The following marine related resources, books, posters and websites can be used to support teaching students about our oceans and the seas around Ireland’s coastline.
Fun Ocean Initiatives
MSL Mercedes-Benz Kilcullen Voyagers primary school initiative
The Atlantic Youth Trust President Enda O'Coineen is taking part in the one-of-a kind sailing race called the Vendée Globe challenge. Courageous skippers compete alone on their boat without assistance, battling the wind, water and waves in a non-stop, sailing race around the world. Team Ireland Vendée Globe have organised a 14 week education project named the MSL Mercedes-Benz Kilcullen Voyagers primary school initiative where you can follow the Enda in the race while also learn about the ocean. Check out the Team Ireland Vendée Globe website for handy downloads including competitions, teaching resources and a map of the world ocean, produced by Black John the Bogus Pirate.
Posters
BlueSociety.org, Sea for Society and the Marine Institute have developed a number of 'Your Ocean - Your Future' posters that can be used in class to raise awareness and understanding about "the ocean's influence on us and our influence on the ocean". The posters can be used to help learn about the key fundamental concepts about our ocean.
For more information see Ocean Literacy: The Essential Principles and Fundamental Concepts of Ocean Sciences for Learners of All Ages Version 2: March 2013
1. The Earth has one big ocean with many features
• The ocean covers 70% of the Planet.
• 97% of the Earth’s water is in the ocean.
The Earth has one big ocean with many features.Pdf
2. Ocean, life and activity under the sea shape the features of the Earth
• Tectonic activity and climatic changes have shaped continental shelves under the ocean, as well as forming islands and land features above.
• The changing sea levels and the force of the waves continuously affect our coast lines.
Ocean, life and activity under the sea shape the features of the Earth.Pdf
3. The ocean is a major influence on our weather and climate
• The ocean drives the water cycle, which supplies us with fresh water.
• The ocean moderates the weather and the Earth’s climate.
The ocean is a major influence on our weather and climate.Pdf
4. The ocean made Earth habitable
• Over 50% of the oxygen we breathe comes from phytoplankton in the ocean.
• The ocean absorbs 30% carbon dioxide added to the atmosphere by human activity.
The ocean made Earth habitable.Pdf
5. The ocean supports a great diversity of life and ecosystems
• More plants and animal life are found in the ocean than on land.
• Ocean life ranges from the smallest microscopic plants and animals(phytoplankton and zooplankton), to the largest animals on earth, such as blue whales.
• Seashores, estuaries and the deepest parts of the ocean provide important nursery grounds for marine and aquatic species.
The ocean supports a great diversity of life and ecosystems.Pdf
6a The ocean and humans are inextricably interconnected - Food
• The ocean provides an essential source of food.
• The ocean provides minerals, medicine and energy resources that improve our quality of life.
The ocean and humans are inextricably interconnected - Food.Pdf
6b. The ocean and humans are inextricably interconnected - Trade
• More than 90% of global trade is carried by sea.
The ocean and humans are inextricably interconnected - Trade.Pdf
6c. The ocean and humans are inextricably interconnected - Energy
• E.U. offshore wind investments topped €4.2 billion in 2014
The ocean and humans are inextricably interconnected - Energy.Pdf
6d. The ocean and humans are inextricably interconnected - Heritage and Culture
• The ocean contributes to our marine heritage and culture.
• The majority of Ireland’s population lives within 50km of the coast.
The ocean and humans are inextricably interconnected - Heritage and Culture.Pdf
7. The ocean is largely unexplored
• New technologies, sensors and tools are expanding the ability to explore the ocean.
• Ireland has one of the largest marine territories in Europe.
The ocean is largely unexplored.Pdf
Books
The Explorer’s Activity Book (PDF 1.1MB) contains a number of fun exercises, colouring pages and activities. It includes information about Ireland’s 220 million acre marine resource, facts about the sea and the work of the Marine Institute. The book is by Cushla Dromgool-Regan and the illustrations were drawn by Don Conroy.
Captain Cockle and the Rock Pool Colouring Book (PDF 1727 KB) contains a number of colouring pages illustrating the adventures of Captain Cockle meeting many “giant” seashore creatures. Captain Cockle and the Rock Pool is by John Joyce.
The teachers’ resource and lesson plans from The Secrets of Ireland’s Seas (PDF, 2MB) demonstrates the excitement of the new era that Ireland is entering in terms of sustainable marine development and the sheer fun of being involved in the exploration of Ireland’s seas. This book was compiled for the An Post’s Educational Award Scheme with the assistance of the Marine Institute.
Explorer - A Deeper Understanding features a fly-on-the-wall documentary on a deepwater mission aboard the research vessel RV Celtic Explorer. This exciting documentary can be viewed directly from You Tube.
Websites
Sea Change provides some excellent education Human Health and the Ocean Fact sheets highlighting how the the marine environment has a major bearing on our health and well being. The Fact sheets include: The Ocean is Planet Earth’s Life Support System; Seafood and Human Health; Marine Pollution and Human Health; The Ocean-A Treasure Trove for Human Medicine; The Sea and our Physical and Mental Well being. Sea Change is funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (2015-2018). For further information see: www.seachangeproject.eu
Ahoy readers! I'm Captain Cillian™ and I'm a fun friendly sailor from Ireland. My learning adventure books will take you on a journey of discovery where you can develop our reading and writing skills and learn some key words in the Irish language. Stories include “Hidden Caves Adventure”, “Surfing Adventure” and “Stormy Sea Adventure” and are an excellent teachers resource for ages 3-9 years. The books are available to purchase at www.captaincillian.com.
Discover Primary Science (DPS – Ireland) provides science activities and online resources for primary schools and teachers.
Galway Atlantaquaria are partners in running the Explorers education programme. Visit National Aquarium for information about their workshops and interactive displays.
Check out the National Sealife Bray for more information about their displays which are home to over 1,000 creatures including: Black Tip Reef Sharks, Octopus, Seahorses, Stingrays and Red-Bellied Piranha.
Lifetime lab on the River Lee, Cork offers a range of workshops and fun activities for schools.
The Irish Elasmobranch Group (IEG) aims to promote research, education and conservation of sharks, skates and rays in Irish waters.
Sherkin Marine raises awareness about Ireland’s marine environment in Ireland and helps introduce young people to nature. Visit Sherkin Marine if you would like to submit photos of a marine project or activities at the beach to be viewed on the Explorers Schools.