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Irish-American Heritage Month
March is Irish-American Heritage Month. Irish Americans are one of the largest of all ethnic groups in America and have influenced the culture of many states over the last century. Each March 17th, many Americans of Irish descent and their friends typically celebrate St. Patrick's Day, the patron Saint of Ireland.
One of the epithets used in the celebration is Erin Go Bragh (loosely translated: Ireland forever). But how much do we know about the Ireland of today and how Irish society compares with the United States?
Learning Activity (Grades 6-8)
Introduce this activity by discussing some of the similarities between Ireland and the United States (e.g., wealthy, English-speaking). Then highlight a few of the differences (population size, area size, etc.).
Distribute to each student a copy (or have them access) the CultureGrams World Edition Ireland report. Ask them to identify similarities and differences between Ireland and the United States by highlighting passages in the Ireland report with a different color for each (e.g., green for similarities, red for differences). Instruct them to make notes in the margins where appropriate. You may also want to distribute copies of (or have them access) the United States report to help them generate ideas. What similarities surprised them? What differences surprised them?
Using the build-your-own Comparison Table, select Ireland and the United States in the Nations field. For the categories field, select "Add All." Then, click "Create Comparison Table." Alternatively, use the Comparison Graphs feature. How do the two countries compare?
To summarize their findings, have students divide a piece of paper in half by folding it lengthwise. In the left column, have them list ten characteristics of Irish culture. In the right column, students should list the corresponding U.S. characteristics.
As an extension activity, have students research how Ireland and Irish people have influenced U.S. history in politics, sports, music, etc.
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