Active learning ideas
Engineering is at the forefront of the fight against climate change. This topic explores how engineers design flood defenses for Irish coastal towns and develop technologies like carbon capture. It aligns with SESE Geography (Environmental awareness) and Science (Designing and making).
Activity 01
In a tray of sand and water, students build a 'coastal town'. They are given materials like stones, clay, and sponges to build defenses and must test which ones best protect the town from a 'storm surge'.
How can engineers protect coastal towns from flooding?
Activity 02
Students debate whether the government, local businesses, or individuals should pay for expensive new flood defenses. They must consider the long-term costs of doing nothing.
What is carbon capture?
Activity 03
After watching a short clip on carbon capture, students work in pairs to draw a 'machine' that could suck CO2 out of the air, discussing where they would put it and why.
What role do engineers play in protecting our planet?
A few notes on teaching this unit
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
We can just build higher walls everywhere to stop flooding.
Explain that walls can sometimes make flooding worse elsewhere or destroy natural habitats. Peer discussion about 'nature-based solutions' like planting trees or restoring wetlands helps broaden their perspective.
Climate change is a problem for the future, not now.
Show recent examples of flooding or extreme weather in Ireland. Using local news reports makes the engineering need feel urgent and relevant to the students' own communities.
Methods used in this brief
Renewable Energy Engineering
Pupils investigate modern engineering solutions for harnessing wind, solar, and wave energy in Ireland. They explore the transition away from fossil fuels.
8 methodologies
Green Building and Smart Cities
This topic introduces the concept of sustainable architecture and energy-efficient homes. Pupils learn how smart technology can reduce a city's environmental footprint.
8 methodologies