Ireland · NCCA Curriculum Specifications
2nd Year Time Travelers: Exploring Our Past and Present
This course introduces young learners to the concept of change over time through personal, local, and national history. Students develop historical empathy and inquiry skills by examining artifacts, stories, and the lives of people in the past.
01Myself and My Family
Students explore their own personal history and how families change over generations.
Students create a chronological record of significant events in their own lives, focusing on personal growth and change.
Students interview family members to gather stories and memories, understanding the role of oral tradition.
Students construct simple family trees to visualize their lineage and understand generational connections.
Investigating family customs, celebrations, and the reasons behind their continuity.
Students compare their modern classroom experience with that of parents and grandparents, using interviews and artifacts.
Students explore the history of their own school building and grounds, looking for physical evidence of its past.
02Storytelling and Legends
Examining Irish mythology and folklore to understand how stories shape cultural identity.
Exploring the themes of transformation, resilience, and the passage of time in this classic Irish legend.
Investigating the qualities of a hero through the legend of Fionn Mac Cumhaill and the Salmon of Knowledge.
Distinguishing between historical facts and the legends surrounding Ireland's patron saint, Saint Patrick.
Exploring common creatures from Irish folklore like leprechauns and fairies, and their cultural significance.
Understanding why humans tell stories and how stories transmit knowledge, values, and history.
03Life in the Past
A look at the daily lives, homes, and work of people in previous centuries.
Comparing traditional Irish homes (thatched cottages, manor houses) with modern dwellings, focusing on materials and daily life.
A simulation of daily routines and chores in a traditional Irish cottage, emphasizing resourcefulness.
Exploring how children played before the invention of plastic and digital technology, often with homemade toys.
Investigating traditional community jobs like the blacksmith and weaver, understanding their importance.
Exploring the interconnected roles of the miller and farmer in providing food for the community.
Discovering how people entertained themselves in the past without modern technology, focusing on community activities.
Examining how clothing styles and materials have changed over time and what they reveal about society.
04Great People in History
Studying the lives of individuals who made significant contributions to the world.
The story of the Kerry man who survived incredible journeys in the ice, focusing on resilience and teamwork.
Learning about the life of Granuaile and her leadership in 16th-century Ireland, challenging gender norms.
The impact of the 'Lady with the Lamp' on hospitals and the development of modern nursing practices.
An introduction to Leonardo da Vinci's diverse talents as an artist, scientist, and inventor.
The story of Mary Anning, a pioneering paleontologist who made significant fossil discoveries.
05Ancient Civilizations: The Egyptians
An introduction to the lives, beliefs, and inventions of Ancient Egypt.
Understanding how the river Nile supported life, agriculture, and civilization in ancient Egypt.
Exploring the role of the Pharaoh as a ruler and a god-like figure in Ancient Egyptian society.
Investigating the construction of the grand pyramids and their purpose as tombs for Pharaohs.
Learning about the ancient Egyptian practice of mummification and their complex beliefs about the afterlife.
Learning about the ancient Egyptian system of writing, hieroglyphics, and its decipherment.
An introduction to some of the key deities in the Ancient Egyptian pantheon and their roles.
06Transport Through the Ages
Tracing the development of how people move from place to place.
Exploring the earliest forms of human and animal-powered transport before the invention of the wheel.
Understanding the profound impact of the wheel on transport, trade, and daily life.
The transition from animal-drawn carriages to the first motor cars and their initial impact.
Exploring how sailing ships enabled long-distance travel and exploration across oceans.
How steam engines revolutionized both land and sea travel, making journeys faster and more reliable.
The story of flight from the pioneering efforts of the Wright brothers to early airplanes.
Exploring how modern air travel, high-speed trains, and advanced vehicles have made the world feel smaller.