Students explore a historical overview of Canada’s First Nations tribes. Then they learn about the many explorers who traveled to—and settled in—what is now Canada. Finally, students explore other important historical events in Canada’s colonization history, becoming an expert on one in particular.
Students read an introduction to Canada’s First Nations and to French and English exploration and colonization. They examine an image of a man in cold-weather clothing in a kayak and respond on a class wall to the prompt about where they think he might live, using visual clues to infer his environment.
Teacher MovesPresent the lesson overview and objectives. Guide students to analyze the image by comparing the man’s clothing to how they dress for cold weather and prompting them to infer that he likely lives in a cold climate near water.
Students learn that the man in the previous image is Inuit and are introduced to the idea of Canada’s First Nations as the indigenous peoples living in the region before Europeans arrived. They read the Historical Overview of First Nations peoples, answer two polls about why First Nations tribes moved frequently and how they traditionally preserved their traditions, and post on a class wall something new they learned and why it is important to know.
Teacher MovesClarify the concept of First Nations and ensure students understand key ideas from the overview. Review poll responses to check understanding, then facilitate discussion about the value of knowing history and learning about people who may seem different but share common human experiences.
Students read Exploration in Canada to trace how French and English explorers arrived in and moved across what is now Canada from the 16th through the 20th centuries. Using the article, they complete a graphic organizer by adding one fact for each labeled time period and region of exploration, then respond on a class wall about what surprised them about the centuries of exploration.
Teacher MovesSupport students in extracting key details from the article for each time period, using the provided notes to clarify major developments such as early mistaken routes to Asia, settlement growth, mapping efforts, scientific exploration, and the eventual discovery and use of the Northwest Passage. Prompt students to share and compare what surprised them, and, if time allows, lead a discussion about different motivations behind exploration.
Students extend their learning by exploring broader Canadian history. They use the Colonization in Canada timeline to select an event that interests them, conduct additional online research about that event, and post a paragraph on a class wall explaining what they learned, including an image if possible. They then review classmates’ posts and respond to at least two with a question or positive comment.
Teacher MovesExplain that colonization by French and English settlers has long-lasting effects in Canada. Encourage students to choose timeline events that genuinely interest them and, as needed, suggest using embedded links and resources within the timeline. Monitor research and wall posts, prompting students to provide clear, accurate explanations and to engage respectfully and thoughtfully with peers’ work.
Students complete the exit quiz by answering all the questions.
Teacher MovesFacilitate the assessment and use student data to evaluate understanding, address misconceptions, and identify areas for growth.
©2026 Exploros. All rights reserved.