The Metals – Dun Laoghaire
Lesson 1
• Introduce the concept to the class – to research and explore “The Metals” as part of our Local History, why/how it came about, its impact to the village of Kingstown, now Dun Laoghaire.
• Explain that each group will use Minecraft to recreated part of the trail with reference to an important landmark/individual.
• Create mixed ability groups, try to have children with some experience of using Minecraft in each.
• Ask each group to set down clear rules to be followed throughout – listen and be respectful, consider any/ all suggestions, work together, every team member is important….
Lesson 2
• Arrange a visit to the Library to look at old maps and photos of the route and meet historian, Rob Goodboy.
• Follow the trail map of The Metals: https://www.blackrockec.ie/images/trail—dun-laoghaire-and-the-metals.pdf
• Take notes photographs, videos and sketches of what they see.
• Identify interesting buildings, statues, points of interest, their group might work on.
• On returning to the library look at what everyone brought back, discuss different aspects of the route and agree what approach their group will take.
• Go home and research and gather information and visual aids.
Lesson 3
• Back in class study research materials found.
• Discuss and reach consensus on the format their project will take.
• Identify the roles each will be responsible for – researcher, notetaker, planner, artist..
• Collect information on the history of the trail, what the town was like, occupations, industry, economy, likelihoods
• Draw out the route. Put in key structures, features.
• Each member will construct a specific element of the trial, a building/ a person/a feature
Lesson 4
• Allow the groups time to play around with the technology and explain the code needed
• Using plans, drawings and sketches start to recreate their chosen aspect of the Metals using Minecraft for Education
• Begin construction on their project. Blackboards will be used to explain the different aspects of the Metals and their significance.
• More able student can demonstrate the skills to those less familiar with the technology
• Notes/pictures/video clips are taken of each step in the process, this can be used as a form of assessment later on.
Review
Lesson 5:
Each group will present their project to the class.
Using video recordings of the process will be used to show how they arrived at the final piece of work.
Review:
• Subjects covered include history, geography, SPHE, English and art.
• Throughout the project the students work collaboratively together in groups sharing information, making decisions on content, process, roles and construction.
• Ground rules are established early and adhered to.
• Peer assessment and self-assessment happen throughout the process
• Final presentation to class allows the student to showcase what was learnt.
• They can also reflect on the process – was it a success, what they liked/disliked, what they learnt about themselves, what is needed to do it better next time, how Minecraft could be incorporated into other areas of the curriculum.
