ARC = Aquaculture Remote Classroom

ARC

The ARC is a mobile classroom which has been designed to raise young people’s awareness of aquaculture. The diverse nature of aquaculture means there is plenty to learn and talk about.

A Classroom on Wheels

Yes, the ARC is literally a truck-sized classroom which is travelling throughout Ireland to bring aquaculture to your school doorstep. The classroom is fully equipped to provide visitors with an interactive and engaging experience with large screen displays, VR headsets and hands-on group activities.

Through active learning, pupils learn about aquaculture, explore its role in food production and in preserving the environment, and discover how it affects their local community.

Farmed in the EU

Bord Iascaigh Mhara has developed the ARC as part out its involvement in the EU Commission Farmed in the EU Project. Farmed in the EU aims to highlight the benefits of aquaculture as an industry that produces fresh sustainable seafood, creates employment and helps sustain rural communities. The project is bringing schools and aquaculture professionals together to help students learn about the sector and its impact on the local community and beyond.

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What to expect when the ARC Mobile Classroom visits your School

When the ARC visits

The ARC experience is divided into four parts, each requiring roughly 1 hour. Each part includes an interactive presentation followed by a hands-on activity for pupils. The activities have been developed to reinforce learning through inquiry, solving problems, group work and active learning.

The ARC experience addresses strands of the of SESE Science, SESE Geography and SPHE Education curricula.

Part 1: What is Aquaculture

Definition and comparison to traditional agriculture.
Overview of the main types of aquaculture in Ireland.
Methods employed in each sector with detailed account of biology, ecology and environmental factors.

Part 2: Socio Economic Impact

Historical analysis of coastal rural Ireland and its depopulation.
Job Creation opportunities.
Significance of primary industries in a community’s development.
Associated employment.
Economic impact.

Part 3: Geographic and Environmental Influences

Geographic and climatic suitability of Ireland.
The requirements for each of the three main types of aquaculture.
Water quality, tides, tourism, and environmental impact.
Map reading, deduction, analysis and decision making.

Part 4: Nutrition and Health

Overview of the food pyramid and importance of seafood in
Global food resources and population growth.

After the ARC visit

We will provide you with some follow-on activities to do with your pupils (these will be provided on the day).
We will be inviting schools to submit their pupil projects to aquaculture.ie before the end of June 2019.

Before you register your school for an ARC visit

Make sure that you can provide a suitable and safe parking spot for the ARC and there is an electric point for us to plug into (max. 50m from parking spot).
We will contact you to arrange a suitable day to visit your school.

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ARC Tutors

Amy Geraghty

Amy completed her Bachelor of Science in Zoology in University College Dublin in 2010. Her thesis focused on the plants and animals found in rock pools. From volunteering in NGOs she became interested in conservation and how science is communicated. Her interest in conservation resulted in an Masters of Research in Ecosystem-based Management of Marine Systems in the University of St. Andrews. Amy returned to rock pools and completed her PhD in Marine Biology University College Cork in 2018.

During her time in UCC she was able to keep her passion for science communication by working for Bright Sparks and STEAM Education Ltd. Amy completed a graduate placement in Bord Iascaigh Mhara that focused on the bottom grown mussel sector. Surprised at the variety and scale of aquaculture in Ireland, Amy will now not stop talking about it…

Áine O’Donnell

Aine is a recent nutrition science graduate. She is a highly driven and ambitious individual who has a passion to educate children, people and anyone who will listen about healthy living and smarter lifestyle choices. Her expertise in nutrition and specifically the benefits of eating seafood regularly will be a primary focus throughout her work on the ARC and a key take home message for the children.

Áine can’t wait to educate you about Irish aquaculture and the positive impacts aquaculture has on the local community. Áine plans to make this one stop workshop exciting, engaging and educational for all.

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Register your Interest for a School Visit

Complete the ARC School Visit Enquiry Form 2019 to register your school’s interest.

Once registered, we will contact you to arrange booking a suitable date, subject to availability of the ARC in your general location.