A Decade of Partnership Making Waves! Explorers Inspire Future Teachers at DCU

Spring 2025 marks a 10-year collaboration between the Marine Institute Explorers Education Programme and Dublin City University – St Patrick’s College, Drumcondra. In that decade over 1,000 pre-service teachers have been introduced to marine and environmental science, enabling them to connect marine themes into the primary school curriculum through science and geography modules.

“It’s fantastic to celebrate our decade-long commitment to inspire future educators about the ocean,” said Dr Rick Officer, CEO of the Marine Institute. “This exemplary partnership aims to instil appreciation for our marine environment early in a teacher’s career, empowering teachers to cultivate the next generation of ocean stewards.”

The partnership was initiated by Dr Thomas McLoughlin from DCU, and the Explorers Education Programme, where they recognised the crucial role teachers play in fostering a passion for the ocean in young students. What began with popular tidal tank demonstrations in class, evolved to include field trips to Bull Island, hands-on water experiments, squid dissections, and specialised workshops.

Dr McLoughlin’s initial work has been carried on by a dedicated team in DCU including Dr Cliona Murphy, Dr Nicola Broderick, Dr Michele Somers, and currently, Dr Usher – Assistant Professor in Geographical, Environmental and Outdoor Education.

“The oceans and shoreline offer countless opportunities to integrate marine themes across the curriculum,” said Dr Usher. “I’m delighted to continue the work of my colleagues and build on this successful partnership. Working with the Explorers team strengthens our geography and science modules by developing pre-service teachers’ confidence and passion for ocean education.”

The “Exploring Marine Biodiversity in Irish Waters” workshop, engaged thirty 3rd-year pre-service primary school teachers focusing on our ocean connections and the role the ocean has on Ireland’s biodiversity, culture, and heritage. The pre-service teachers enjoyed hands-on activities that enabled them to learn about marine biology and investigate the unique adaptations and functions of some seashore species.

“The workshop highlighted the crucial role of the Marine Institute in ocean monitoring and protection,” added Dr Usher. “It also emphasised the individual responsibility we all share in marine conservation. Quality learning experiences in real situations and on real topics such as the importance of, and threats to, our ocean, has the capacity to raise academic achievement and improve children’s motivation to learn”.

“Geography and environmental education enables children to understand change, conflict, and the key issues which impact on our lives today and which will affect our futures. Indeed, the new primary curriculum framework upholds children as active citizens, taking action and participating in resolution of issues where possible. The DCU students today focused on how many of the threats to our oceans could be assuaged”

“I have really enjoyed working with the Explorers team in promoting ocean literacy, understanding Ireland’s deep-sea resource and biodiversity, focusing on seashore species. We look forward to our continued connections with the ocean,” Dr Usher added.

The Explorers Education Programme is funded by the Marine Institute, Ireland’s State agency for marine research and development, and managed by Camden Education and Galway Atlantaquaria.