Guardians of the Future: Developing Parents'* Climate Science Literacy
Year Awarded
2021
Amount
€9,397
- Organisation:Dublin City University (DCU)
- Audience:Primary Students, Parents
- Format:Informal Education
- Location:Dublin
- Topic:Science
Project Summary
Climate science literate individuals understand scientific knowledge about climate change and the fundamental relationship between climate, human life and human health. They have the ability to assess the validity of scientific arguments and to use that information to support decisions. This project aims to enhance parents'(grandparents/guardians)* climate science literacy and promote their engagement with science. This will be achieved through a series of workshops in DEIS band primary schools. These workshops will be led by experienced science educators from the Irish Association for Primary Science Education (IAPSE) and aim to develop parents’* conceptual understanding of climate change through experiential learning; develop parents’* confidence to discuss scientific issues and engage in scientific inquiries with their children; develop parents’* awareness and appreciation of the role science plays in our everyday lives; and consider actions that can be taken in response to climate change at local and community levels.
Four DEIS band primary schools have agreed to participate. Parents* from a minimum of two classes will be invited to engage in a series of four workshops in their child’s school. Each workshop will be followed by an ‘Implementation Period’ whereby parents* and children will complete at-home science inquiries focused on climate change. Parents* will be supported during this Implementation Period. The workshops will culminate with parents* and children taking action to address climate change at individual, local and/or community levels. Parents* and the children will be provided with opportunities to share their experiences at a reflective Celebration Event in each school.