Uses a problem-based learning approach to determine water quality using aquatic species as indicators. In a shallow area of the River Dinin, students will use a sieving technique, to collect, examine and identify indicator species of water invertebrates using classification keys before releasing the ‘mini water beasts’ back into their natural habitat. From the types of water invertebrates recorded, students will try determine the river’s water quality. This activity is suitable for all class groups. Active teacher participation & group monitoring in the water is essential.

Please note: This activity is weather dependent and may not be possible if water level is too high on the day. An alternative activity will be arranged. Wellies are required for all participants (change of socks and/or clothes strongly advised).

Curriculum Areas:
PRIMARY

• Social, Environmental and Scientific Education (Geography, Science, History)
• Discover Primary Science and Maths (Living Things, Environmental Awareness and Care, Natural Environments)
• Physical Education

Skills Used:
Questioning, Observation, Capture and Release techniques, Recording, Analysis, Classification, Investigation, Reasoning, Communication, Teamwork.

Estimated Duration: 50-60 minutes

Price: €5 pp.

A basic habitat study of the plant and animal life in our woodland which is adapted to suit all class groups. Students may use pooters, sweep nets, beating trays, cryptozoic traps and other equipment to capture, identify, record and release woodland invertebrates and other flora and fauna. Depending on the age group, a tally record system may be used to record and classify the ‘mini-beasts’ and the concept of adaptations in species will be introduced.

Curriculum Areas:
PRIMARY

• Social, Environmental and Scientific Education (Geography, Science, History
• Discover Primary Science and Maths (Living Things, Environmental Awareness and Care, Natural Environments)
• Physical Education

Skills Used:
Questioning, Observing, Analysis, Classification, Investigation, Recording, Communication, Selection of Sampling Techniques, Teamwork.

Estimated Duration: 50-60 minutes

Price: €5 pp

Using the outdoor space of Castlecomer Discovery Park, students work as part of a team to solve and understand a series of mathematical problems along a guided woodland trail. Students will explore mathematical topics in a real-life setting (e.g. basic numeracy, shapes, patterns, probability, measurements, reasoning, geometry). This activity aims to bring maths to life for students in a fun and interactive way to show how and where maths knowledge can be used in ‘real-life’. This activity is suitable for 2nd class upwards.

Curriculum Areas:
PRIMARY

• Mathematics
• Discover Primary Science and Maths (Living Things, Materials, Environmental Awareness and Care, Natural Environments)
• Social, Environmental and Scientific Education (Geography, Science, History)
• Physical Education

Skills Used:
Numeracy, Observation, Counting, Estimation, Sorting, Ordering, Comparing, Recording, Connecting, Problem-solving, Reasoning, Implementing.

Estimated Duration: 60 minutes

Price: €5 pp

A guided tour of our interactive multimedia exhibition which charts the formation of coal through various environmental conditions over 300 million years ago. Students will see the processes that have shaped the Earth through time and discover geology, prehistoric flora and fauna and see amphibian fossils in our fossil room. Students will also hear about the Wandesforde Estate and the related historical and industrial heritage. You can even crawl through our mini-mining tunnel to experience the working conditions and methods of a coal miner. This experience is best suited for 1st class upwards.

Curriculum Areas:
PRIMARY

• Social, Environmental and Scientific Education (Geography, Science, History)
• Discover Primary Science and Maths (Living Things, Natural Environments, Energy and Forces)

SECONDARY

• Geography (Patterns and Processes in Physical Environment, Patterns and Processes in
• Economic Activity, Global Interdependence, Culture and Identity)
• Biology
• History

Skills Used:
Observation, Listening, Interpretation, Communication.

Estimated Duration: 60 minutes

Price: Primary €4 pp, Secondary €5 pp.