The East Coast Explorers Project in conjunction with the Blackrock Education Centre ran a very successful course for Primary Teachers in the first week of July. 25 teachers participated in the course which was located in the National SeaLife Centre in Bray, Co Wicklow and on the seashore at Sandycove, Co. Dublin.
Course presenters and sea safari/survey leaders were Dr John Joyce of the Marine Institute and Cathy Maguire, Education Officer of National SeaLife Centre. Clare Murray , another marine biologist, was on hand as well in helping to identify plants and animals in the rock pools.
We were extremely fortunate, in a week of very unseasonal showery weather, to have the sessions on the seashore completely free of rain.
Reports and evaluation of the course activities indicate great satisfaction particularly with the explorations of the many rock pools and the knowledge gained from the habitats there. Participants on the course are looking forward to bringing the knowledge and experiences of the week to bear on the coming year to the pupils in their schools.
