Nature Engineers: Sustainability Workshop for Primary Schools

New hands-on sustainability workshop for primary schools delivered by engineers

Engineers Ireland’s educational outreach programme, STEPS, has launched Nature Engineers, a sustainability workshop for primary schools.

Nature Engineers is an interactive, engineering experience, designed for primary schools and supported by industry partners.

Aimed at 5th and 6th class students, the initiative introduces children to sustainability concepts, such as rainwater garden design, through hands‑on workshops. Delivered by local volunteer engineers, Nature Engineers highlights the vital role engineering plays in addressing environmental issues. During the workshop, engineers discuss Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) and students take part in two practical activities:

• Mapping their local area to identify how rainfall affects their community and where flooding risks may occur;
• Designing and testing Lego structures and modifying them with SuDS features to explore how engineered solutions can mitigate the impact of heavy rainfall.

Each student receives a certificate to mark their participation.

The initiative has already seen successful pilot workshops hosted at Swords Educate Together and Virgin Mary Girls’ National School, Ballymun.

The Nature Engineers pilot in Swords Educate Together was delivered by volunteer engineers from Mitie who shared insights into their careers and answered questions from enthusiastic students.

“A key highlight was the opportunity to engage directly with students. Their positivity, enthusiasm and warm welcome made the experience genuinely rewarding,” Camila Carnevale, ESG & Sustainability Partner, Mitie.

The Nature Engineers pilot in Virgin Mary Girls’ National School, Ballymun was delivered by volunteer engineers from Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) who shared stories from their careers and engaged students in discussion.

“We had a fantastic time meeting the girls, helping them with their projects and hearing their ideas and presentations. How talented the class were, blew us all away,” Janet Lynch Sustainability Co-Ordinator, Capital Projects, Light Rail, Transport Infrastructure Ireland.

Picture caption: Children from Swords Educate Together taking part in the Nature Engineers sustainability workshop

About STEPS
STEPS encourages young people, their teachers, and parents to explore the creative and limitless world of engineering and the diverse opportunities a career in the sector can offer. Engineers Ireland's STEPS programme is funded by the Department of Education and Youth and industry leaders Arup, ESB, Intel and Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII).

About Engineers Ireland
With over 30,000 members, Engineers Ireland is the voice of the engineering profession in Ireland. Engineers Ireland was established in 1835, making it one of the oldest and largest professional bodies in Ireland. Members come from every discipline of engineering, and they range from engineering students to fellows of the profession. For more information, see www.engineersireland.ie.

For more information, or to speak to Engineers Ireland about STEPS Nature Engineers, please contact Tara Corristine, Communications Executive, Engineers Ireland, [email protected]