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6-8
Constructing Canada
Project type: Project
Related topic:
The Confederation Bridge: P.E.I. Connects
The Confederation Bridge: P.E.I. Connects
Subjects
History
Social Studies
Media Studies
Political Science
English Language Arts
Social Studies
Media Studies
Political Science
English Language Arts
Summary
Students research and analyze three major transportation structures in Canada, the Trans-Canada Highway, Confederation Bridge, and the St. Lawrence Seaway, focusing particularly on the impact of Canada’s geography on moving people and goods in Canada. Groups of students then choose one structure to analyze in detail and outline a plan for a one-day event, called Celebrating Canadian Connections, to recognize and celebrate that structure and the key figures involved in its existence. They prepare and deliver a multi-media presentation to describe their event.
Duration
2 to 3 weeks
Purpose
To conduct Web-based research using audio and visual resources, to prepare a multi-media presentation, to analyze how Canada is connected through major transportation structures
Before Exploring
Consider launching the project in one of the following ways:
Present and review a section from a grade-level-appropriate Social Studies textbook or videotape about major transportation initiatives in Canada.
Have students list what they think are the most important transportation initiatives in the country. Remind them to think nationally. Discuss why they think transportation is so important in Canada.
As a large group, discuss students’ views of the role of transportation initiatives in Canada in light of the vast geographical expanse of the nation. Focus on the significance of federal government involvement in extensive initiatives such as the Trans-Canada Highway.
Have students conduct an Internet search using the following key words: Trans-Canada Highway, Confederation Bridge, and St. Lawrence Seaway.
Following the initial discussion, discuss how people celebrate and recognize specific occasions, events, and causes. Review the National Transportation Week information on the handout Celebrating Canadian Connections: National Transportation Week on the Web site http://www.ntw-snt.ca/engraph/Home_e.htm.
Inform students that they will work in pairs to prepare a one-day event entitled Celebrating Canadian Connections Day. They will conclude their project with a multi-media presentation of a plan to recognize the importance of transportation in Canada in moving goods and people to their destinations.
Outline the Opportunity
Following the project launch, present and review the Project Outline carefully with students. Be sure that all parts of the task are clear.
An idea to honour a person who promoted and advocated for improved transportation in the evolution of one of the three transportation systems. Suggestions include a commemorative stamp, a monument, a plaque, and so on. Students write a two-page rationale supporting their choice of honouree, and may use the worksheet A Country on the Move to focus their thoughts.
A list of potential guest speakers about issues related to transportation.
A logo and theme for Celebrating Canadian Connections Day. Students must be able to explain their choices and provide visual representations. Encourage students to use colour, shape, size, and other design features to enhance the visual effects of their logo and theme.
Students will research each of the transportation initiatives named below and can record their notes on Celebrating Canadian Connections Research Organizer.
- The Trans-Canada Highway
- The Confederation Bridge
- St. Lawrence Seaway
Students will deliver their plans as a multi-media presentation.
The project includes various worksheets that outline the task and provide tools for students to use as they research and prepare their project. Use any or all of the sheets, or adapt them to suit the needs of your classroom.
- Project Outline
Distribute this sheet prior to the start of the project and review it carefully with students. Explain the timelines and expectations. - Research Organizer
Students can use this tool to help focus their research. - Model Assessment Rubric
If you are using this rubric as part of your assessment procedure, review it with students early in the project so that they understand clearly how they will be assessed. - Talking About Constructing Canada: Conversation Guide
Students can use this tool to discuss the results of their research and work with their peers before they finish the project. Discussion arising from this guide may lead to further reflection and refinement of students’ thinking and conclusions about the impact and role that these major transportation initiatives play in defining Canadian identity. - A Country on the Move: Honouring Leadership in Constructing Canada
Students can access this worksheet to record their research and ideas about a person/group that they feel should be honoured for being integral to the development and success of one of the three initiatives.
Revisit and Reflect
- Students can contact the Department of Transportation to offer their suggestions for having an event called Celebrating Canadian Connections Day.
- Students can create a timeline of the various transportation initiatives, highlighting these three major developments and their impact upon Canadian economy.
- Have students create a list of activities in which schools can participate to recognize these three major transportation developments.
- Invite a guest speaker to talk to the class about the role of the Department of Transportation in connecting Canada.
External sites
- Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway System
- Transport Canada
- Canadian Industrial Transportation Association
- The Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway System Online Video
- Trans Canada Highway.com
- Transport Canada: Strategic Highway Infrastructure Program
- Transport Canada: Intelligent Transportation Systems
Ne pas effacer... repare bug IE6
Ne pas effacer... repare bug IE6
