ESB Networks has announced the launch of its new ‘Weather Watch’ Schools Programme aimed at supporting Junior Cycle and Transition Year Geography students to explore the links between weather patterns and renewable energy sources.
Nearly 8,100 secondary school students across 90 schools nationwide are taking part in the programme and have received a free weather station from ESB Networks to encourage learning about energy, electricity, and the impact weather has on renewable electricity generation.
The programme encourages conversations beyond the classroom, helping students bring energy awareness into their homes. By creating discussions about energy use, the initiative encourages participation in ESB Networks’ “Is This a Good Time?” programme. This initiative supports tips about electricity consumption, helping people to make informed decisions about their electricity use, such as shifting electricity use away from peak times (5-7 pm) or to times when there is surplus renewable energy available on the network.
Through the use of outdoor weather stations and supporting learning materials, the programme links classroom theory with real-world applications. Each weather station comes with a digital display directly linked to the station, allowing students to gather learnings from within the classroom.
The lessons teach students how weather like wind or solar, impacts renewable energy in practice – and how this can be used to help make more informed decisions on energy usage. Additionally, the weather station is linked to ESBNetworks.ie/weatherwatch, enabling each participating school to share their learnings.
Key features of the Weather Watch Schools Programme include:
— Hands-on learning: Weather stations are provided to all participating schools, giving students direct access to the science behind renewable energy generation.
— Skills development: Students will develop and use critical thinking, data analysis and problem-solving skills.
— Broaden sustainability knowledge: Students are provided the opportunity to broaden their understanding of sustainable practices in their everyday lives.
— Cross-curricular applications: The programme brings together knowledge from geography, math, and environmental studies.
Lindsay Sharpe, Strategy and Customer Manager at ESB Networks, said:
“The ESB Networks Weather Watch schools programme is a pivotal initiative that empowers the next generation with the knowledge and skills to understand the critical role of electricity and weather in our daily lives. By engaging students in meaningful conversations and practical activities, we aim to foster a deeper understanding of renewable energy and its impact on electricity consumption.
This programme not only educates but also inspires students to take proactive steps towards a sustainable future. The programme provides a new avenue to educate young people about energy and environmental efficiency allowing for interesting and active learning to take place.”
Claire Phelan, Geography Teacher at Patrician Secondary School Cork, whose students are partaking in the programme, added: “ESB Networks’ Weather Watch Schools Programme has encouraged our students to think more deeply about the connections between weather conditions, climate conditions, and the link in generating renewable energy sources. Students are using their knowledge from this programme to become energy ambassadors at home.”
For more information, visit ESB Networks’ Weather Watch | Sustainability Education.
