The Irish Potato Famine
Drew McCarty
Central Michigan University

Introduction Task Process Resources Treasure Hunt Evaluation Conclusion

Michigan Curriculum Framework for Social Studies

Perspective: Historical/ Inquiry


Grade Level: 7
 


 

Introduction

Imagine that you are a member of a farming family in Ireland, in the mid 1800's.  Your family, like many others in Ireland, farms potatoes to make a living.   Then in 1846, the Irish Potato Famine came along and devastated your country.  The Famine lasted from 1846 to 1850.  During this journey you will learn what caused the Irish Potato Famine, how it affected the people of Ireland, and what the Irish people did to overcome the Famine.  To guide you inquiry you will answer task and treasure hunt questions.

Task

The Irish Potato Famine changed the history of Ireland and it's surrounding countries forever. To help you better understand what the Irish
Potato Famine was, take a journey on this WebQuest to answer the following questions.

1) What was the Irish Potato Famine?
2) What caused the Irish Potato Famine?
3) How did the famine affect the people of Ireland?
4) What did the Irish people do to overcome the famine?
5) How did the famine affect other countries, particularly, the United States?
Process

To find the answers to the above questions, find a partner and go through the WebQuest together. Click on the resource links to help you find the answers to those questions. This will help you and your partner understand the Irish Potato Famine. Have Fun!

Resources
 

Treasure Hunt

The big question you need to answer in the WebQuest is,

    Why did Irish people travel to the United States, as a result of the lrish Potato Famine?

These questions should help to guide your response to that answer.

1) How did Irish people get to the United States?
2) Where did Irish people live when they got to the United states?
3) What did the Irish people do to make a living in the United States?
4) What were the living conditions like for the Irish in the United States?

Evaluation
 
Activities Excellent Satisfactory Needs Improvement
Questions Answered all of the questions correctly and in complete sentences. Answered all or most of the questions correctly. Answered few of the questions.
Treasure Hunt Answered all of the questions correctly and in complete sentences. Answered all or most of the questions correctly. Answered few of the questions.

 

Conclusion

Congratulations! you have just taken a journey into understanding the history of Ireland. Now that you have learned
about the Irish Potato Famine, go tell others about what you have learned!