Title: Brú na Bóinne Subject

Area: History Specific

Topic: A study of the Boyne Valley and associated passage tombs in Co. Meath

Goals

• That the children would research information from the Internet and the Library about the Boyne Valley.
• That they would be actively involved in this memorable learning experience and hence broaden their knowledge of the subject.
• That they would appreciate the legacy of the Passage Graves and the Boyne VaIley.
• That they would make a PowerPoint Presentation based on their findings that could be used by other pupils in the school.
• That their active involvement as designers and authors of the project would enthuse their curiosity for knowledge and learning in the future.
  
  Age Range: Fifth/Sixth Class 10-12 year olds
  
  Display: The project will be displayed in Hard Copy in the classroom and as a PowerPoint Presentation on a CD ROM for other children to use and learn from.
  
  Prerequisite learning
  
• Ability to research books and the Internet for relevant information.
• A basic ability to summarise text and select appropriate graphics.
  
  Prerequisite Resources
• I PC Internet access
• Library access
  
  Management
  
  Class Organisation
• There are only four pupils in this class for deaf children so the group worked as a team.
• Research In pairs using books and appropriate web sites.
• Use of yahoo.com to search.
• 4 suitable sites were found and these were used as their Internet knowledge source.
• Photos and other graphics were also downloaded from these sites.
  
  Division of Tasks
• Child with a particular flair for display and design searched for graphics to suit the presentation.
• Children drew their own pictures and designs, which they learned how to scan into the presentation.
• The teacher acted as a facilitator and advisor.
  
  Presentation
• All pupils played an equal part in making the Presentation.
• None had used PowerPoint before but with the help of the class teacher and ICT Teacher they quickly learned.
  
  Time Line The project took 2 months to complete and was finished in mid March 1999.
  
  Evaluation
• Because the children researched the project themselves they were actively learning during this period.
• Editing and summarising content ensured that reading and writing was meaningful.
• Diligent editors were essential.
• Attention to good presentation and bright effective design.
• The children enjoyed working on the presentation.
• Increased self-esteem as others enjoyed the presentation.
• They would have liked to visit the Boyne Valley as its splendour was unveiled to them. Unfortunately a trip to Co. Meath was not possible. It really could have consolidated the learning experience.

Holy Family Junior School, Hearing Impaired Unit
SIP 058