Background to Topic
This unit sets out to meet the objectives of the primary geography curriculum. The content and activities within it focus on schools, buildings and the natural environment of Raheny, Dublin. The unit is designed to support the curriculum objective that children study their own place and a contrasting place in Ireland. The unit connects with the school theme in the history section of this site by noting schools, other buildings and recreation areas in Raheny, now and in the past. The material sets out key questions which are central to place study, namely: Where is this place? ; What is this place like? How is this place linked to other places? How is it similar or different to other places? Has this place changed?
Geographic skills and concepts: Pupils examine the features of the build and natural environment of Raheny by exploring maps, pictures and aerial photographs. The activities will help children to interpret data and to interact with by making and interpreting map keys. The activities outlined can be used as a framework for a study of any locality.
Aims of unit
- To study the development of a place, Raheny, Dublin, through an examination of contrasting maps and aerial photographs.
- To identify schools, other buildings and the natural and human features of Raheny village and its surrounding area.
- To develop familiarity and promote engagement in the practical uses of maps of a variety of scales.
- To develop an understanding of common map symbols and conventions.