sullivan — the first person to ever experience travelling to both deep space and the oceans deep.
These are bolstered by additional resources on the RTÉ Learn website, including the documentary series Ireland’s Deep Atlantic which features on the Junior Cert curriculum.