Background to the unit for 3rd and 4th classes
This unit of work is based on a study of transport in a local village: Leixlip, Co Kildare. It is designed for 3rd and 4th classes. Children will need to be shown where Leixlip is in Ireland and look at maps of Ireland and of Kildare. The methods and content outlined can be used as a model for a transport study in any county.
The children’s material within this unit looks at the Geography of Leixlip, Co. Kildare from a transport perspective. Using this study will support the curriculum requirement that pupils develop an understanding of transport and communications particularly forms of transport and transport routes. A major theme within the strand unit Transport and Communications is the links people and places have with other areas and the journeys people make from place to place.
The activities for pupils place an emphasis on learning geographic skills and concepts through active engagement with the material presented. Pupils will examine the features of the human environment of Leixlip by exploring maps, pictures and aerial photographs. The activities will help children to read timetables and to interact with a variety of maps by plotting routes. The topic connects with the history unit in this site, which traces the development of transport in Leixlip over time.
The activities outlined can be used as a framework for a study of transport in any locality. This unit sets out to meet the objectives of the primary school curriculum. The unit will help pupils to identify modes of transport and means of communication.