Dr Kirstin Lemon, Science Programme Manager at the Geological Survey of Northern Ireland  (GSNI) reflects on the educational resources created by the GeoEnergy NI project and what we can expect next.  

All educational resources can be found on the Downloads and Resources section of the GeoEnergy NI website.

Geothermal energy is a ‘hot’ topic right now with its potential being explored through the GeoEnergy NI project. This work is vital to demonstrate its feasibility and contribute to the renewable energy targets required to achieve net zero for Northern Ireland by 2050.

If we want to ensure the sustainability of geothermal energy, we need to demonstrate its feasibility from a scientific and technological perspective. We also need to develop the necessary skills and expertise to support this fledgling industry as it grows into a mainstream opportunity.  One of the ways that this is being done as part of the GeoEnergy NI project is through the development of education resources for a range of levels.

Building foundations, expanding minds

The first education resource developed is aimed at Key Stage 2 pupils and fits in with the ‘Movement and Energy’ and ‘Earth and Universe’ elements of the World Around Us CCEA Primary Curriculum.

The pack contains five activities, supported by background information for teachers, all of which have been designed to demonstrate what geothermal energy is. It allows teachers to explore the geothermal potential of Northern Ireland by understanding how the heat beneath our feet is created and how it can be used to contribute to net zero by 2050 and security of supply.

The idea behind the resource is that teachers will be empowered to talk about geothermal energy in the classroom. There are also hands-on activities for pupils so that they can ‘learn by doing’ which evidence suggests significantly boosts pupil engagement, knowledge retention and skills development.

Ignite minds with science

The second education resource is aimed at GCSE (Key Stage 4) pupils, specifically for Science (Physics) as a single subject or double / single award. These have been designed to cover elements of Unit 1 under the Energy subject area.

After an online resource review and consultation with science teachers working in Northern Ireland, the proposed resources have been developed as PowerPoint presentations to be delivered as a complete or partial lesson. Each PowerPoint is structured around key outcomes identified within the CCEA subject specifications and contain the following:

  • Lesson summary including topic, learning outcomes, information for teachers and sources of further information
  • Topic information: to be presented at the class by the teacher to provide information on key concepts and principles
  • Lesson activities: topic-based activities to be carried out by the class, either collectively or individually

Two presentations have been developed: 1) Energy forms and resources, renewable and non-renewable energy resources and 2) Energy transfer: the principles of conservation of energy. Both of these have been linked to geothermal energy and include case studies from the GeoEnergy NI project and the use of ground source heat pumps.

The art of scientific inquiry

Currently in development is the final resource that will be targeted at Key Stage 3 pupils. Aimed at developing pupils’ knowledge, understanding and skills in geography, the resource will use project-based learning to help students understand what geothermal energy is, the various options for geothermal heat production as well as how and where it can be applied in Northern Ireland.

Through the project-based learning pupils will also be able to exercise environmental stewardship to help promote a better quality of life for present and future generations, both locally and globally. They will also gain insight as to how the skills developed through geography will be useful to a range of careers.

Pathway to knowledge

Education has always been at the heart of GeoEnergy NI. Whether this is through the mobile GeoEnergy Discovery Centre providing accessible information for the general public, schools and a wide range of stakeholders, or through more formal curriculum-based education as described here. This has been an essential component the project’s success and ensuring that its legacy is far reaching. By having an obvious education pathway, from primary to secondary school, we will help to deliver the knowledge and skills necessary to develop a vibrant and sustainable geothermal sector for Northern Ireland.