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

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