Creating Futures (Trócaire)
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This resource, developed alongside Irish primary curricula, comprises “ten lessons inspiring inquiry, creativity & cooperation in response to climate change for senior primary classrooms”.
It begins with an introduction for teachers that covers foundational questions that relate to the ten lessons, including: ‘What is climate change, and what is the greenhouse effect?; ‘What is the scientific basis for climate change?’ and ‘How does climate change relate to people’s ethical values?’
Each lesson includes a range of activities designed to support pupils’ literacy, independent research skills, critical thinking and collaborative working. Lesson Five, entitled ‘Dealing with climate change: experiences and ideas’ has a strong climate justice focus and begins with the key question ‘Is climate change fair?’
How its creators describe this resource:
This resource:
• Is cross-curricular. Relevant sections of the fifth and sixth class curricula are referenced in each lesson to support planning.
• Travels from the past to the future and from the local to the global.
• Comprises lesson plans, activities, worksheets, photographs, web links and other resources that can be used flexibly to suit teacher, class and school needs.
• Uses different methodologies, including inquiry packs, simulation games, arts and crafts, role-play, discussion activities, film, debate and creative writing.
“In these lessons you were able to debate things and say what you think. They were fun but that meant you really thought about climate change and what you can do.” Fifth class pupil, pilot class.
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“I remember going to an event in DCU (Dublin City University) and [hearing about] Rowan Oberman’s resources. It’s really good, it’s called Creating Futures.” Primary teacher, Dublin.
“We started using the Creating Futures resource in Geography and Science. So we kind of worked through that which was great. I thought it really helped [the pupils] clarify their understandings, because I think sometimes it all gets a bit muddled for them, and they're just like, well, climate justice is just about anything to do with the environment.” Dublin-based classroom assistant.
