Education

Web-Based Resources for Primary Schools

Heritage in Schools Scheme
www.heritageinschools.ie
The Heritage in Schools scheme is a joint initiative of the Heritage Council and the INTO. The scheme is unique in Ireland and provides a panel of over 165 diverse Heritage Specialists who work directly with children in primary schools throughout the country, at the request of the school. The scheme now has its own website where you can search for a specialist by location, class-group and heritage area of interest.

Scoilnet.ie
www.scoilnet.ie
Scoilnet.ie is the official education portal of the Department of Education and Science in Ireland. Resources referenced on scoilnet.ie mainly comprise lesson plans, interactive and printable worksheets, notes and multimedia content. These are aimed at students, teachers, school managers and parents. 

Teachnet Ireland
www.teachnet.ie
The Teachnet Ireland website, provides a useful online database of Curriculum Resources, including innovative projects and websites that relate to the primary school curriculum.  Many of these links relate to Ireland’s heritage,including downloadable printable materials, interactive worksheets and multimedia content. 

Discover Primary Science
www.primaryscience.ie
Discover Primary Science is a programme run by Forfas as part of the Discover Science and Engineering programme to promote science in primary schools by supporting teachers. As well as downloadable resources the website also offers links to a range of accredited Discover Primary Science Centres that offer school workshops and fieldtrips

PCSP
www.pcsp.ie
This website aims to inform teachers, parents and management of the workings and structures of the Primary Curriculum Support Programme throughout the implementation period and beyond.

Blackrock Education Centre
www.blackrockec.ie
The Blackrock Education Centre provides support for teachers and others involved in education in Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown County, part of South County Dublin and North County Wicklow. The Centre’s website, provides a useful resource for primary school teachers, as it lists many of the national programmes related to primary education.  The Prof Dev section of the site also lists the websites for all 21 Education Centres around the country and provides information on funding for Teacher Professional Networks.  The Curriculum Resources section provides a range of activities for primary schools, eg. the downloadable Make and Do Environmental Activities, School Garden Activities and Something Fishy pack and website.  The ICT Advisor section of the site addresses practical subjects such as Internet Safety, whilst highlighting relevant educational online portals. 

Natures's Web
www.naturesweb.ie                                                                                                                                    This newsletter is produced by the Sherkin Island Marine Station, Co. Cork. It has some great articles on important aspects of Ireland's wildlife as well as puzzles and games for various ages. It's a great resource for teachers and provides accurate, up to the minute information.                                      

Something Fishy
www.somethingfishy.ie
The Something Fishy website was developed by Blackrock Education Centre and, the Central Fisheries Board and Dun Laoghaire Institute of Art and Design. It has on-line resources for teachers, pupils and parents, which explore water as a habitat through Bradán, the Salmon.

Irish Trails
www.irishtrails.ie
Irishtrails.ie is a website from the National Trails Office in the Irish Sports Council. The National Trails Office was established in 2007 by the Irish Sports Council to coordinate and drive the implementation of an Irish Trails Strategy and to promote the use of recreational trails in Ireland. The National Trails Office maintains a National Trails Register, in conjunction with a number of partner agencies and bodies ( currently >580 trails listed), promotes standards and good practice for trail development, supports new trail initiatives and undertakes promotional work aimed at increasing awareness and usage of recreational trails in Ireland.

Ask About Ireland
www.askaboutireland.ie
Ask About Ireland and the Cultural Heritage Project is an initiative of public libraries, local museums and archives which aims to make local studies and collections available online, thereby creating a national Internet resource for culture.  The Ask About Ireland Student Zone is of most interest to primary schools, as the Primary Students area provides activities designed for teaching Geography and History to specific age groups at primary level.  This includes a range of interactive online Games and Play areas. 

An Taisce
www.antaisce.org
An Taisce, The National Trust for Ireland, is a Prescribed Body under the Planning Acts that seeks to educate, inform and lead public opinion on the environment.  A range of education projects, including the Blue Flag, Green Schools, Coastcare, The Green Coast Award, Learning About Forests and the National Spring Clean, provide opportunities for participation by interested primary schools.  Other sections of the site, although not specifically targeting schools, provide up to date information on Ireland’s environmental affairs, eg. the Press Centre, Your Area, Campaigns, Our Environment, What You Can Do, Resources & Links and Training & Events. 

Birdwatch Ireland
www.birdwatchireland.ie
Birdwatch Ireland is a registered charity dedicated to the conservation and protection of Ireland’s wild birds and habitats.  The organisation’s website provides a useful educational section, which includes a FAQ page, a Downloads link and Bird Fact Sheets.  There are also links to two designated school websites, Bird Migration and Working with Birds.  These sites have been specifically designed with primary schools in mind, providing teaching materials and ideas for projects that can be easily carried out in the classroom. 

Irish Seed Savers Association
www.irishseedsavers.ie
The Irish Seed Savers Association (ISSA) is a voluntary organisation dedicated to the location and preservation of traditional varieties of fruit and vegetables.  The organisation’s website provides information on all aspects of the ISSA’s activities, including educational programmes that aim to promote awareness of agricultural biodiversity, e.g. the ISSA Education Project.  This Project is particularly relevant to primary schools, as it was developed with the SESE curriculum in mind

Peatland Conservation Council
www.ipcc.ie
The Peatland Conservation Council is an independent conservation charity, which campaigns for the conservation of a representative sample of living intact Irish peat lands as part of Irelands heritage. The Bogs in the classroom section of the site provides resource material for all three SESE subjects and specifies curriculum links

Sci-spy
www.sci-spy.ie
Sci-spy is a Scoilnet and RTE website with quizzes, fact sheets and video clips covering 30 topics relevant to the four strands of the primary science curriculum.

Environmental Protection Agency
www.epa.ie
The Environmental Protection Agency has a section for Primary schools on it’s website providing teachers notes, worksheets and background materials for a range of investigations in the classroom and locality. The resources are divided into five packs on the topics of Nature, Impacts and pollution, Caring for the environment, Natural resources, and Waste. Curriculum links are specified and there are resources for a range of activities using the local environment. There is also an interactive on-line game for children to calculate their ecological footprint called the Catulator.

Coillte
www.coillte.ie
Coillte is a State owned company operating in forestry, land based businesses and added-value processing operations. The site invites the user to learn all there is to know about forests, trees and timber’. On the home page is an easy to navigate path to resources for students broken down into infants, junior, middle and senior classes and a section on teacher’s notes that correspond to the student resources.

Tree Council
www.treecouncil.ie
The website provides worksheets for all classes at primary level with teachers notes and supplementary information about trees. Trees and placenames, stories and folklore surrounding trees as well as facts about trees and their significance for wildlife are covered.

Archaeology In The Classroom
www.itsabouttime.ie/primary/index.htm
Archaeology in the classroom was developed by Limerick Education Centre, in co-operation with the Department of the Environment, Heritage & Local Government and the Primary Curriculum Support Service. This is comprehensive new resource to support the history element of the SESE Curriculum. This resource pack is designed to use archaeology as a theme in teaching the Social Environmental and Scientific Education (SESE) curriculum in an integrated manner. 

The Golden Eagle Re-introduction Project
www.goldeneagle.ie
The Golden Eagle re-introduction project, run by the Irish Raptor Study Group and part funded by the Government. The project objective is to re-establish a viable Golden Eagle breeding population in the northwest of the Republic of Ireland. The website provides downloadable brochures for different primary school class levels and information on sightings and the released birds progress.

Greenwave
www.greenwave.ie
Primary school children are invited to look for the first signs of Spring in their area, like the first swallow or frog and the bud-burst on the horse chestnut tree. Schools can log their observations on the Greenwave website and view maps of Ireland to see the arrival of Spring.

General Heritage Resources

The websites listed below also contain information and/or sections that are useful for primary schools however these websites have not been specifically designed for primary schools.

Heritage of Ireland
www.heritageireland.ie
The Heritage of Ireland website is an online resource designed to introduce people to the rich and varied attractions of Ireland’s heritage.  Set up by the Office of Public Works and the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government, the site includes information about National Monuments, historic houses, Parks and gardens that are in State care. 

National Inventory of Architectural Heritage (NIAH)
www.buildingsofireland.ie
BuildingsofIreland.ie is the website of the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage (NIAH), which is a section within the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.  The work of the NIAH involves identifying and recording the architectural heritage of Ireland, from 1700 to the present day.  Although not aimed at primary schools this website provides some useful information for teachers that may be interested in organising school trips or projects relating to architectural heritage. 

The National Library of Ireland Online Exhibitions
www.nli.ie
As part of the Library's Outreach and Education Programme, and in keeping with the Library's developing digital policy.  Major exhibitions will be made available online. The exhibition listed below is now currently available online.
The 1916 Rising: Personalities and Perspectives at www.nli.ie/1916

Irish Seal Sanctuary
www.irishsealsanctuary.ie
This is the official website for the Irish Seal Sanctuary, a non governmental organisation that aims to provide shelter, treatment and rehabilitation for rescued marine wildlife found in difficulty around Ireland’s coast. The site has several links that provide information about seals, including advice on what to do If You Find a Seal Pup and Guidelines for Seal Encounters.  Content is related to the SESE Curriculum Living Things Strand. 

The Burren
www.burrenbeo.com
This site is an interactive interpretative centre for the Burren area. This site has information on archaeology, landscape, flora, fauna, community, agriculture and climate. It has interactive maps and an interactive timeline stretching from carboniferous times to modern day. There are also quizzes games and nature trail information.

Crann
www.crann.ie
Crann is a voluntary, non-profit organisation dedicated to planting trees and protecting Ireland’s woodlands.  The organisation’s website, provides some useful information on planting trees in the Tree Info section which may be of interest to schools with wildlife gardens. 

The BurrenLIFE Project
www.burrenlife.com
The BurrenLIFE Project, is a partnership-based ‘Farming for Conservation’ project which aims to develop a new model for sustainable agriculture in the Burren.  The project’s website provides information on the Project’s Heritage Education Programme, designed to target primary and secondary schools in the wider local community of the Burren in North Clare and South Galway.  General information on the ecology and habitats of the Burren (targeting an adult audience) may be found in the Burren Habitats section of the site. 

Irish Bird Images
www.irishbirdimages.com
The site includes a comprehensive Gallery of images and there is also a useful Species Index, which provides profiles and general information on many of Ireland’s bird species. 

Mooney Goes Wild
www.rte.ie/radio/mooneygoeswild
The Mooney Goes Wild Radio Show is a popular wildlife programme on RTE Radio 1.  The Programme’s website, provides a number of educational features suitable for use in primary schools.  These include regularly updated Factsheets, Features and Competitions. 

Biology.ie
www.biology.ie
This website was created to develop an awareness among the public of the close relationship between all elements of the natural world; plants, animals, climate and the physical elements of the Irish landscape.

The Irish Whale and Dolphin Group
www.iwdg.ie
The Irish Whale and Dolphin Group is dedicated to the conservation and better understanding of cetaceans (whales, dolphins and porpoise) in Irish waters. The website provides useful information including species profiles with photos, current research and whale watching.

ECO-UNESCO
www.ecounesco.ie
ECO-UNESCO is Irelands only national environmental organisation for young people specialising in environmental education. The website gives details of events, workshops and publications available by order. The Young Environmentalists Awards are also profiled on the site.

Natures Web
www.naturesweb.ie
This is a newsletter for children, featuring informative news on nature and the environment. It is produced by Sherkin Island Marine Station and sponsored by Pharmachem Ireland.

Marine Dimensions
www.marinedimensions.ie
Sarah Varian, who is one of the specialists from the Heritage in Schools scheme, runs this website and is providing a range of teaching and training activities for schools and interest groups that are interested in Marine Biology and Ecology. The site includes a Kids Zone, a gallery of photographs of marine life and an education and awareness page.

Bats Conservation Ireland
www.batconservationireland.org
The website provides details of events and publications as well as factual information on Irelands bats

Conservation Volunteers
www.cvi.ie
Love the outdoors and like to meet new people? Do you want to want to get fit and do something for a good cause? Then why not join the Conservation Volunteers on one of their conservation outings? Everybody can get involved in doing something for nature. No matter what age you are or skills you have, you can do something practical to protect wildlife in your locality.

Irish Megaliths
www.irishmegaliths.org.uk
This website provides a county by county guide to Irish megaliths including photos and information on megaliths including court passage and portal tombs, Ogham stones and stone circles.

The Irish Wildlife Trust
www.iwt.ie
The Irish Wildlife Trust website has fact  files on fox, badger, hedgehog and shrew as well as information sheets on the common lizard and details of their services to schools under their ecology and education programme.

Marine Institute - Follow The Fleet
www.marine.ie
The Marine Institute have developed Follow the Fleet, an innovative interactive computer-based learning package that allows schools across the country to navigate the world from their desktops. It brings many elements of the school curriculum together for children providing real-time information on the Irish merchant shipping fleet, where goods are produced and how they make their way around the world by sea. The site also explains The "Explorers" programme, which aims to integrate marine themes as closely as possible with lessons already taught in national schools through the Social, Environmental and Scientific Education (SESE) curriculum and other cross curricular subjects.

Geological Survey of Ireland
www.gsi.ie
The Geological Survey of Ireland website has a Simple Geology section and a simplified map of the countries bedrock for download in the schools section.

The Airfield Trust
www.airfield.ie
The Airfield Trust is a registered charity that was set up with the aim of promoting and furthering the advancement of education in Ireland.  The Trust’s education programme is primarily based around Airfield, an urban farm that provides learning activities and events for adults and children. Airfield’s website providing two sections that provide information for schools, i.e. the Education and Community page and the Activities for Children page. These pages highlight Airfield’s Discover Primary Science Centre and the Nature and Farm Studies Programme.  Both programmes are relevant to the primary school Science and Geography curricula, with emphasis on observing, investigating and recording in outdoor habitats. 

Knocksink Wood
www.wicklowmountainsnationalpark.ie/KnocksinkEducation.html
Information on the Centre’s facilities and education programme is given on the website. An online resource bank of education material to help classes of all levels understand more about ecology, conservation and the environment is planned for the future. 

Birr Castle
www.birrcastle.com
The Castle Demesne’s role as a Discover Science Centre is most relevant for primary schools, with information on the Discover Primary Science Programme (DPS) given in the Schools and Teachers section of the site.  There is also a comprehensive educational section on the Science Centre, including useful sections on the Historic Science Centre, Irish Scientists & Engineers, Student Science Notes and Links and Credits.  However, this information is aimed at a senior level audience and would need to be interpreted by the teacher for use at primary level.

Killarney National Park
www.killarneynationalpark.ie
Situated close to the most westerly point in Europe, Killarney National Park covers over 25,000 acres of mountain, moorland, woodland, waterways, parks and gardens.  The Park’s website provides general information on the rich and diverse ecology of the area, including sections on Bird Life, Red Deer, Lakes, Oak Woods, Yew Wood and Rhododendron.  This information is designed for an adult audience and would need to be interpreted by primary school teachers for use in classes.  Primary school visits are encouraged through the Park’s Discover Science Centre and details of the Discover Primary Science Programme are given in the Killarney National Park Education Centre Primary Schools section of the site. 

National Aquarium of Ireland
www.nationalaquarium.ie
Galway Atlantaquaria, the National Aquarium of Ireland, is an aquarium situated on Ireland’s west coast.  The Aquarium’s website,  provides information for school visits in the Schools and Plan Your Visit sections of the site, with downloadable DPS teaching materials available online and details of the Aquarium In The School project.  The Species section of the site provides useful notes for teachers on local marine wildlife.

Other Centres of Interest Include:
Discover Lismore
Dublin Zoo
Fota Island
Irish National Stud
Glenveagh National Park, Co. Donegal
Armagh Planetium   
Ballymun Rediscovery Centre, Dublin           
Blackrock Castle Observatory, Co. Cork
Brigit's Garden, Co. Galway
Castlecomer Discovery Park, Co. Kilkenny
DkIT's World of Water
Kerry Earth Education Programme, Gortbrack Organic Farm
Lahinch Seaworld and Leisure Centre, Co. Clare
Lifetime Lab, Cork
Lullymore Heritage & Discovery Park, Co. Kildare
National Museum of Ireland - Country Life, Castlebar, Co. Mayo
North Bull Island Interpretive Centre, Dublin
The Irish Natural Forestry Foundation, Co. Cork
The National Parks and Wildlife Service [North Midlands Region] Education Centre, Ballinafad, Co. Sligo   
The National Sea Life Centre, Bray, Co. Wicklow
W5, Belfast  

Museums

Clare Library
www.clarelibrary.ie/eolas/claremuseum
Has information about Clare  Museum, Tours, events, a  teachers guide and quizzes

The National Library of Ireland
www.nli.ie
The collections of the National Library constitute a unique learning resource for students of all aspects of irish history and culture.  The Library has devised a broad educational programme to maximise this potential, providing a wide range of services for primary, post-primary, third level students, lifelong learners and educators.
 
Dublinia & The Viking World
www.dublinia.ie
Dublinia & The Viking World, Exihibitions about history of Dublin City and its inhabitants. Tours and events programme, teachers resources and workshops
 
The GAA Museum
www.museum.gaa.ie
The GAA Museum was established to commemorate, recognise and celebrate the GAA's enormous contribution to Irish sporting, cultural and social life since its foundation in 1884. Located in Croke Park.
 
The Hunt Museum
www.huntmuseum.com
The Hunt Museum was established to house an internationally important collection of approximately 2000 works of art and antiquities formed by John and Gertrude Hunt during their lifetimes. Tours and events programme, teachers resources and workshops

Irish Museum of Modern Art
www.imma.ie
Irish Museum of Modern Art. Tours and events programme, teachers resources and workshops

National Gallery of Ireland
www.nationalgallery.ie
National Gallery of Ireland. Tours and events programme and workshops
 
National Museums of Ireland
www.museum.ie
National Museums of Ireland. Tours and events programme and workshops

Chester Beatty Library
www.cbl.ie
The Library is both an art museum and library, housing an outstanding collection of early papyri, early Christian and Islamic manuscripts, Chinese, Japanese, Indian and other Oriental art.  Early papyri, including some of the earliest texts of the Bible and other early Christian manuscripts complete what is one of the richest collections of its kind in the world.  The Library’s website provides information on the services and projects available to the visiting public, including a Permanent Exhibitions and Facilities section.  The Education Services section of the site provides information on the Library’s public programme, which includes talks and demonstrations that cater for visiting primary schools.  The Library hosts a series of monthly workshops for 7-11 year olds. 

Local Authority websites with Content for Children/ Schools 

Cork City Council:  www.corkcity.ie

Cork County Council:  www.corkcoco.ie

Dun Laoghaire Rathdown:  www.dlrcoco.ie

Dublin City Council: www.dublincity.ie

Fingal County Council:  www.fingalcoco.ie

Galway County Council:  www.galway.ie

Kerry County Council: www.kerrycoco.ie

Kilkenny County Council: www.kilkennycoco.ie

Mayo County Council:  www.mayococo.ie