Ireland's Secret Past - Unlocking our Fossil Heritage
Year Awarded
2025
Amount
€327,998.57
- Organisation:University College Cork (UCC)
Project Summary
This project is the strategic evolution of a remarkably successful Research Ireland-funded project capitalising on our unique fascination with fossils to deliver programmes that inspire curiosity in our natural heritage and positive attitudes towards STEM. The project will reach thousands of people using hands-on and digital interventions. Co-creation of new school workshops on fossils and climate with pupils and teachers, plus a dedicated transition year module, will deliver critically important, unique, learning experiences that forge essential links between science, geography and climate curricula.
Expansion of our national facilitator network via the provision of STEM kits and training to new stakeholders nationwide, plus expansion of our STEM kit loan scheme for schools, will add much-needed capacity to help meet growing demand for workshops. Workshop delivery will be informed by ongoing evaluation, and will use multiple sessions as standard for optimal outcomes, especially with girls. A spectacular STEAM exhibition, “The Domain of the Dinosaurs”, featuring artworks and fossils, will tour venues around Ireland, providing opportunities for training facilitators and engaging non-traditional STEM audiences and rural communities. A second STEAM exhibition, co-created with the public, will yield an innovative immersive experience in a recreation of the Carboniferous seafloor.
Ongoing public submissions to our flagship citizen science initiative, “The Great Irish Fossil Hunt”, will continue to expand our network of nationwide fossil sites and trails. The intrinsic appeal of fossils and our focus on participatory learning will create inspiring life experiences, promoting trust in science and encouraging the public to learn more about STEM.