Virtual Field trip to Ireland Mrs. Ashby’s 4th Grade Liverpool Elementary

New York State Standards/Themes and Objectives  Social Studies Standards 2, 3, 4 & 5  Themes include Culture and People, Places, and Environment  Objectives include:  Identify where Ireland is located  Describe some of the hardships and successes experienced in Irish history  Describe the geography, culture, and traditions of Ireland

You’re on your way… YYYYou recently decided to research your family history. You traced your ancestry back to Ireland. However, you know nothing about the culture or history and have never been there. You decide to go check it out and live there for a few months. After a six hour flight from New York you look out of the airplane window and see nothing but green fields and blue ocean!

Geography: Where in the world are you?  Do you know where Ireland is located? Do you know where Ireland is located? Do you know where Ireland is located?

History: Is Ireland its own country?  Ireland gained its independence from the British in 1922  How did Ireland gain its independence? How did Ireland gain its independence? How did Ireland gain its independence?

History: The Irish Potato Famine  You have heard of something called the “Great Famine” in history class back at home but you decide to ask an Irish citizen about it.  What did you find out? What did you find out? What did you find out?

Language  Gaelic is constitutionally recognized as the first official language of the Republic of Ireland. However, English is the dominant language in most areas of Ireland  Can you say anything in Gaelic? Can you say anything in Gaelic? Can you say anything in Gaelic?

Weather  Rain is very common in Ireland. It is said that you can experience all four seasons in just one day!  What is the temperature like? What is the temperature like? What is the temperature like?

Traditions  You celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at home but do you know why we celebrate it? You have also seen your mother wearing a Claddaugh ring; what does it mean? There are just so many Irish traditions and symbols!  What do they all stand for? What do they all stand for? What do they all stand for?

A Day in the Life of Ireland!  You are overwhelmed with how much there is to do and see in this beautiful country! The streets and shops are full of people, especially in Irelands capitol city of Dublin! There are so many castles and plenty of beautiful trails for hiking!  What would you choose to do first? What would you choose to do first? What would you choose to do first?  Check out these castles! Check out these castles! Check out these castles!

Follow-up Activity!  Pretend you have been living in Ireland as a tourist for one month. You have learned so much about the history, culture and geography of the country. You want to share the experience with someone else. Send a package home to a friend showing and describing all that you have learned!  Be sure to include:  A letter describing your experience so far (the weather, surrounding lands, how you got there, what you have done for fun, what you learned about Ireland’s history)  Pictures of some of their national symbols with explanations on the back (You can draw them!)  Words written in Gaelic with their meaning on the back  Any important dates, fun Irish facts, pictures or maps of Ireland! Feel free to draw as many pictures as you want and be sure to include your favorite part/fact of Ireland!

Resources  A Virtual Field Trip to Dublin, Ireland by Miss Collins A Virtual Field Trip to Dublin, Ireland by Miss Collins A Virtual Field Trip to Dublin, Ireland by Miss Collins  A Virtual Field Trip to Ireland by Colleen Irving A Virtual Field Trip to Ireland by Colleen Irving A Virtual Field Trip to Ireland by Colleen Irving

You enjoyed your trip to Ireland and you learned A LOT about its history, geography, culture, and traditions! YYYYou can’t wait to go back but until then….