Rationale

The rationale behind this unit of study is to provide students with a complete and enriched view of Canada. I have begun this unit by asking students to conduct research on a variety of Canadian symbols. As students engage in inquiry with others using a variety of reliable resources, they will develop a “first impression” of Canada. The next six lessons in this unit are meant for students to explore Canada in a way that might change these views. For example, students will be introduced to some of the “technical” aspects of Canada. That is, they will become familiar with the geopolitical constructs and mapping techniques that are used to depict this country. When students become comfortable with maps, they will apply this knowledge to a Google Earth activity. For this activity, students will use technology to locate physical features and landforms of the Canadian regions. Finally, students will study populations, and how these numbers have changed for the regions previously studied. As the lessons progress and become more complex, so should students’ personal views of Canada. The final activity is meant for students to portray their final views of Canada in an artistic fashion. It is hoped that their expanded views will enhance their relationship with their country and fellow citizens.

I recognize that the students in my classroom will have different needs, strengths, and backgrounds. Student diversity will be celebrated throughout this unit, as I ask them to demonstrate their learning in a variety of ways. In particular, students will be given many opportunities to work in groups, as well as engage in personal discovery and creation. Also, they will be required to use many of the intelligences in the lessons (for example, students will use the kinesthetic intelligence to identify Canadian symbols in their surroundings, as well as visual cues to identify populations among regions). Students’ cultures and countries of origin will also be recognized in many of the lessons I have planned (such as when students create an imaginary country). Even though the unit as a whole is meant to meet the needs of a variety of learners, inquiry is strongly reflected in each and every lesson plan. That is, students will be given many opportunities to question important concepts, learn and collaborate with classmates and “student teams”, and use a variety of resources. They will also be encouraged to think “outside the box”, use and apply technology in the classroom, and engage in authentic learning opportunities. If students are engaged in inquiry, then they will be able to apply the knowledge that is meaningful and relevant to their own lives!