On May 1st, in partnership with the University College Dublin School of Education and iCRAG’s Get into Geoscience program, students and teachers from schools in Dublin and Wicklow came together to show off and celebrate their educational endeavours at a sustainability expo. They had been piloting some innovative approaches to sustainability education.
The result? Some pretty fun and interesting new ways of bringing sustainability education to the forefront of secondary school curricula.
Temple Carrig School, Greystones: Multi-disciplinary Inquiry Based Learning
Temple Carrig Secondary School in Greystones took a collaborative approach to inquiry-based learning. Instead of the usual way of doing things, where students complete Classroom-Based Assessments (CBAs) on 9 unrelated topics, students explored ideas that interested them across different subjects, all under the common theme of sustainability. This gave them an opportunity to dig deeper into the topics they were passionate about.
At the event, students proudly displayed their projects through posters, videos, PowerPoint presentations, and even 3D models. Many said the process gave them a new perspective on the issues they explored. By connecting their ideas on what they were studying and real-world issues, they felt like they gained a much better understanding of the sustainability issues faced by society.
Students were particularly enthusiastic about the chance to engage with iCRAG scientists who attended on the day. The students were eager to share their own projects with the experts and there were plenty of thought-provoking conversations, as students and scientists conversed about ideas and insights on sustainability topics. These discussions helped the students see their work in a new light, and allowed them to apply their learning in a real-world context.
St. Paul’s College, Raheny: Thinking Critically with "See, Think, Wonder"
Students from St. Paul’s College, Raheny brought something a little different to the table. Their school has been working on a critical thinking project using a framework called "See, Think, Wonder", which focuses on developing critical thinking skills in its students. At the event, the St. Paul’s students were more than happy to show people how it worked. They even demonstrated the method in action! They explained how "See, Think, Wonder" works: first, they observe (See), then they analyse and interpret what they noticed (Think), and finally, they raise questions or make predictions (Wonder).
Teachers at the school have started using these questions in everyday lessons, which is helping students think more deeply about whatever topic they’re studying. The students said they enjoyed this approach because it pushed them to think more critically about the world around them. They found themselves questioning more deeply, thinking more thoroughly, and engaging more meaningfully with topics across the board. They also reported feeling more motivated to apply these skills not just in class, but also in their everyday lives.
Changing the Way Schools Engage with Sustainability
This gathering was more than just a showcase of work carried out by schools and students, it was a testament to the power of innovative education. It highlighted how schools are finding new opportunities to teach students in more engaging and meaningful ways. Whether it’s by exploring sustainability through inquiry-based learning or developing critical thinking skills with frameworks like "See, Think, Wonder", students were able to take ownership of their learning, explore topics more deeply, and develop skills that will be of benefit to them far beyond the classroom.
This event was a reminder of how education can evolve to meet the needs of our time. By giving students the skills to ask questions, think critically, and make connections to the real world, schools in Dublin and Wicklow are helping create a new generation of learners who are ready to tackle the big challenges of the future. The feedback from both students and teachers was overwhelmingly positive, and it’s clear that these kinds of
