Green-Schools: Climate Action Week October 12th -18th 2020
October 12th to 18th was Climate Action Week. The children discussed climate change and what it means. They also explored ways in which we can all make a difference. As a result, together we came up with actions we could take at home and at school to address this issue. e.g. sorting litter/waste into the correct bins, recycling as much as possible, reducing plastic use, turning off taps, using rainwater where possible and switching off lights and devices when leaving a room.
On Monday, the senior children spoke to the younger classes, outdoors, about Climate Action Week and encouraged everyone to play their part.
Tuesday afternoon was dry and pleasant so we went outside to examine sphagnum moss and peat samples from the local bog. The children learned about the importance of our Irish bog lands and the way in which peatlands help to reduce carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere. They also studied some of the rich life-forms that thrive in this unique habitat.
On Wednesday, the children of 5th and 6th class planted a Mountain Ash (Rowan) tree. We chose this tree as it is native to Ireland. Afterwards we watered it with rainwater from our rainwater but.
Since we are working on the Water Theme this year, we spent some more time on Thursday discussing other ways to reduce water usage in the school. We purchased a bucket to be used only for rainwater i.e. for watering young trees, plants and seeds and also for washing paint brushes and trays where appropriate.
Finally, on Friday we took some more water meter readings to measure how successful our efforts at water conservation are as we move forward.
The children produced a number of colourful posters for our Green Schools display board to remind the school community of our commitment to positive climate action this year.