Consider becoming involved in an activity such as-"Spud Out  Day" Sept. 9 1998 an International focus upon the danger faced by worldwide potato crops due to the same fungus which caused the Great Famine, and upon the persistence of Famine in the Modern World. The Event will call for: Giving up potatoes for a day and donating those same potatoes to the hungry. This is an ideal project for Biology as well As History which also has a Service aspect for students to become motivated to help the Hungry.  Other commemorative ideas are found here just click!

Some Ideas....

• Have students determine the amount of potatoes consumed by the class as a whole during one week. Then try to donate one day's worth to charity.

• At the cafeteria have students sell buttons or texts about the famine instead of fries or other potato products on the menu. Use the money to purchase potatoes for the hungry.

• Check into current events to learn about famines world wide. How are they like the Irish potato famine? How could famines be solved.  How can your students help current famine sufferers?
  

• Have Students research popular folk and rock potato songs and bands named after the potato. (There are even rock songs about the famine!-see Black 47 the group!)  Have the students assemble the  recordings or perform the songs in an event. For admission have those attending donate potatoes for the hungry or purchase potatoes for the hungry with proceeds.

Send us your Ideas and we will post them here! Click to send e.mail

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As you teach about the Potato  Famine
it is important to remember that there is
no single answer or explanation. We encourage
you to seek out the multitude of opinions of
all sides of  all  of the issues which combined
to lead to  the  Famine.- Good Luck!
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