Students do research to explore four important events and eras in twentieth-century American history. Then, they create a timeline and summary of these events. Next, they choose the event or era that they believe is most influential. Finally, they create a quiz for classmates on the content learned in the experience.
Students read an introduction explaining that they will learn about Canada’s First Nations, European exploration, and colonization. They examine an image of a man in cold-weather clothing in a kayak and respond to a prompt on a class wall predicting where he might live based on his appearance.
Teacher MovesPresent the lesson objectives and briefly describe the overall focus of the experience. Guide students to analyze the image by comparing the man’s clothing to how they dress for cold weather and prompting them to infer what the environment where he lives might be like.
Students are introduced to the Inuit and other First Nations as Canada’s indigenous peoples and read the Historical Overview to learn about their ways of life and movement across the land. They answer two polls about why First Nations tribes moved frequently and how they traditionally preserved their traditions, then post on a class wall something new they learned and why it is important to know.
Teacher MovesClarify that the man in the earlier image was Inuit and connect him to the broader group of First Nations. Review poll responses to check understanding of mobility and oral tradition. Use the wall discussion to emphasize the value of knowing history and recognizing both differences and shared humanity between students and First Nations peoples.
Students read Exploration in Canada to learn how French and English explorers arrived in and moved through what is now Canada from the 16th to the 20th centuries. Using information from the article, they complete a multi-section graphic organizer by recording one key fact for each time period or exploration focus, then share on a class wall what surprised them about the centuries of exploration.
Teacher MovesSupport students in extracting main ideas from the article and organizing them chronologically in the graphic organizer, using the provided notes on each era as needed. After students post what surprised them, facilitate a discussion about the length of the exploration era, the number of explorers involved, and the motivations and beneficiaries of exploration.
Students explore the Colonization in Canada timeline to examine key events in Canada’s colonial history. They select one event of personal interest, conduct additional online research, and write a paragraph with more detailed information about the event on a class wall, adding a relevant 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 had lasting effects on Canada. Encourage students to use links and resources embedded in the timeline or to conduct their own research, depending on their needs. Monitor student posts for accuracy and depth, prompt them to include clear explanations and visuals, and guide respectful, inquiry-focused commenting on 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.
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