In the EPI•STEM PODCAST Episode 18,co-hosts Geraldine Simmie PhD and Michelle Starr PhD welcome guests from theLimerick city post-primary school, Coláiste Nano Nagle – Conor Bourke, the chemistry and biology teacher and two second year students, Marina Alphonsa and Areej Elgenaidi.

The students and their teacher recount the deep learning in STEAM education they experienced from participating in theproject entitled DESIGN A SUSTAINABLE VILLAGE IN IRELAND IN 2050. The project was offered to schools in Limerick as a pilot partnership between EPI•STEM at the University of Limerick, the HUNT Museum and the Limerick Education Support Centre.

Here the teacher and students share their futuristic design, the ways they developed a sustainability and justice mindset, and the importance of planning, doing and reflecting together on using STEAM knowledge, values and skills for the greater good of society and the local environment.

The group worked with the art teacher Sarah Nestor and included additional students, Leya Zanean, Rumasa Shaizadi,Ciara Courage and Hina Nazar. They recounted their visit to the Hunt Museum for additional inspiration and the way their concept evolved from a detailed drawing of the village.

The group paid attention to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially in relation to GenderEquality. They were interested in the construction of an eco-village with cultural spaces, spaces for wellbeing, sports and inter-denominational worship. Their imagined 2050 Eco-Village was a futuristic world where there was gender equality for all in theory and in practice. 

The musical selection today is the Kilnamona Barn Dance from County Clare, played on fiddle by Dr. Avril McLoughlin. Avril is a Lecturer in Music Education in Mary Immaculate College in Limerick.