Free Geoscience Resources for Leaving Certificate Teachers
Engaging students in the subject of geoscience is crucial for a sustainable future.
Practising geoscientists have come together with practising teachers from around the country to co-create curriculum relevant resources to support teaching geoscience subjects in Geography, Science and Climate Action and Sustainable Development (CASD)
Geoscience for Teachers CPD Programme
Developed by iCRAG and Geological Survey Ireland, our free Geoscience for Teachers CPD programme gives teachers the chance to work with our team of geoscientists to explore and develop geoscience within the Leaving Certificate curriculum.
This free CPD course pairs teachers with geoscientists to co-create a curriculum-relevant resource to introduce to the classroom.
Over six evening sessions, teachers have the opportunity to learn more about the impact of geoscience and how their partner geoscientist is putting this into practice before developing their new resource.
This free course is open to teachers of Geography and the new Climate Action and Sustainability Subject.
“I started implementing (what I have learned) in my undergraduate teaching, building glossaries of terms for the undergrad students. And trying to, if I can’t avoid terminology, at least facilitating the students so we can speak that common language.”
— Geoscience researcher, Dublin
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“It was a really enjoyable experience, thank you so much… I even went to talks that I wasn’t expecting to go to. Like I went to a talk there on rivers during the week”
— Teacher, Galway
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“Thank you for this experience, as a younger teacher this has been brilliant… I’m so pleased to have this under my belt out the door”
— Teacher, Cork
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Co-Created Resources
Every year, we co-create a range of classroom-ready resources, including lesson plans, module plans, field guides and teachers' notes, all designed for Leaving Certificate and some Transition Year students too.
Each resource links the latest advances in geoscience to the Geography curriculum in a way that’s relevant and ready to use.
All resources are free and ready for you to download today.
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Offshore Wind and Coastal Erosion Module Plan
A full geoscience module plan covering coastal erosion and offshore wind generation.
Includes at least five lesson plans, teacher notes, information sheets and quizzes. Suitable for both Leaving Certificate and Transition Year students.
Developed by teacher John Hegarty and geoscientist Shauna Creane from iCRAG at UCD
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A Study of Mouds Bog Lesson Plan
An in-depth case study of Mouds Bog, Newbridge, Co.Kildare, perfect for adding lab work to lessons.
Includes full lesson plan, teacher notes, example worksheets and PowerPoint slide. Suitable for both Leaving Certificate and Transition Year students.
Developed by teacher Sandra Kennedy alongside Fergus McAuliffe, Rebecca Rivera and Amanda Perera from iCRAG.
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Living in your Landscape Module Plan
A comprehensive guide focusing on geohazards and resilience in our landscape. Covers 12 lessons, including a full module plan, teacher notes and PowerPoint slides. Suitable for both Leaving Certificate and Transition Year students.
Developed by teacher Anne Browne alongside Benjamin Thebaudeau, the Geopark Geologist at the Joyce Country and Western Lakes Geopark Project.
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Coastal Erosion Module Plan
A deep dive into coastal erosion, including a full module plan, teacher notes and PowerPoint slides. Suitable for both Leaving Certificate and Transition Year students.
Developed by teacher Shannon O’Brien and geoscientists John Walsh and Shonny Lehane, both iCRAG at UCD.
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Understanding Radon and Its Environmental Effects Lesson Plan
An interactive escape room exploring Radon and its role as a geohazard, including a full lesson plan, teacher notes and both online and printed versions of the escape room. Suitable for both Leaving Certificate and Transition Year students.
Developed by teacher Maram Alnaimat O'Reilly and geoscientists Pablo Rodriguez Salgado and Savannah Devine.
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Human Interaction with the Rock Cycle Module Plan
A deep dive into human interaction with the rock cycle through Geothermal Energy, including a full module plan, teacher notes, PowerPoint slides and learning activities. Suitable for Leaving Certificate students.
Developed by teacher Maryann Callinan and iCRAG researcher Rioko Moscardini, alongside Russell Rogers from Geological Survey Ireland.
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Dynamic Coasts Module Plan
A look into coastal dynamics using Templetown Beach, Co.Louth as a case study, including a full module plan, teacher notes and PowerPoint slides. Suitable for Transition Year and adaptable for Leaving Certificate students.
Developed by teacher Charlene O'Hagan alongside iCRAG researchers Gregor Rink and Phoebe Walsh, and David Hardy from Geological Survey Ireland.
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Exploring Natural Resources Module Plan
An exploration of the contentious topic of exploring natural resources, particularly geology, quarries and bogs. Including a full module plan, teacher notes and PowerPoint slides. Suitable for both Transition Year and Leaving Certificate students.
Developed by teacher Teresa Sullivan alongside iCRAG geoscientists Farimah Fattahi Masrour and Markus Pracht, and Ronan McCool from Geological Survey Ireland.
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Karst Landscapes Lesson Plan
Take a look into Irish Karst Landscapes with a full lesson plan, teacher notes and an ArcGIS Storymap. Suitable for Leaving Certificate Students.
Developed by teacher Sinead Burke, iCRAG researcher Laurence Gill and geoscience professional Patrick Morrissey.
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Carbon Capture and Storage from the Irish Perspective Lesson Plan
Examining Carbon Capture and Storage from an Irish perspective, this resource includes a full lesson plan, teacher notes and PowerPoint slides. Suitable for Leaving Certificate Students.
Developed by teacher Cian O’Grady and iCRAG scientist Pablo Rodriguez Salgado.
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Drumlins Lesson Plan
Discover Irish drumlins with this resource pack, including a full lesson plan, teacher notes and PowerPoint slides. Suitable for Leaving Certificate Students.
Developed by teacher Geraldine O’Brien and iCRAG researcher Tiernan Henry.
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Folding and Faulting Lesson Plan
A comprehensive look at folding and faulting including a full lesson plan, worksheets, teacher notes and PowerPoint slides. Suitable for Leaving Certificate students.
Developed by teacher Seantelle Quanel and iCRAG researcher Emma Tomlinson.
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Mining in Ireland Lesson Plan
A deep dive into the contentious topic of mining in Ireland, including a full lesson plan, teacher notes and PowerPoint slides. Suitable for Leaving Certificate students.
Developed by teacher Eleanor Solon with iCRAG researchers Aileen Dolan and Phil Rieger.
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Geothermal Energy Module Plan
A comprehensive exploration of geothermal energy covering at least four lessons, including a full module plan, teacher notes and PowerPoint slides. Suitable for both Transition Year and Leaving Certificate students.
Developed by teacher Elaine Egan alongside geoscience professionals Rory Dunphy and Koen Verbruggen from Geological Survey Ireland.
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Glendalough Field Course
A detailed field investigation of Glendalough, Co. Wicklow, exploring the geology, historical and human significance of the site. Includes a full field guide and accompanying teacher notes. Designed for Leaving Certificate students, but could be suitable for younger students with additional preparation.
Developed by teacher Susan Breen alongside Dr Danny Hnatyshin from iCRAG at UCD and Dr Siobhán Power from Geological Survey Ireland.
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Seismic Activity Module Plan
An in-depth exploration of seismic activity, covering everything from the basics of seismicity to tsunamis. Includes a full module plan and associated resources. Designed for Transition Year but with aspects suitable for Leaving Certificate classes.
Developed by teacher Claire Healy alongside Drs Srikumar Roy and Pablo Rodriguez-Salgado from iCRAG at UCD.
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Irish Geohazards Lesson Plan
A study of geohazards that affect Ireland, including groundwater and flooding and the methods we use to monitor for and mitigate these hazards. Designed to cover at least a double class and suitable for Leaving Certificate students.
Developed by teacher Eileen Kelley alongside Drs Eve Daly and Haleh Karbala Ali from iCRAG at NUIG and DIAS.
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What Lies Beneath? An introduction to Geoscience. Lesson Plan
An introductory resource for classes beginning their geoscience journey, designed to cover a double class. Suitable for Leaving Certificate students and accessible for younger year groups.
Developed by teacher Jennifer O'Sullivan alongside Dr Tiernan Henry from iCRAG at NUIG and Dr Eamon Doyle from the Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark.
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Volcanic Activity in the Irish Context Lesson Plan
An engaging look at volcanic activity in an Irish context, designed to cover at least a double class. Suitable for Leaving Certificate students.
Developed by teacher Geraldine O'Brien alongside Drs Hilde Koch and Maurice Brodbeck from iCRAG at UCD and TCD.