Explorers STEM Workshops
The Explorers STEM Workshops are available at key outreach centres including Galway Atlantaquaria and the Old Cork Waterworks, Cork. The Explorers STEM workshops are available at set times during the year to support events such as Maths Week (October), Science Week (November) and Engineering Week (February).
The Explorers STEM Workshops provide teachers and children the opportunity to learn about the importance of our marine through science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM). The workshops are conducted at an outreach or education centre. The workshop will involve a fun introduction to ocean literacy through interactive experiments, group project work and discussion. Teachers will be provided with recommended education resources and lesson plans to carry out cross curricular project work based on the activities carried out at the workshop which may also extend to include art activities (STEAM).
The STEM workshops may be used to support SDG 14 Life Below Water (marine biodiversity); as well as SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being (outdoor activities); and SDG 12 Responsible Consumption & Production (environmental awareness & care); and SDG13 Climate Action, to name a few.
The Explorers STEM Workshops may include a combination of blended learning activities with the class as well as an on-site visit to the centre (Galway Atlantaquaria, Salthill or Old Cork Waterworks, Cork).
- The workshop at the centre includes a one half-day visit (approx. 2 hours – this may vary per centre) for 25-30 students per class.
- The children and teacher are to complete a project showing what they have learned from the STEM workshop.
- The workshop will be supported with an online class visit with the outreach officer before and / or after the workshop. This will include reviewing the class work and workshop projects.
- This module involves fun activities assessing the student’s ocean literacy in which they will be awarded an Explorers Certificate of Participation on completion of the module
If your class is smaller than 25 or larger than 30, please contact your nearest outreach officer to discuss options.
Where there maybe restrictions or limited access into outreach centres, the Explorers Education Programme team are happy to discuss an alternative blended learning experience with virtual class visits to facilitate the Explorers STEM workshop module.
Travel arrangements to and from the outreach centres must be organised by the school. Entry fee costs may be charged by the outreach centre.
The Explorers Education Programme™ is supported by the Marine Institute, and is funded under the Marine Research Programme by the Irish Government.