Michéal Coughlan

Subject(s):: Science, History, Geography
Curriculum Strands:: Story (History), Local Studies (History), Early people and ancient societies (History), Life, society, work and culture in the past (History), Eras of change and conflict (History), Continuity and change over time (History), Human environments (Geography), Natural environments (Geography), Environmental awareness and care (Geography/Science), Living things (Science)
Counties catered for:: Cork, Donegal, Dublin, Galway, Kerry, Leitrim, Longford, Mayo, Roscommon, Sligo
Classes catered for:: All Classes

Book in-person visit

Michéal was born a farm in rural Ireland and has had an innate affinity with nature, local history and the environment from an early age. He has also lived in some world cities and understands the importance of urban green spaces, industrial and historical heritage.

With his Biology Degree and previous life experiences (as a travel writer, hiker and journalist etc.) Michéal has garnered a wealth of knowledge and understanding across a wide range of areas - Nature, Biodiversity, the Environment, History and Geography.

Michéal is a great believer in the power of storytelling to engage children and young adults by making it fun and participatory. He takes a more holistic view of school’s local area and likes to get pupils to appreciate their own environment and locale from a nature, geographical and overall heritage perspective. I

Michéal is also a qualified Leave No Trace Awareness Trainer and has a Post Graduate Diploma in Design Thinking for Sustainability.

Field trips

A trip to a nearby area (park, coast, hills/mountains, woodlands etc.) to discover and learn about what is there, visible and hidden from sight. These trips will involve collecting samples to examine later and a include a variety of engaging fun and hands-on learning exercises while in that environment. We will also cover the importance of biodiversity and pollinators.

Discovering their locale (Classroom and/or outdoor or mix)

A day of lively discussion about the natural environment in their surrounding area as well its history and geography. The session will also include interactive exercises and fun educational games – trip to a local site of interest, nature drawings, storytelling, role-playing games etc. A variety of fun and immersive activities to help children and young adults have a more holistic understanding of their local area.

Environment and Climate Change (Classroom and/or outdoor or mix)

Climate change is the biggest challenge facing humanity today. The goal of this session is to help children and young adults understand the basics, focus on the positives of what we all can do – the small changes we can make in how we live our lives. Help allay growing fears of eco-anxiety and install a spirit of hope that we can all solve this together. We will conduct this session using fun and engaging exercises, and storytelling as well as outdoor site visit to help explain the importance of saving our environment from the effect of climate change.

Testimonials

"Would highly recommend to anyone - Micheal was able to engage all children in the activities - he was brilliant." - St Eunans NS, Donegal
"Delighted Micheal came - he was flexible- had materials ready so that despite bad weather in the middle of the day an environment lesson could take place anyway" - St Kevin’s BNS, Dublin

"Michéal imparted his wealth of knowledge on biodiversity and wildlife to the children in a relaxed, easy manner. He is a great storyteller. They, along with the teachers learned a lot which will stay with them for years to come." - St Pius X BNS, Dublin
"Fantastic day very well delivered. Children really enjoyed the experience." - Scoil na Carraige, Donegal

Additional Information

Provides in-person visits
Caters for special needs
Provides practical/hands-on activities
Provides field trips

Contact Details

Mobile:: 087 627 0367
Email:: leavenotracemicheal@gmail.com