LOFAR for the Classroom

I-LOFAR support for teaching

The I-LOFAR consortium recognises 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 has developed the Astronomical Midlands (AstroLands) programme, working closely with teachers from all over the country to help promote STEM to school children of all ages. Thanks to support from Science Foundation Ireland and ESERO Ireland, we do this with:

Student Workshops: We run a variety of space-themed workshops to students at our I-LOFAR Education Centre on site in Birr Castle Demesne. Activities include guided tours, interactive workshops, inclusive talks and discussions. Get in touch to see what we can offer your students, email education@lofar.ie, and register your interest for a class visit here.

Workshops for Teachers: We provide training and workshops through the Continual Professional Development programme for teachers. These better equip all interested with the skills and knowledge to include space science and astronomy in their classroom. During Spring 2020 our CPD programme includes workshops for Junior Cycle Science Teachers, delivering workshops on the Earth and Space Learning Outcomes. See more information here.

Classroom Resources: We have designed a Teacher’s Pack full of lesson ideas, fun experiments and material for the classroom for students between the ages of 10 and 15, specifically targeted at the Junior Cycle Science Curriculum. Check out our lesson plans including downloadable content here.

Why teach about I-LOFAR?

With AstroLands 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 a 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.

Useful Links for Teachers/Educators

astroEDU – Downloadable workshops developed throughout Europe, with guidelines for delivery and age suitability.
Junior Cycle for Teachers – Updates on the Junior Cycle Science Curriculum, resources and information on CPD sessions.
ESERO Ireland – The European Space Education Research Office has a range of classroom resources for space related activities for all ages from primary throughout second level.
ESA Education – The European Space Agency features a ‘Teach with Space’ collection of classroom resources for ages 6 to 18.
DIAS Dunsink Observatory – Our colleagues at DIAS Dunsink Observatory love solar physics just as much as we do and have developed some new teacher resources for the Earth and Space strand of the Junior Cycle Science Curriculum Specification focusing on the Sun, with more topics being added.
Is muidne ESA -The Gaeilge (Irish) translation of ‘This is ESA’ brochure from the European Space Agency, with useful terms and phrases for teaching Earth and Space topics.

Resources We Recommend:

Meet Our Neighbours: Moon – This crafty activity has students use a variety of materials to create a tangible lunar surface. The aim is to have students learn about our Moon and also understand and discuss the process of model building in science.
Planetary Maps – This activity explores planetary maps and links in well with both science and geography. It has students create their own maps based on the cartography they learn in JC geography, but using images of planets for reference.
Star in a Box – This activity explores the size of stars relative to our Sun and how this affects their lifespans, temperatures, weight and luminosity. It also introduces students to the Hertzsprung-Russel diagram, where a stars luminosity is plotted against its temperature. The aim of this activity is to introduce students to the basics of stellar evolution.

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

How we got here

Funders

Science Foundation Ireland
Enterprise Ireland
HEAnet
Dept. of Jobs, Enterprise, and Innovation
Offaly County Council
Dept. of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural, and Gaeltacht
Dept. for Communities

Our Funders

Consortium Members

TCD
Armagh Observatory and Planetarium
UCD
DCU
UCC
NUIG
DIAS
AIT

Meet the Team

Location

Birr Castle Gardens & Science Centre
Rosse Row, Birr,
County Offaly,
R42 VO27

Website hosted by DIAS