Active learning ideas
Engineering and Climate Change Adaptation examines how engineers are protecting Irish communities from the effects of a changing climate. This topic focuses on flood defenses, coastal protection, and resilient infrastructure. It maps directly to NCCA SESE Geography (Natural Environments and Environmental Awareness) and Science (Energy and Forces).
Activity 01
In trays of sand and water, students build 'towns.' They must use different materials (stones, sponges, plastic) to build walls or buffers to protect their houses from a 'flood' (pouring water).
How does climate change threaten our infrastructure?
Activity 02
Display 'before and after' photos of Irish coastlines. Students move in pairs to identify where engineering has been used to stop the land from washing away and discuss if it worked.
What are flood defences and how do they work?
Activity 03
Divide the class into two groups. One argues for building a concrete sea wall (hard engineering), while the other argues for planting marram grass and restoring dunes (soft engineering).
How can engineers protect coastal communities?
A few notes on teaching this unit
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
We can just build a wall everywhere to stop flooding.
Building a wall in one place can often push the water somewhere else, causing a flood further down the river. Engineers have to look at the whole 'catchment' area. Using a water tray model helps students see how water is diverted.
Climate change adaptation is just about the weather.
It's about engineering our buildings, roads, and pipes to handle more extreme conditions. Discussing how 'permeable' pavements allow water to soak away helps students see that adaptation is a broad engineering challenge.
Methods used in this brief
Sustainable Engineering and Renewable Energy
Students investigate how modern engineers are tackling environmental challenges using wind, wave, and solar energy. They will explore Ireland's transition to a green energy grid.
8 methodologies
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An exploration of urban planning and civil engineering for the future. Students will consider how technology and engineering can make cities more efficient, sustainable, and liveable.
8 methodologies