Who’s it for…

From 3rd class to 6th Class.

Where…

In class and around the school grounds or local area (town or rural).

Duration…

Half day or full day.

What the day entails…

Starting with a tactile introduction to the rocks that make up our land.  Discussion about the ice age and how it effected Ireland.  Then a step by step exploration of the succession of plants and animals that came to Ireland after the ice, both native and non-native.  Plants from around the school grounds and plants brought into the school collected by NatureNorthWest are all used to demonstrate a clear pattern of succession.  This theme is continued right up to the neolithic period ( 5,000 years ago, the time of the farmers.)  A book will be created by each pupil showing the succession of flora and fauna into Ireland since the retreat of ice.

What the teacher needs to do…

Discuss topics such as native / non-native, hunter gatherers, early farming and the ice age are relevant to this session.  Any projects carried out on ancient Irish animals such as the wolf, the giant Irish deer etc. would enhance the day for the pupils.