Supported by Science Foundation Ireland, members of CASTeL Dr Nicola Broderick, Dr Orla Kelly and Dr Cliona Murphy with Dr Karen Kerr (Queen’s University Belfast) held a Celebration Event in Dublin City University on the 21st of June 2022 for the Guardians of the Future project. Guardians of the Future aimed to develop parents’/guardians’ climate science literacy through a series of workshops in two Dublin primary schools: Lucan East Educate Together National School and Our Ladies of Victories Girls National School. Over 30 parents/guardians participated in the workshops held in the schools and completed science activities and investigations at home with their children. Parents/guardians and their children celebrated key learnings and actions during the Celebration Event in the Institute of Education, Dublin City University. Special thanks to Emer Savage, Education coordinator from Global Action Plan, for facilitating a workshop on Nature and Biodiversity.

Speaking of the project Dr Nicola Broderick said

“What struck me about the event was the energy and enthusiasm of the parents/guardians and children. The project helped ignite a passion for science and the environment and provided a space where parents/guardians could discuss and reflect on every day climate related issues. Parents/guardians and children worked together to investigate at home and then take actions to help mitigate climate change. It also provided parents/guardians the opportunity to explore the primary science curriculum and develop investigation and observation skills through the at-home science activities. The project highlighted the importance of taking a multigenerational approach to climate action through this community of learners”

Sandra, a parent who participated in the project felt that not only did she and her family learn about climate change, but the project impacted her daily life and she shared her learnings with everyone she met. A number of other parents highlighted the action they had taken to help mitigate climate change – promoting pollinators and biodiversity in their gardens and shared green spaces, using energy sustainably, and recycling and reusing products.

The project team would like to acknowledge the support of Science Foundation Ireland Discover Programme. A special thanks to all the parents/guardians and children who participated and the schools and teachers for their willingness to take part especially the Home School Liaison Officers who were fundamental to the organisation of the workshops and Celebration Event.