Write a comment
The Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark Team took to the road recently to hold interactive workshops about Ireland’s Fossil Heritage. Developed by The University College Cork, the workshops explored how fossils are formed, Ireland’s ancient timeline and how mass extinctions occur.
Volunteer students from Our Lady’s Grammar School, Newry; St Colmcilles, Crossgar; Assumption Grammar School, Ballynahinch and St Malachy’s Castlewellan all went through training to empower them to deliver workshops to the local primary schools in their area. One of the events was held at Newry Museum.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Pete Byrne said, “Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark’s rich ecological diversity is underpinned by its geological heritage, and we want to inspire the next generation of geologists, ecologists and palaeontologists."
The Chairperson added "I am amazed by the volunteer student’s enthusiasm and commitment to create a meaningful experience for the younger students. They made the workshops come alive and created fun and educational games around the topics they were teaching.”
Jess Franklin, Senior Engagement Officer with Ireland's Fossil Heritage, said, “Ireland has amazing fossil heritage that acts as a remarkable gateway science and a valuable source of inspiration and curiosity about the natural world and STEM. We are thrilled to share our new STEM activity kits with Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark! These kits allow local students to dive into thrilling hands-on activities, exploring everything from fossilisation to environmental change. We are honoured that the student volunteers gave their time to deliver our fossil themed activities.”
