Michéal Coughlan - Heritage Experts | Heritage in Schools

Michéal Coughlan

5 Micheal Coughlan2 Docx
Michéal Coughlan 11
Michéal Coughlan 10
Michéal Coughlan 9
Michéal Coughlan 8
Michéal Coughlan 5
Michéal Coughlan 4
Michéal Coughlan 3
Michéal Coughlan 2
Michéal Coughlan 1
Mcoughlane 3
Mcoughlane 1
Mcoughlane 2
Catkins micheal 1
Fungi pics micheal
Hiking pic
Star Fish
Subject(s):
Science, History, Geography, Climate Action and Sustainable Development
Counties catered for:
Donegal, Dublin, Galway, Leitrim, Longford, Mayo, Roscommon, Sligo
Classes catered for:
All classes (primary), 1st year, 2nd year, 3rd year, TY

Book in-person visit


I help students experience a broader overview of nature by connecting many strands, from habitat types, to biodiversity, climate change and biological processes. My goal is to enhance young people’s awareness of natural world around them, their connection to it, and its important in this attention-absorbing digital age. 

Primary school visits

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.

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.

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.

Post-primary school visits

I take a class(es) on nature walks – in a local forest, nearby wild area (lake, river, or boreen), often it is the school ground, if there is a green area. I encourage students to engage all their senses and fully immerse in their environment. We discuss and identify what we find in terms of flora and fauna, and any geographical or other features encountered. I allow for questions and debate, and for students to talk about other experiences in, and with, nature.

This programme is designed around the Irish weather and features a mix of indoor and outdoor activities (weather permitting). The in-class sessions will involve discussions and short presentations on nature-related topics. It will touch on a variety of strands from biodiversity to habitat loss, climate change and more. It will be combined with some in-class nature-based activities. Part of the session will be held outdoors exploring the school’s green areas. It can be a one, or multi-class visit.

After an in-class information session students are brought to a local blanket bog to carry out an ecological survey. They also get to explore and learn about our bogs' unique biodiversity. We need to protect them, given their importance in terms of biodiversity and climate change mitigation. Students can also do a small project based on their experience and learnings. It is a unique programme and one that aims to instil an appreciation of our blanket bogs and their importance.

There may be transport costs.

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
Read more →
  • "Excellent hands-on learning experience. Michael is passionate about the importance of restoring and preserving our bogs and he communicated this message to his audience." - St. Joseph’s NS, Sligo
  • "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
  • "We were very happy with Michéal. The children were very engaged with him and he had a very engaging nature. Full of knowledge. The children really enjoyed the experience of using our local park and learning local knowledge about our park and hedgerow. They even enjoyed the very simple leaf print activity back in the classroom. Very positive experience." - Rathcoole ETNS, Dublin
  • "Fantastic day very well delivered. Children really enjoyed the experience." - Scoil na Carraige, Donegal
  • "The Blanket Bog workshop was most educational and enjoyable all round. It was very engaging for the children and well structured. We would definitely recommend this to any school!" - St. Patrick's National School, Mayo
  • "Michael delivered his excellent presentation at the children's level. The weather was against us for the first part of the day and we went on the field trip in the afternoon. While we waited on the weather to clear, Michael kindly offered to deliver his presentation to the middle classroom pupils. The senior children really enjoyed and learned a lot from the field trip during the afternoon session." - Glencastle NS, Mayo
  • "We had a great day out in our local bog and enjoyed a picnic there. Beautiful surroundings and the rain stayed away! Great experience for the pupils." - Scoil Mhuire, Donegal
  • "Excellent!" - Largy NS, Leitrim
  • "The children really enjoyed Michéal's presentation in the school and their visit to a local bog where they learned about preservation of our wild blanket peatlands/bog. Very informative and extremely relevant to the children and their environment." - Castlerock NS, Sligo

Additional Information

  • Primary school visits
  • Post-Primary school visits
  • 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