Giving Laois teachers the kit to take on climate action challenge in schools

Laois County Council says it is proud to announce the launch of the Climate Change Teacher Resource Pack.

The council says the pack is a comprehensive educational tool commissioned by the Council and produced by Susan Adams, founder of Education for Sustainability.

 County Hall says this resource pack is based on a series of animated videos created as part of the Abbeyleix Community Climate Action Project, featuring renowned science communicator Dr. Niamh Shaw. 

The launch event took place in the presence of teachers and pupils from Abbeyleix South National School and Scoil Mhuire, at the vibrant community garden in Abbeyleix.

The schoolchildren were treated to delicious homemade pizzas, freshly baked from the pizza oven, and refreshing homemade elderflower cordial courtesy of Abbeyleix Tidy Towns.

 The community garden served as a fitting backdrop for the launch, as Abbeyleix Tidy Towns played a pivotal role in the award-winning community climate action project. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

Pictured: Pupils from Abbeyleix South NS, Sarah Jane Robinson, Bebhinn O’Connell and Amy Rose Robinson with Niamh Shaw, Suzanne Dempsey, Climate Action coordinator and Susan Adams in the Community Garden, Abbeyleix. Picture: Alf Harvey.

The council says the Pack uses a variety of engaging materials, including PowerPoint presentations, interactive learning games, and exercises. 

However, the council claims that its unique feature lies in the animated video series, which is claimed to effectively convey important concepts related to climate change, the carbon cycle, and the Earth's atmosphere.

The local authority says this resource pack specifically targets primary school children, providing them with valuable knowledge and fostering an understanding of the importance of climate action from an early age.

Dr Niamh Shaw, the science communicator who  narrates the animated video series, expressed her delight at returning to Abbeyleix for the launch. She recalled her time working on this project and expressed her joy at seeing the videos being reintroduced to the community. The council says Dr Shaw's expertise and passion for science communication have been instrumental in making complex climate change concepts accessible and engaging for young learners.

Pictured: Pupils from Scoil Mhuire Abbeyleix, James Lalor, Stephen Jones, Tadhg Prendergast and Kyle Greene with Niamh Shaw, Suzanne Dempsey, and Susan Adams in the Community Garden, Abbeyleix for the launch. Picture: Alf Harvey.

Suzanne Dempsey, the Climate Section Coordinator at Laois County Council, expressed her satisfaction with the resource pack's accessibility and interactivity. She emphasised the council's commitment to promoting sustainable education and announced that copies of the Pack would be sent to all primary schools  Laois. 

She said this initiative aims to equip teachers with the necessary tools to empower students with knowledge and inspire them to take meaningful action against climate change.

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The council adds that the Pack represents a significant step forward in climate education, ensuring that future generations are equipped with the understanding and motivation to address climate change challenges. 

Laois County Council thanked all the contributors and supporters of this project, recognizing their collective efforts in fostering environmental literacy and sustainable practices within the community.

To access the Climate Change Teacher Resource Pack or for more information, please visit Laois County Council's official website or contact the Climate Section at sdempsey@laoiscoco.ie.