Maureen's+Instructional+Plan


 * •Teacher's Instructional Plan for //Discover Ireland// Web Quest:**


 * Before activity is introduced, present an overview of famous Irish-Americans and their contributions to American society, politics, and culture.

Possible Resources: []

h[|ttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irish_American]

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 * KWL exercise: brainstorm ideas of what it means to be "Irish" and name well-known Irish and Irish-Americans.


 * Inquiry-based learning activity: Divide students into groups of four and allow them to each choose a role.
 * The roles are: 1) A Druid, 2) St. Patrick, 3) A Viking, and 4) Annie Moore (roles described in detail in learner activity)

Based on their chosen role, students will investigate a specific time in Irish history as experienced by a particular person or group of people. Students will compile information on the historical period investigated and discuss the influences of this time upon Ireland. Working collaboratively, students will answer a series of "what if" questions and create a possible scenario for each group and time period. Students will construct a "wiki" and post their research findings, the "answers" to the "what if" questions and further points of discussion.


 * Presentation: Students will present a "zoho" slideshow of their research project, their "what if" scenario, and a "Windows Media" movie on the various sites they "visited" on their virtual tour of Ireland.


 * Estimation of length of project: six to seven 45 minute class periods, final presentation on the last day.


 * Enrichment for interested students:

O'Connor, Joseph. //The Star of the Sea//. New York: Vintage, 2005. Print.

Rutherfurd, Edward. //The Princes of Ireland: The Dublin Saga//. Chicago: Ballantine Books, 2005. Print . Rutherfurd, Edward. //The Rebels of Ireland: The Dublin Saga//. Chicago: Ballantine Books, 2007. Print.

Uris, Leon. //Trinity//. Australia: Doubleday Book Club, 1976. Print . []

__Enriched Learner Activity__: Building on the original group project, interested students may further explore the history and culture of Ireland by reading one or more of the above books and references. They will also research the modern history of Ireland's membership in the European Union and the subsequent economic boom known as the "Celtic Tiger". When Ireland joined the European Union in 1973, there was much debate among the Irish as to the benefit of surrendering some sovereignty in return for membership in a larger union. There was also much controversy as to what that union should be. Due to the large number of Irish immigrants in America and the strong ties between the two countries, many Irish people felt "closer to Boston than Berlin". There were some Irish who would have preferred Ireland to become the 51st State of America rather than join the E.U. //What do you think?// The extension task for students to complete will be to construct an argument as to whether or not Ireland should become the 51st state of America. Why or why not? Are the ties between Ireland and America strong enough to warrent such a union? Do the customs, common language, and traditions that Ireland and America share outweigh those that Ireland shares with Europe? What would the benefits be, if any? Students will construct their argument collaboratively on the group wiki page and then prepare a //zoho// slideshow to present their argument to the class.