The unit is designed to meet the aims and objectives of the Primary Geography Curriculum. The content and activities within it focus on the relationship between people and the physical landscape. Particular emphasis is placed on the interaction of people with water in the landscape.
The unit helps the students gain a better understanding of their own place by engaging with a contrasting part of Ireland. It does this with a case study approach. The children are helped understand where the place is, what it is like and why (see Geography Curriculum Teacher Guidelines p.65, pgs. 116-119.)
The text sets out key questions that are central to the study of place, namely;
(i) Where is Cork located?
(ii) What is Cork like?
(iii) How is Cork connected with other places?
(iv) In what ways is Cork similar to or different from other places?
(v) How has Cork changed over time
The resources provided will allow the teacher and the children experience something of life in another part of Ireland. This is part of the Human Environments strand of the 1999 Geography Curriculum.
Geographical Skills:
Students examine the features of the natural and human (built) environment of Cork by exploring maps, photographic and visual images and satellite and aerial photographs. The activities will enable the students practice map skills and to interact with and interpret data, an essential geographic skill (see Teacher Guidelines p.127) The unit will provide a framework help the students explore any other place.