Bringing Ocean Literacy to Local Schools
The Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG) recently wrapped up its 2024 Floating Classroom program, an initiative designed to boost ocean literacy among primary school students. This year’s workshops, led by Education and Outreach Officer Claire Kelly, took place aboard the Celtic Mist in Kilrush Marina, providing local students from the Shannon Estuary area with an immersive learning experience about marine life, conservation, and Ireland’s rich marine biodiversity.
Moveen National School onboard RV Celtic Mist
Over two weeks, 166 students and 19 teachers from eight primary schools participated in the sessions. During these workshops, students had hands-on opportunities to explore whale and dolphin bio-facts, practice photo-identification, and learn about species like Shannon bottlenose dolphins, Minke whale, and common dolphin. A highlight was “The Real Map of Ireland,” which introduced students to Ireland’s extensive marine territory – an essential lesson in ocean literacy not typically covered in the school curriculum.
Moveen National School at the Shannon Dolphin Centre
The sessions lasted approximately two hours and included both on-board learning and time at IWDG’s headquarters. Feedback from students and teachers was overwhelmingly positive.
The Floating Classroom initiative, which began as a pilot in 2019, has since become a key part of IWDG’s mission to support understanding and conservation of Ireland’s cetaceans. Through these educational workshops, IWDG aims to inspire young students to become informed, active citizens of the ocean.