Learn more about the education team below.
About our education team (click to learn more)
Our Educational Team has experience in Ocean Literacy, Outdoor Learning and Virtual Workshops.
We deliver in-house education, outreach and are part of a number of school programmes includes Discover Primary Science and Maths, and the Explorers Education Programme, funded by the Marine Institute.
We have experience in delivering teacher and pre-service teacher workshops with DPSM, the Explorers Education Programme and the Junior Cycle for Teachers, and working with the Aistear Curriculum.
We are part of the BIAZA and EAZA networks, and are current secretariat of the Irish Ocean Literacy Network, working towards an Ocean Literate society on the Island of Ireland.
We are passionate about conservation, education and our ocean, and are happy collaborate and work with 3rd party organisations on workshops, recordings, content development and educational deliverables. Contact noirin@nationalaquarium.ie for enquires.
We deliver in-house education, outreach and are part of a number of school programmes includes Discover Primary Science and Maths, and the Explorers Education Programme, funded by the Marine Institute.
We have experience in delivering teacher and pre-service teacher workshops with DPSM, the Explorers Education Programme and the Junior Cycle for Teachers, and working with the Aistear Curriculum.
We are part of the BIAZA and EAZA networks, and are current secretariat of the Irish Ocean Literacy Network, working towards an Ocean Literate society on the Island of Ireland.
We are passionate about conservation, education and our ocean, and are happy collaborate and work with 3rd party organisations on workshops, recordings, content development and educational deliverables. Contact noirin@nationalaquarium.ie for enquires.
Bookings now open for 2022
Would you like your class to visit the seashore? Take part in a TY ocean connections class? Or carry out a Leaving Certificate Ecology Study?
Options available for early years, primary, a secondary schools and 3rd level groups from January 2022, for classes on the shore, online and in school.
Contact info@nationalaquarium.ie for more information.
Options available for early years, primary, a secondary schools and 3rd level groups from January 2022, for classes on the shore, online and in school.
Contact info@nationalaquarium.ie for more information.
Inishbofin Summer School 2022
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The Inishbofin Summer School, Ireland’s longest running environmental school, has welcomed a host of scientists, poets, writers, and artists to work with teachers and the general public over the last 36 years to Inishbofin Island. The school, which is now run by Galway Atlantaquaria, continues to work with the multi- disciplined team, which this year includes marine biologists Noirin Burke and Conor Ryan, ecologist and artist Gordon Darcy, and local historian Tommy Burke and others (to be confirmed).
People joining the Summer School, will experience a range of habitats, and explore new teaching and learning methodologies out in nature. They will also get the opportunity to meet a range of interesting people and have a brilliant time in this beautiful place. The school is approved by the Department of Education and Skills as an in-service programme for teachers, but is also open to the general public to attend. FEE: €150 per week, €100.00 for retired teachers, and accommodation most be booked by participants personally. |
View images from the Inishbofin Summer School 2021 Here
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During the last 18 months the education team have adjusted to the challenges of 'Virtual Learning' and have a host of online class options for you.
Learn more about the online learning options.
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ONLINE LEARNING/ CLICK TO OPEN
We can meet your schools for an online workshop, and can cover a range of freshwater and marine topics including:
For Explorers Education Programme Modules for Primary Schools (funded by the Marine Institute) please see the Explorers Education Section below. 
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EDUCATION OPTIONS, CLICK TO OPEN
As Ireland’s largest Native Species Aquarium, we are the perfect location for school tours and workshops based around Ireland’s marine and freshwater environments. Class options include biodiversity, sustainability, environmental awareness , care and ecology investigations.
We cater for students of all ages, with options available to pre-school, primary, secondary and third level educational needs. We are located on the seafront in Salthill, within easy access to parking, food service providers and habitats to explore.
Our Outdoor modules include
Aquarium Tours will be based on a one way route, with a separate entrance and exit point.
Groups will have a designated time slot with limited access to members of the public during these times. Teachers can also be provided with content to deliver a self lead tour,with activities provided to use in preparation and as follow up before and after their school visit.
We are also a designated Discover Primary Science and Maths Centre, meaning a visit to us will help your school achieve its 'Award of Excellence’ under the DPSM programme. All our staff are highly experienced in the delivery of education workshops and fieldwork, Garda vetted and trained in child protection, and have all completed the Failte Ireland Covid-19 Charter.
We cater for students of all ages, with options available to pre-school, primary, secondary and third level educational needs. We are located on the seafront in Salthill, within easy access to parking, food service providers and habitats to explore.
Our Outdoor modules include
- Learning experiences where students can work in small groups
- Activities that will promote learning and exploration in a non-contact nature
- Activities that promote students creativity
- Problem solving during individual student tasks
Aquarium Tours will be based on a one way route, with a separate entrance and exit point.
Groups will have a designated time slot with limited access to members of the public during these times. Teachers can also be provided with content to deliver a self lead tour,with activities provided to use in preparation and as follow up before and after their school visit.
We are also a designated Discover Primary Science and Maths Centre, meaning a visit to us will help your school achieve its 'Award of Excellence’ under the DPSM programme. All our staff are highly experienced in the delivery of education workshops and fieldwork, Garda vetted and trained in child protection, and have all completed the Failte Ireland Covid-19 Charter.
Click for more INFO on our Primary School Programmes
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Click for more INFO on our Secondary School Programmes
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Our Secondary School Modules include (Click to open):
- Field Studies Modules including Grassland and Seashore Ecology Investigations.
- Animal anatomy workshop based around a squid dissection.
- Engineering Workshops based on designing flood defences and investigating coastal erosion.
- Maths Workshop Explore the maths trail around the Aquarium.
- Sustainability Workshop based on fisheries and sustainable food production.
- Marine Litter Workshop based on materials and environmental awareness and care, and responsible personal choices.
Includes a tour of the Aquarium.
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Learn more about our DPSM Modules
Our DPSM Workshops include a tour of the aquarium plus any of the following options:
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Contact us today to talk about booking your visit. And while your waiting check out lots of fantastic resources for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math's at the DPSM website STEM at Home
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Seashore species and Ocean Literacy: Take a closer look
The Discover Primary Science and Maths (DPSM) programme at Science Foundation Ireland teamed up with Galway Atlantaquaria to explore seashore species, sustainability, and ocean conservation. ‘Ocean Literacy’ simply means understanding how the oceans influence us, as humans, and how we impact the oceans. Oceans cover two thirds of the planet and contain over 200,000 unique marine species with more yet to be discovered. Each of these species are important within their own habitats and have special adaptations to survive. In this DPSM STEM Series episode, Anna introduces us to some of the common species found on Irish shorelines, Padraic looks at sustainable seafood and the team offer some helpful tips on how you can protect the oceans. |
The Explorers Education
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The Explorers Education Programme engages with primary school children, teachers and the education network, creating marine leaders and ocean champions in Ireland.
It is funded by the Marine Institute, Ireland’s state agency for marine research and development, and Galway Atlantaquaria are delighted to be part of the Explorers Team since it was launched in 2006. |
Galway Atlantaquaria currently deliver school modules to schools in Co. Galway and Co. Clare on behalf of the programme and provide support services including:
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Explorers School Modules in Co. Galway and Co. Clare
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The Explorers Outreach Officers deliver the programme to schools in Co. Galway and Co.Clare each year. Schools taking part can apply for one of the following exciting interactive modules:
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If you are interested in taking part in the Explorers Education Programme, either through online school modules or fieldwork on the shore contact noirin@nationalaquarium.ie or for more information on the Explorers Education Programme see Explorers Website and on the Explorers Facebook Page and on Explorers on Twitter @Explorersedu #keepexploring
Galway Atlantaquaria Videos and Worksheets as seen on RTE Homeschool Hub
Science Week 2021 - Ocean Challenges Video produced with members of the Irish Ocean Literacy Network
Watch the video and download the resource.
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Discover how scientists in Ireland are monitoring the ocean and why this information is important to us all. Rory McAvinney from Galway Atlantaquaria meets some fascinating scientists who keep a close eye on the ocean - from underwater, land and space! For more information on the Irish Ocean Literacy Network click here.
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Join Dylan from Galway Atlantaquaria as he explorers the tides. View the shore at low and high tide and investigate how the gravitational forces of the sun and moon affect the water on our planet. Learn about how animals survive this harsh environment as you watch sand eels and green shore crabs burrow in the sand, and netted whelks immerse themselves as the tide goes out to protect themselves from their predators.
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For more education videos and worksheets to use at home or in your school visit our Aquakids Page
We have an ocean of videos on life under water and more, have a look!
Have you seen the incredible videos on the Galway Atlantaquaria YouTube Channel? With over 50 videos to view, you can watch animals in the aquarium and on the shore, and clips also recorded from the Digital Ocean in Galway Bay. Check it out today to bring the Ocean into your Home. Check out Galway Atlantaquaria VIMEO here.
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