I-LOFAR support for teaching
The I-LOFAR consortium recognise the important role that teaching the next generation of scientists plays in supporting and developing STEM in Ireland. Astrophysics in particular has an ability to inspire and attract school children into careers in science.
In recognition of this, I-LOFAR intends to work closely with teachers from all over the country to help promote STEM to school children of all ages. To do this we:
- Student Workshops: We are developing a variety of space-themed workshops to deliver to students at our I-LOFAR Education Centre on site in Birr Castle.
- Workshops for Teachers: We will provide training and workshops through the Continual Professional Development programme for teachers. These will better equip all interested with the skills and knowledge to include space science and astronomy in their classroom.
- Classroom Resources: We are in the process of designing a Teacher’s Pack full of lesson ideas, fun experiments and material for the classroom for students between the ages of 10 and 15.
Why teach about I-LOFAR?
I-LOFAR is bringing astronomy back to the midlands and is the perfect tool for teaching science in schools.
- Ireland’s Rich Heritage in Astronomy:
Ireland, especially the midlands, has a rich and often forgotten history of Astronomy that stretches from the megalithic builders of astronomically aligned monuments such as Newgrange, to the ground-breaking Victorian engineering of the astronomical Earls of Birr Castle, to now the construction of I-LOFAR.
- Astronomy as Gateway to Science
Astronomy has the ability to engage and inspire people from all backgrounds as our wonder of the night sky transcends differences in age, education and social background. I-LOFAR has the ability to draw people into a conversation about history, culture and technology and can be used as a tool to drive scientific education in schools not normally exposed to astronomy or STEM subjects.
- Connections
I-LOFAR is an ideal opportunity to connect schools, especially those in rural areas, to Universities in all the main cities throughout Ireland. I-LOFAR exposes local students to the potentially unexplored areas of further training and education. I-LOFAR also serves as an international connection to other communities all over Europe where the other LOFAR stations are located.
Supporters
Birr Kids Space Ireland
Birr Scientific & Heritage Foundation
Grant Engineering
Joe Hogan (Openet)
Dermot Desmond
Denis O’Brien
Birr Lions Club
Birr Chamber of Commerce
Funders
Science Foundation Ireland
Enterprise Ireland
Dept. of Jobs, Enterprise, and Innovation
Offaly County Council
Dept. of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural, and Gaeltacht
Consortium Members
TCD
Armagh
UCD
DCU
UCC
NUIG
DIAS
AIT
Location
Birr Castle Gardens & Science Centre
Rosse Row, Birr,
County Offaly,
R42 VO27
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