South Mayo, Donegal and Sligo Primary school students to learn about our ocean wealth and leave no trace.

In a huge step towards a more sustainable future, marine based education modules are to be introduced to primary school children in South Mayo, Donegal and Sligo next year, as part of a Leave No Trace Ireland initiative.

The Marine Institute’s Explorer’s Education Programme will promote the importance of our ocean through saltwater aquariums in classrooms, seashore safari’s, marine projects, marine workshops and special science and art projects.

Children in Ireland are spending increasingly alarming amounts of times indoors, sheltered from the natural world. New research from Leave No Trace show 51% of children in Ireland only spend 30 minutes or less playing outdoors after school. 45% have never climbed a tree and 62% have never pitched a tent.

The new module includes ‘Leave No Trace in the marine environment’ where primary school children will learn how to protect their local marine environment. The seashore safaris are designed to encourage exploration and discovery in a supervised environment. The syllabus is designed to develop problem-solving, critical thinking, inquiry and investigation, spatial awareness and sensory perception – all with a healthy dose of fun.

Dr Peter Heffernan, CEO of the Marine Institute “As an island nation with a seabed territory ten times greater than the size of the island of Ireland, it is fundamental that we realise the value, opportunities and social benefits the ocean provides us.”

Booking to take part in the modules is essential and teachers in Mayo, Donegal, Sligo and Kerry should contact Leave No Trace Ireland for more details on [email protected].

To find out more: www.explorers.ie

By Orla O'Muiri

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