The government has announced plans for new primary school history lessons that incorporate multimedia and arts-focused elements.

Under the plans, children will study 14 historical artefacts included in A History of Ireland in 100 Objects - a collaborative project involving the National Museum of Ireland, the Irish Times and the Royal Irish Academy.

Pupils will look at the stories behind the Tara Brooch, King William's gauntlets, Daniel O'Connell’s chariot, an emigrant's teapot and an Eileen Gray chair, using a wide range of audio and visual material.

This will act as an example of how to integrate IT into the classroom and ensure that children learn more about Irish heritage and art.

Minister for education and skills Ruairi Quinn said: "These lesson plans will help to bring history to life for our primary school children and will stimulate them to look into their own family and local history."

The History of Ireland in 100 Objects can be studied using an interactive website, a multi-platform app and ebook, while a fully illustrated hardback book has also been published.

Written by Donal Walsh

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