A new graphic novel and suite of educational resources aiming to bring climate science to life through storytelling and creative engagement has been launched through a collaboration between Met Éireann, University College Cork (UCC), and members of the public.
Chasing the Curlew’s Call cover
Published Monday, June 8th
Chasing the Curlew’s Call / Ar Lorg Ghlao an Chrotaigh was developed by UCC using Met Éireann climate science and visual storytelling to highlight real-world impacts of climate change. It tells the story of young Lou and her grandfather as they search for the Eurasian curlew, an endangered species of bird whose survival is impacted by climate change.
Officially launched at an event in UCC last week, the novel is accompanied by a suite of ready-to-use teacher packs containing lesson plans, classroom activities, discussion prompts and evaluation surveys designed to help students engage with climate science through storytelling.
Pictured, from left, at the launch of Chasing the Curlew’s Call at UCC are Dr Claire Scannell, Dr Catriona Duffy, Dr Rosa Rogers and Rosa Kelly
Attendees at the launch were treated to a bilingual performance from the graphic novel in both English and Irish, while Dr Claire Scannell, Principal Meteorological Officer at Met Éireann, highlighted the importance of supporting climate storylines through the TRANSLATE-funded project.
Creators, Dr Rosa Rogers, Rosa Kelly and Dr Paul Holloway from UCC, and Dr Catriona Duffy from Met Éireann, outlined the artistic and scientific approaches that shaped the work.
The resources have been trialled and refined through workshops in schools across Cork city, during which researchers found improvements in students’ confidence in explaining what climate change is and how it is caused, increased awareness of the Eurasian Curlew and its endangered status in Ireland, as well as an increase in care and interest with the topic of climate change.
With the public release of the resources and surveys, the research team hopes to build a broader understanding of how climate storytelling can support learning and engagement among primary and secondary students across Ireland.
Schools that submit completed surveys will be entered into a prize draw for the chance to win a weather station for their school.
The full set of resources, including the graphic novel, animation and teacher packs, are now available through Met Éireann’s Educational resources page.