Marine Institute’s Explorers Education Programme at Sea Synergy
Since 2016, Sea Synergy has been working with the Marine Institute on the Explorers Education Programme for primary schools in Kerry, a programme which has been very successful and well-received by schools around the country. The programme is fully funded by the Marine Institute.
What is the Explorers Education Program?
The Explorers Education Programme offers a range of marine themed modules for classes and on the sea shore. The Explorers Education Programme provides engaging activities, resources and support for teachers, children and the education network, delivering ocean literacy to primary schools.
We inspire children and educators to become marine leaders and ocean champions by promoting our marine and maritime identity and heritage, as well as making informed and responsible decisions regarding the ocean and its resources.
Project Modules
Sea Synergy delivers many of the explorers education programs in class modules including; CSI Learning about Squid, The good the bad and the Ugly deep sea species, Turtle talk with sea turtles, Whales and Dolphins, Marine Biodiversity. The project modules include a presentation, demonstration, and in-class experiments led by our Education Officers. Following this, the class has 4 weeks to develop a project centred around the subject. In the past, projects have ranged from posters, presentations, and skits to shoebox dioramas and more.
Aquariums in the classroom
We set up a small aquarium filled with common rockpool creatures (crabs, starfish, shrimps, small fish and anemones) in the classroom. The children will learn all about the animals in their tank and the other life found on Ireland’s seashore. The class will then be responsible for the care of their tank for two weeks and get to make observations on the animals behaviour.
Seashore Safaris
The field module Sea Synergy offers is a Seashore Safari, which is a 2-hour guided tour of the seashore. During this field trip, students will have the chance to play educational games on the shore, look for animals in the rock pools, take part in a beachcombing treasure hunt learn about the effects of marine litter, make beach art, and more!
Teacher Training
The Explorers Education Program is not just for kids. Every summer there are several, five-day Teacher Training courses run across the country that counts as Continuing Professional Development. Sea Synergy runs one of these course in Kerry. This course provides teachers with an opportunity to connect with their local seashore and learn new ideas for outdoor education, as well as bringing the seashore into the classroom.
Additional Information:
Find out more about the Marine Institute’s Explorers Education Programme.
Check out the Explorers Marine Project Resources, Explorers Seashore Resources, Explorers Favourite Ocean Facts and Activities, Explorers STEM and STEAM Projects.
If you’re interested in getting your school involved in the Explorers Education Programme, please contact us using the form below.
SEE WHAT OUR TEACHERS SAY ABOUT THE PROGRAM!
The children loved seeing the creatures and shells – some children never get taken to the seaside or beach. We loved every workshop. The projects were great for their confidence & learning. – Teacher, Lisselton NS.
This was a very worthwhile experience for the children. They really engaged with the content and deepened their understanding of marine life. It was a very enjoyable learning experience. – Teacher, St. Finian’s NS.
Thank you for providing this service, it’s highly valuable. The children have huge respect & interest in marine life & the ocean now after the programme. –Teacher, Lisselton NS.
Course was excellent – looking forward to the Seashore Safari! – Teacher, Glenderry NS.