Explorers Education Programme

The Marine Institute’s Explorers Education Programme engages with primary schools, teachers, children and the education network, creating marine leaders and ocean champions in Ireland.

Explorers News & Media

Take a look at the Explorers Education news and media activities to see our latest stories, events and competitions. Don’t forget to dive into the Explorers short films and fun ocean facts that can be used in the classroom.

Explorers About Us & Contacts

The Explorers Education Programme promotes ocean awareness, knowledge and engagement, as well as supports ocean literacy and marine education in primary schools. Browse through our mission and goals and if you have enquiries relating to the Explorers Education Programme, see our contact details for more information.

Explorers Ocean Literacy & SDG Resources

The Explorers Ocean Literacy & UN Sustainable Development Goals resources include a range of materials that can be used in the classroom to support learning about the ocean.

Explorers Outreach in Schools

The Explorers Education Programme offers a range of marine themed modules for primary school students and teachers in the classroom, through blended learning as well as out-door education. Check out our modules including marine projects, seashores safaris, aquariums in the class, and taking part in a number of exciting marine workshops.

Explorers Marine Project Resources

The Explorers Marine Project Resources provide great teaching materials to help develop ocean literacy in the classroom. The cross curricular resources have also been developed to support STEM & STEAM topics, as well as themes covered by the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Explorers Teachers Training

The Explorers Education Programme provides a series of continued development training courses including DES approved summer courses, webinars and workshops. The Explorers team also provide a range of marine education webinars, workshops and field trips in collaboration with Education Support Centres as well as third level Institutes, supporting the delivery of STEM, ocean literacy and the Sustainable Development Goals.

Explorers STEM and STEAM Projects

The Marine Institute and the Explorers Education team supports activities involving meeting marine scientists and creating projects in schools where STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) and STEAM (including arts) can be adopted.

Explorers Publications

The Explorers Education Programme Publication for outreach and educators has some great materials for those interested in learning about the ocean and developing their ocean literacy. The publications include teachers project planning guides, children’s workbooks, activity and colouring books, as well as a selection of our favourite posters and presentations.

Explorers Seashore Resources

The Explorers Education Programme provides a Seashore Resources tool kit that teachers can use to introduce children to the seashore. The resources include short films, species information sheets, presentations, activity and worksheets for children, seashore safari guides and conservation codes, workbooks, fun facts and lots more.

Explorer Lesson Plans

The Explorer lesson plans and activities aim to integrate marine themes into strands taught in primary schools. The lessons plans are based on the Irish NCCA Primary School Curriculum including Social, Environmental and Scientific Education (SESE) which are presented through Science, Geography and History. Additional subjects include Mathematics, Language, Physical Education and Arts Education which are carried out through Visual Arts, Music and Drama.

Explorer FAQs

“Ask an Explorers Marine Scientist” is dedicated to answering questions relating to marine education. Check the Question & Answer Archive for all kinds of interesting information and answers to questions about the ocean and the species that live there.

The Explorers Education Programme™ aims to build on Ireland’s marine and maritime heritage by increasing awareness of the value, opportunities and social benefits of our ocean wealth and identity.

THE  GOALS

1. Educate school children, teachers and educators in Ireland, enabling them to understand the ocean’s influence on us and our influence on the ocean, through outreach activities in Ireland.

2. Coordinate professional development training and workshops for teachers and trainee teachers, to develop their marine literacy skills and promote the use of marine content in line with the national curriculum.

3. Develop education materials and resources based on the Irish school curriculum to support teachers teaching marine subjects in schools.

4. Promote ocean literacy and marine outreach activities with local communities, educators and influencers so as to create dialogue and engagement about our ocean.