DESIGN A SUSTAINABLE VILLAGE IN IRELAND IN 2050

LIMERICK CITY & COUNTY SCHOOLS TRANSITION YEAR STEAM EDUCATION PROJECT

CLIMATE ACTION FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Teachers must register interest before 5pm, September 27th 2024.

Click here to register interest

Vision, creativity, problem posing and solving are urgently needed to tackle the world’s most pressing problems, including climate justice and sustainable development. Therefore, we are challenging Limerick City & County  Transition Year students to design a community centric, futuristic eco-village, in Ireland, in the year 2050.

Students will work in groups of 4- 6

to produce a conceptual design which integrates:

  • The UN Sustainable Goals that they deem most important
  • New and emerging STEAM technologies and renewable energies supporting the development of a vibrant local community and for the greater good of a just society and thriving economy.
  • Social justice principles, which protect the most vulnerable and provide public services and equality between all village residents.

There will be prizes for projects that showcase outstanding contributions in

  • energy conservation
  • green housing
  • public transport
  • social justice

The overall winner will receive a FULL DAY VISIT to Cloughjordan eco-village. Other prizes to be announced.

Each school that participates will be gifted a ‘gimbal’ complements of EPI•STEM, the research centre in the University of Limerick, tasked with supporting STEAM Education for all.

Objectives

Teachers and students will have absolute flexibility to decide the best approach for their project, however, each submission must include these four components:

  1. A written and signed report of the agreed design and plan (maximum. 3-pages).
  2. A 5-minute video highlighting the sources of their inspiration from the locality of materials or people must be provided.
  3. Delivery of an artefact in a single medium or combined media (including. technical drawing, wood, metal, cardboard, artwork) illustrating their ambitious vision for a sustainable village in Ireland for 2050
  4. A written reflection sharing (a) the ‘personal and group learnings’ from participating in this TY project, and sharing (b) how this local project translates nationally and globally, especially into the social and scientific construction of a just and equal global world.

 

To support enquiry-based research and key skill development, a series of experiential learning experiences will be provided.

  • STEAM Sustainability and Biodiversity workshops at the Hunt Museum 
  • Talk to the experts at Epistem UL 
  • Teachers guide 
  • Digital resources 
  • Zoom information sessions 

Schools are required to visit the Hunt Museum, to participate in our new Sustainability workshop

Our sustainability STEAM education workshop, offers an enriching educational experience that combines history, culture, sustainability, and innovation. The museum has developed a specialized workshop tailored to guide students through essential aspects of designing a sustainable village.

Workshop Structure:

1. Exploration of Sustainable Village Infrastructure:

  • Building History: Students will delve into the history of the Hunt Museum’s building, examining the advantages and challenges of renovating old structures versus constructing new ones.

2. Cultural Analysis and Historical Perspectives:

  • Cultural Shifts: Students will explore the cultural transformations from the past to the present, gaining insights into how these changes have shaped our current values regarding objects and materials.
  • Historical Practices vs. Modern Consumption: By examining how people in the past repaired, repurposed, and recycled possessions like jewellery, bowls, and clothing, students will contrast these practices with today’s more disposable culture, fostering a deeper understanding of sustainability.

3. Art, Heritage, and Social Change:

  • Role of Art and Heritage: The workshop will encourage students to analyze the significance of art and heritage in society and consider their place in a sustainable village.
  • Social Innovations: Students will explore the social changes and innovations that have improved our standard of living and contemplate the new innovations required to protect our planet.                                                                             

4.  Temporary Biodiversity Exhibition ( available between October and November only ): 

      • Exhibition Tour: Students can enhance their learning experience by booking a tour of the museum’s temporary biodiversity exhibition . This exhibition complements the workshop by highlighting the importance of biodiversity in sustainable living.

This comprehensive workshop at the Hunt Museum not only provides students with the knowledge needed to design a sustainable village but also encourages them to critically think about the cultural, social, and environmental aspects that influence sustainable living.

KRB 11-07-2024 Creepy Crawlies: Love/Hate, The opening official of a new exhibition at The Hunt Museum in Limerick by Diarmuid Gavin and Éanna Ní Lamhna ... Pictured at the event: -Photography by: Kieran Ryan-Benson

Book your visit before November 21st and get an additional tour of our Biodiversity exhibition " Creepy Crawlies "

Bring your students to the Hunt Museum before 21st of November, for an unforgettable experience where they’ll learn to appreciate the vital role of Creepy Crawlies in our ecosystem and gather inspiring ideas for their sustainable village project.

The Hunt Museum’s latest interactive exhibition "Nights Candles are Burnt Out: Climate, Culture, Change & Community”.

Through art, storytelling and interactive games, the children learned about the science and technology that can move us to a sustainable future.

"Night's Candles are Burnt Out" invites visitors to explore how Ireland can embrace its pioneering history and lead the way in addressing the Climate Challenge, by harnessing the immense renewable energy potential of the Shannon Estuary, particularly through wind and water. Exhibition runs until 29 February 2024. Picture: Alan Place

The Hunt Museum’s latest interactive exhibition "Nights Candles are Burnt Out: Climate, Culture, Change & Community”.

Through art, storytelling and interactive games, the children learned about the science and technology that can move us to a sustainable future.

"Night's Candles are Burnt Out" invites visitors to explore how Ireland can embrace its pioneering history and lead the way in addressing the Climate Challenge, by harnessing the immense renewable energy potential of the Shannon Estuary, particularly through wind and water. Exhibition runs until 29 February 2024. Picture: Alan Place

Meet the Experts event in EPI•STEM National Research Centre for STEM Education

EPI•STEM National Research Centre for STEM Education is hosting a ‘Meet the Experts’ support event for the participating students and their teachers in the University of Limerick.  During this event, the students will have the opportunity to discuss their projects with a team of facilitators (such as scientists, engineers, information technologists, digital designers, architects, health and education scientists, and more) and gain valuable insight into the planning, processing and implementation of their ideas.

 

Digital Resources

Digital resources will be made available to schools that register for this project. These resources are designed to support students in their research by providing valuable insights into sustainable village design. The content will include detailed innovations and case studies from the past, showcasing the practical application and impact of sustainable technologies. Additionally, the resources will explore the challenges faced in developing and implementing these technologies, highlighting the slow process of introducing their benefits to the public. By offering historical perspectives and detailed information, these digital materials will complement the in-person workshop, helping students to deepen their understanding of sustainable practices and their importance in future village designs. Schools must register to access these resources, which will enhance the overall educational experience.

 

Digital case studies

 

  • The Shannon Hydroelectric Scheme at Ardnacrusha 
  • ESB, How the introduction of electricity was received by the public
  • New innovations underway with onshore & offshore wind farms (Shannon Esquarry) 
  • Ecovillage in Clough Jordan 
  • SMART Travel 
  • Sustainable Fashion Vs Fast Fashion 

 

All projects submitted will be showcased and celebrated with an awards ceremony in April. Special guest speakers to be announced.

 

Teachers must register interest using the google link below by September 27th 2024, 5pm

Click here to register interest

A Collaborative Initiative Designed by
The Hunt Museum
EPISTEM, National Centre for STEM Education, The University of Limerick
Limerick Education Support Centre

Pre- Christian Ireland; Stone Age – Bronze Age

Suitability : Senior Cycle
Duration: 90 minutes 

Cost: €3.50 per student, Teachers go Free

 

Discover what life was like for people in Pre-Christian Ireland through interactive group activities, a tour of our Collection, handling of replica objects and new innovative digital interactives.

Focusing on the Stone Age and Bronze Age, students will build their visual literacy as they learn about the materials, production methods and decoration techniques used  to make everyday tools and objects in  prehistoric times.

During this workshop, students will use visual thinking strategies to examine and compare settlements from the Stone Age to the Bronze Age to determine how lifestyles improved in conjunction to the development of new materials and technologies. They will  use digital interactives to investigate archeological objects from our Collection and participate in group art activities.

This workshop will support students to complete written questions in content area 2; Ireland and it`s place in the wider world; Pre-Christian section of the Leaving Certificate Examinations.

Making Medieval Manuscripts – ARMA

Medieval illuminated manuscripts are hand-written books with pages made from animal skins,adorned with hand painted designs and precious metals. They are some of the most beautiful artifacts that remain from the period. The process of their creation tells us about scribal and artistic practices of the Medieval period. In this programme, post primary students will explore this process through a variety of resources created as part of the Art of Reading in the Middle Ages project for Europeana, including video-based resources, blogs, galleries and workbooks.

Click here for ARMA Reading in the Middle Ages.

Click here for ARMA Graphic Design Education Programme.

 

With Thanks to

Graphic Design – ARMA

Illuminated manuscripts in the Middle Ages can be viewed as objects of innovative graphic design featuring decorative fonts and images to engage readers. The term ‘design’ was not used in the same way during the Middle Ages. However, it speaks to the craftsmanship and ingenuity of the manuscripts in the Middle Ages. They were more than just books for writing in. The illuminators created elaborate fonts and artworks consisting of diverse shapes and sizes and examining these can inspire contemporary design. In this programme, post primary students will use medieval manuscripts, including fonts and imagery, as inspiration for their own graphic design projects.

Click here for ARMA Reading in the Middle Ages.

Click here for ARMA Making Medieval Manuscripts.

With Thanks to

Reading in the Middle Ages – ARMA

The history of the practice of reading can tell us a lot about the nature and history of the society as a whole. During the Middle Ages, reading was mostly practiced aloud. Much of society was illiterate and texts could only be accessed through public readings. Today the opposite is true — the practice reading silently, and written information is widely available online and through printed text.

During this programme, post primary school students will be introduced to the history and function of reading, and explore reading as a means of understanding Medieval society. The programme draws on a variety of resources created as part of the Art of Reading in the Middle Ages project for Europeana, including an interactive game, video-based resources, blogs, galleries and workbooks.

Click here for ARMA Reading in the Middle Ages.

Click here for ARMA Graphic Design Education Programme.

Play Arma`s Reading Aloud interactive game

With Thanks to

Virtual Museums Workshop

Discover art and objects in our new Virtual Museum Workshops for schools. Participants explore and interact with virtual galleries filled with 3D objects and images from the Hunt Museum. Participants practice analytic, creative and digital skills while they work together to create their own virtual exhibition and discover the role of the museum to educate and inspire.

This workshop takes place on the free online platform Mozilla Hubs and requires no software downloads or sign up. To participate you’ll need a device (mobile, tablet, laptop or desktop PC) and a strong WIFI connection.

This workshop links to our layout and design online resource as it demonstrates new initiatives to make collections accessible whilst also providing new means of experiencing art. Students will have the opportunity to ask discuss and ask questions about topics related to todays world section of the leaving certificate art syllabus.

Not sure what this is all about? Read our Frequently Asked Questions here:

This workshop includes a Q & A session with a member of staff from the Hunt Museum

Cost : 35 euro

 

For further information, and to book a Virtual Museum Workshop for your school or group, please contact: educationoffice@huntmuseum.com

Viking Loan Box

Available to rent for 10 days at a cost of 35  Euro

Suitable for Primary and Secondary Schools

This  loan box comes with a set of instructions enabling teachers to set up and deliver our fun and engaging workshops in the classroom.

This loan box contains an array of replica objects and activity resources, that  bring the history of the Viking Age to life.

Teachers must be able to collect and return loan boxes to and from the hunt museum

Reading 20th Century Art

Reading 20th Century Art – Relevant to Senior Cycle students.
Duration: 60mins
€3.50 per student, teachers go free!

 

This tour will aid Senior Cycle students in the completion of Section 1 and 2 of the Art History and Appreciation written paper.

 

Using visual thinking strategies this workshop enables students to look, analyze and interpret works of historic importance by Irish & European artists such as Jack. B Yeats, Sean Keating , Roderic O Connor, Pablo Picasso and Paul Gauguin.

Through group discussions  students  learn how to create a structured response that reflects a personal connection to the work.

 

Learning Outcomes:
• Learned and applied critical and visual language when assessing,
understanding and appreciating Irish and/or European art
• Completed structured written analysis of artworks including subject matter, composition, style, media/materials, techniques and influence

Vikings Online – Junior Cycle

Viking Post Primary Online Programme – This digital programme will teach Post Primary Junior Cycle students all about the Vikings. 

Through short animations, a virtual handling session, and a printable workbook (featuring art activities and research topics) students will gain a greater understanding of Viking culture and their impact on Ireland. Students will use both replica and authentic Viking artefacts from the Hunt Museum Permanent Collection as a means to learn more about their lives.

Visual Art:

  • Strand – Art (Element: Critical and visual language, 1.1, 1.2 ; Element: Visual Culture and Appreciation, 1.8)

History

  • Strand – Developing Historical Consciousness – History of Ireland

Geography:

  • Strand – Exploring People, Places, and Change

The Vikings workshop – Junior Cycle

The Vikings Post Primary School Handling Session – Suitable for Junior Certificate and Transition Year Students.
Duration: 60mins
Cost €3.50 per student, teachers go free!

This workshop utilizes replica objects, digital interactives, and artifacts from our collection to enhance students’ understanding of the Vikings’ history in Ireland. It informs them about the Viking culture, including their lifestyle, clothing, weapons used in battles, and innovative technology that they introduced to the Irish people.

 

Curricular Links: 

Visual Art: Strand – Art (Element: Critical and visual language, 1.1,
1.2 ; Element: Visual Culture and Appreciation

History: Strand – Developing Historical Consciousness – History of Ireland

Geography: Strand – Exploring People, Places, and Change

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Loan Box

This is also available as a loan box.

The Hunt Museum offers a range of different loan boxes containing an array of handling material, and activity resources, that can bring the past to life in the classroom.

Contains artifacts relating to Ireland’s Viking age, and the role of the Norsemen in Limerick.

 

Cost: 35 euro for 10 days.

History

  • Strand: Developing historical consciousness
  • Strand: History of Ireland

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