Student workshops
Book one of our free student workshops and explore the topic of energy and sustainability in a fun and engaging way. Primary and post-primary options available.
Primary Workshops
What workshops are available and what are the requirements?
We have Junior Primary and Senior Primary workshops available. Ideally, three workshops will be delivered in one day. Maximum of 30 pupils per workshop. The teacher must stay with the class during the workshop
Book a workshopJunior Primary Workshops
Meet Guzzler and Learn Through Games and Activity
The children meet Guzzler the puppet who loves to waste energy. Through a series of games and activities they learn where our energy comes from, why and how we save energy.
This workshop is suitable for Senior Infants and 1st Class and covers several strands of the science curriculum.
| Living Things | Energy and Forces | Environmental Awareness |
|---|---|---|
| How food gets its energy and how the energy from food is used to make their bodies work. | How clothes keep heat in our bodies and how moving around can generate heat. Children learn that light, sound, heat and electricity are forms of energy. | A mime game communicates different ways we use energy every day. The children learn how Guzzler wastes energy and they are can tell him how to waste less. This prompts them to think about energy at home and at school. |
Interactive learning and fun
Throughout the workshop, children are asked to come up to the front of the classroom to help out with the various games and activities. By choosing different children each time, we aim to have as many children as possible involved.
Workshop duration and location
This workshop is approximately 45 minutes long and is designed for senior infants and 1st class. Workshops take place in the classroom. The teacher must stay with the class during the workshop.
Advance preparation
In advance of the workshop, we recommend reading Guzzler's Party Book available to download: Guzzlers Party (English), Guzzler’s Party (Irish), or order a free copy to be sent to your school Guzzler Party Teacher Hard Copy.
Book a workshopSenior Primary Workshops
Hands on fun and learning
The Energy Challenge Workshop is a great hands on workshop for pupils from 3rd to 6th class to explore the topic of sustainable energy. Students will carry out energy experiments, play the energy game, learn and have fun.
What we cover
The workshop covers the following topics in an engaging and practical way:
- the different laws of energy
- the benefits of sustainable energy
- how science and technology can help reduce fossil fuel use.
Links to the science curriculum
| Energy and forces (examples) | Environmental awareness and care |
|---|---|
| Students discuss renewable and non-renewable sources of energy Students examine the problems associated with climate change. |
Workshop duration and location
This workshop takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. Our facilitators do up to 3 workshops during the school day. If possible, workshops should take place in a school hall where the facilitator can set up for the whole day.
Requirements from the school / teachers:
- Three workshops to be run in one day
- Maximum 30 pupils per workshop
- teacher must stay with the class during the workshop.
In advance of the workshop, we recommend reading the Climate SOS Storybook available to download: Climate SOS (English) Climate SOS (Irish) or order a free copy to be sent to your school Climate SOS Hard Copy
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Special Schools
We can provide workshops for special schools. Please put a note in the comment box of the online form.
Workshop Overview
Our renewable energy and energy conversion workshop is designed to engage Junior Cycle students in hands-on learning while deepening their understanding of essential energy concepts. Through interactive discussions, demonstrations, and group experiments, students will explore the principles of energy and how they apply to our everyday lives.
Workshop Format
Discussion and Demonstrations
We kick off the workshop with an engaging discussion and live demonstrations covering key topics.
Key terms such as Sustainable Development and Sustainable Energy are introduced.
Discussion of climate change and the environmental impact of energy use.
A demonstration shows how CO₂ affects ocean pH, linking everyday emissions to ocean acidification.
Group Activities
Students use profile cards to estimate monthly food consumption and calculate related carbon emissions.
Students calculate their carbon footprint and discuss how personal choices can impact emissions.
Student Involvement
Students analyse data, interpret graphs, and use a carbon footprint calculator.
They reflect on personal choices and identify actions to reduce their environmental impact.
Workshop duration and location
The workshop is approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes in duration, however, we can fit the workshop to an hour long class lesson. We can run up to three workshops during the school day.
Book a workshopTransition Year Workshop
This workshop engages transition year students on the topic of climate change and sustainability. Building on the foundations of the Science and Geography curriculum of the Junior Cycle, these workshops are fantastic preparation for the Senior Cycle.
Cross Curricular Links in Leaving Certificate Subjects
- Geography
- Politics and Society
- Climate Action and Sustainable Development
- Agricultural Science
- Physics
Workshop Format
Demonstration and Group Activities
Group Discussion and a short video and group discussion help frame the causes and consequences of climate change.
Ocean Acidification Experiment: Students use simple materials to model how excess CO₂ affects ocean pH.
Electricity and Energy Use: Students examine how electricity is generated in Ireland and calculate energy use
Lighting Efficiency: Students compare different types of light bulbs and explore behaviour change to reduce energy use.
3. Transport and Food Impact
Students calculate emissions from personal transport, including school journeys, and explore ways to reduce them.
A design challenge illustrates energy conversions in transport.
4. Student Engagement
Students analyse data, calculate emissions, and reflect on personal choices.
They identify one change they could make in areas like electricity, transport, food, heating, waste, or water.
Workshop duration and location
The workshop is approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes in duration and can be adapted to fit into an hour lesson. The workshop can take place in a standard classroom.
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