Story (History), Local Studies (History), Natural environments (Geography), Environmental awareness and care (Geography/Science), Living things (Science), Materials (Science), Energy and forces (Science)
Cat and David McCann have over 20 combined years of experience in research, citizen science and outreach programmes, and have a love for communicating ocean-related themes and concepts to a wide variety of audiences – most particularly to schools. In no small way, their life’s passion is inspiring others to connect with and learn more about the incredible marine biodiversity on their doorstep.
Having worked all over the world - including some of the most biodiverse regions on Earth, such as the Coral Triangle - they are convinced that marine biodiversity in Ireland is just as spectacular as that found elsewhere.
They founded The Sea Collective in order to share their passion and enthusiasm, and provide opportunities for everyone to learn about and engage in activities to do with the incredible marine biodiversity, maritime culture and heritage of Ireland’s waters and coastal habitats.
All workshops draw on their personal experience of working with sharks, turtles, cetaceans, corals and seaweeds, and working on plastic pollution, climate change and sustainability of our oceans and coastal habitats. The workshops cover all aspects of Ireland's marine biodiversity and issues relating to the ocean, and are all linked to the Primary School Curriculum and UNESCO's 7 Principles of Ocean Literacy, and are also tied in with UNESCO’s Sustainable Development Goals.
Their workshops are designed to be interactive, fun and hands on, using videos, audio recordings, practical activities, challenges, experiments and art – as well as a range of props such as fossil megalodon teeth! – to maximise the learning experience for the children. By introducing students to the latest research, different species and habitats, they aim to foster a sense of awe and encourage a feeling of responsibility for protecting the health of our oceans.
Did you know that there are 71 different species of shark, skate and rays in Irish waters? This workshop examines some of the incredible biology and life history of sharks, especially those found in Irish waters. The importance of sharks and their role in the ocean ecosystem and food webs are examined. During the workshop students will learn many fascinating facts about sharks, including their importance to the marine ecosystem. A shark eggcase hunt will be carried out at a local beach (or we will bring our extensive collection with us) before the students are taught how to identify what species of shark laid the egg using an identification key. Students will also enjoy the opportunity to examine fossil shark teeth to understand dentition and diet in sharks.
This workshop provides pupils with an opportunity to learn about the cetaceans found in Irish waters. The interactive presentation introduces the term ‘cetaceans’ as whales, dolphins and porpoises, with students examining their adaptations to living in the aquatic environment, and identify the difference between baleen and toothed whales.
Different aspects of cetacean behaviour are examined, and students learn about the importance of sound in the underwater world and the impact of increasing noise pollution. Local biodiversity is highlighted, and role of cetaceans in marine food webs is examined. Students are also given guidance on what they can do to help cetaceans, including citizen science and responsible interactions.
This workshop provides pupils with an opportunity to develop their knowledge about plastic pollution, particularly with respect to the problem of plastic pollution in our oceans. Studying the history of the development of plastic and weighing the pros and cons of the different types of plastic used in today’s world, students are encouraged to explore the impact that plastic has had on our planet.
By examining why our oceans are so important to us, and highlighting the inextricable links between humans and the ocean, this workshop details how plastic pollution in the oceans not only affects marine wildlife, but can also affect us. The workshop ends on a positive note – giving students some challenges to take on to reduce the negative impact of plastic on our oceans!
The rocky shore module involves indoor and outdoor activities – a classroom session to learn about the rocky shore and living things found there, and the seashore visit includes an exploration of marine habitats and living things, as well as interactive learning games on the shore.
The module highlights the rocky shores as one of the most challenging places to live, and encourages the students to explore why, and to learn about adaptations to living in this difficult environment. Several key species found on their home shore are examined, with interesting stories about the animals shared to encourage students to look at wildlife on their home shores in a different way.
Created due to popular demand, this workshop examines the biology and life of the animal that’s thought of equal measures of ‘ew’ and ‘wow’ – the jellyfish! Students learn about how jellyfish sting, and examines their place in food chain – which includes detailing some of their surprising predators. Their fascinating life cycle is examined, along with the incredible local link to its first ever description. The different jellyfish (and some of their relatives) found in Ireland are shown.
This workshop introduces the students to the different depth zones of the open ocean, right down to the Trenches. Students learn about the deep ocean zones in Ireland’s offshore waters and the incredible creatures found there. What does it take to live at those depths? Where is the deepest place in our planet’s oceans? How many humans have explored the deep? Equipment and vehicles used to explore those depths are examined in this fascinating workshop, which also draws on the history and human elements of ocean exploration. An art project completes this workshop – creation of a deep ocean art board to be displayed in the school, showcasing their new-found knowledge of the ocean depths.
This workshop explores climate change and its effects on our oceans, using the story of Tom Crean as a narrative. The lesson investigates the difference between weather and climate and examines a variety of ways that scientists study our planet's past climate. The story of Tom Crean provides an exciting local link to polar zones, highlighting oceanic and geographic conditions and the collection of scientific data, and also provides a focal point for students to think about how our climate has changed since then. Through this module, students gain a better understanding of climate change, why it is happening, how we know it is happening and what we can do to become part of the solution, while also calling attention to Tom's life and heroic rescues, highlighting an important character in Irish maritime culture and heritage.
Testimonials
"David and Cat were amazing, so enthusiastic and relaxed with the children. They loved learning so much from expert Marine Biologists. Well done to them both, experienced clearly working with children." - Gartan NS, Donegal
"We loved the shark workshop. It was very informative and children were totally engaged. Examine the shark teeth and eggs was incredible!" - Castletown NS, Donegal
"David and Cat are amazing. Their knowledge and passion is incredible and we thoroughly enjoyed their workshops. Children are fully engaged and learn so much from them!" - Castletown NS, Donegal
"David and Cat were both amazing and the children learned so much and really got involved. We can't wait to have them back for more visits." - Scoil an Aingil Choimheadai, Donegal
"Super! The children thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience." - Scoil Athphoirt, Donegal
"The Sea Collective are excellent and what they do providing a wide knowledge of the sea, seashore and the animals who live there. Its always a pleasure to have David and Cat visit the school." - Scoil Eoin Pól, Donegal
"The session was very interactive and fun. The children absolutely loved it." - Scoil Mhuire, Belcruit, Donegal
"The Sea Collective provide an excellent service when the visit our school with excellent interaction with the children." - Scoil Eoin Pól, Loch an Iúir, Donegal
"An amazing workshop and Cat and David are just brilliant at what they do, They children were so engaged and learned so much. We were to visit the beach in the afternoon but the weather didn't allow for this so we will do in September. Really looking forward to their next visit. Thanks and thanks to Heritage in Schools!" - Scoil an Aingil Choimhéadaí, Donegal
"Fantastic.. very very happy with the school visit.. they are so very interesting and the children had an amazing time." - Scoil Fhionáin, Donegal
"Excellent programme for the children" - Drumfad NS, Donegal
"We thoroughly enjoyed our day with Dave and Cat. The kids were fully emersed from morning till afternoon." - Scoil Athphoirt, Donegal
