Between 1845 and 1850, more than a million Irish starved to death while massive quantities of food were being exported from their country. A half million were evicted from their homes during the potato blight. A million and a half emigrated to the United States, Britain, and Australia, often on board rotting, overcrowded "coffin ships." This is the story of how that immense tragedy came to pass. The necessary historical and political context for a study of the Irish Famine is provided in the teacher's synopsis. Following the synopsis is a student summary that provides a historical overview and concludes with seven questions. Six lessons follow the student summary: (1) Laws; (2) Racism; (3) Eviction; (4) Mortality; (5) Emigration; and (6) Genocide. A synopsis gives an overview of the relevant Irish and English history and contains 47 footnotes and a 15-item bibliography. Each unit of study begins with a list of performance objectives, teaching/learning strategies and activities, and instructional materials/resources. (BT)