4th and 5th class headed to the beach and took part in a Marine Explorer workshop hosted by Marine Biologist Mona McCree
It was an ideal way for children to learn about nature and their local environment. By basing our class in an outdoor classroom on the seashore, the children got an opportunity to learn through discovery and exploration, as well as being able to benefit from engaging group work and hands on activities in the field.
The workshop included:
– An interactive talk with authentic marine realia, with props ranging from razor shells and crab claws to whale baleen and shark eggcases.
– Tools for investigating the seashore, ie. fishing nets, crab and shrimp pots, field guides, worksheets, clipboards, magnifying glasses, buckets and spades.
– Group work and team building activities, including a lesson on how to collect, record and identify living things on the seashore.
– A lesson on how to recognise and identify animals and seaweeds that typify Ireland’s coasts.
– A qualified marine biologist and environmental educator to answer all their questions.
– Participation in our citizen science programmes and marine conservation projects, including the Purse Search shark and ray eggcase sightings scheme.
It was a fantastic experience for the children.
