The Metals – Colette Langan

[Colette Langan]

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 for discussion later with group

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.

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

[Kevin Maguire]

Hi Collette,
Well done this project seems like an excellent idea. The students would really enjoy the idea of building something that is so close to home for them and it fits nicely into your local history strands.I like the idea of the students reflecting on the success of the project after its completion. this is brilliant and perhaps they and the teacher will learn something here and be able to improve the project the next time. I also like the idea of the group members having a discussion on the school rules at the beginning of the project. I have found that this is very helpful when it comes to the collaborative parts of the project.

[Author]

Posts