Primary Curriculum Links

Where does the Bronze Age Handling Box fit within the Irish Curriculum?

This Resource is informed by the principles, aims and objectives of the Primary Curriculum (1999). It fits within a number a curricular areas including History.

The concept of ‘working as a historian’ provides young people with opportunities to engage with historical evidence by asking questions, investigating and constructing historical narratives and offering interpretations of what the past was like.

Material culture (objects, buildings, physical infrastructure and human intervention in the environment) and objects in particular, form an important part of the evidence base used in studying history.

What is the value of object-based learning?

The contribution made by artefactual evidence to children’s learning has been identified in the guidelines for teachers that accompany the Primary History Curriculum as follows:

• Using objects promotes activity based learning which helps to motivate children.
• Objects are accessible to all children and not dependent on literacy.
• Using objects as evidence helps children develop a broad and balanced view of history.
• Examining objects helps children recognise the ingenuity and creativity of past peoples.
• Working with objects provides opportunities to develop children’s understanding of historical concepts like causation, change and continuity. This lends to an appreciation of the context in which those objects were created and used.
• Young people should be encouraged to see that objects demonstrate examples of problem solving and innovative thinking skills of our ancestors. This helps to develop young people's respect for the ancient technology and creativity of our ancestors.