# Lesson Plan: Canadian and Contemporary History
### Grade Level: 11
### Subject: Social Studies
### Duration: 1 hour and 30 minutes
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**Objective**:
Students will be able to understand and analyze significant events in Canadian history and their impact on contemporary society. They will learn to connect historical events to current issues, develop critical thinking skills, and engage in meaningful discussions.
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### Materials:
- Textbook: "Canadian History: Connecting the Past to the Present"
- Projector and Screen
- Internet access for video viewing and online research
- Handouts with primary source documents (e.g., historical speeches, letters, treaties)
- Whiteboard and markers
- Notebooks and pens for students
### Lesson Outline:
#### Introduction (15 minutes)
1. **Warm-Up Activity**:
- Brief discussion on what students already know about Canadian history.
- Questions to prompt discussion:
- What are some major events in Canadian history that you’ve learned about before?
- How do you think these events might impact Canada today?
2. **Lesson Objectives**:
- Introduce the objectives of the lesson.
- Explain that students will be exploring key events in Canadian history and their relevance to contemporary issues.
#### Direct Instruction (30 minutes)
1. **Lecture and Discussion**:
- Provide an overview of significant events in Canadian history from Confederation to the 21st century. Highlight key moments such as:
- Confederation in 1867
- World War I and II contributions
- The Quiet Revolution in Quebec
- Indigenous History and Truth & Reconciliation
- The Charter of Rights and Freedoms (1982)
- Contemporary issues such as immigration policy, climate change, and cultural diversity
2. **Multimedia Presentation**:
- Show short video clips related to each major event discussed.
- Pause after each clip to ask guiding questions and facilitate discussion:
- How did this event shape Canada as we know it today?
- What are some lasting impacts of this event?
#### Guided Practice (20 minutes)
1. **Primary Source Analysis**:
- Divide students into small groups and distribute handouts with primary source documents.
- Assign each group a different event to analyze using primary sources.
- Guide groups with questions to consider:
- What is the context of this document?
- Who authored it and for what purpose?
- How does it reflect the values and issues of the time?
#### Independent Practice (15 minutes)
1. **Reflection and Connection**:
- Ask students to choose one historical event discussed and write a short reflection in their notebooks.
- In their reflection, students should connect the historical event to a contemporary issue in Canada.
- Encourage them to think about how understanding history can provide insight into current challenges and opportunities.
#### Conclusion (10 minutes)
1. **Class Discussion**:
- Invite a few students to share their reflections with the class.
- Engage in a group discussion on the importance of learning history and its impact on modern society.
2. **Recap and Q&A**:
- Summarize the key points covered in the lesson.
- Open the floor for any final questions and provide answers.
#### Homework Assignment:
1. **Extended Research**:
- Ask students to select a contemporary issue in Canada and conduct further research on its historical roots.
- Students should prepare a 1-2 page report detailing their findings, including how historical events have influenced the current issue.
- Provide students with a rubric outlining the expectations for the report.
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### Assessment:
1. Participation in class discussions and activities.
2. Analysis of primary sources during the group activity.
3. Quality and depth of the written reflection connecting historical events to contemporary issues.
4. Homework report demonstrating understanding and research skills.
### Additional Resources:
- "A Short History of Canada" by Desmond Morton
- "The Inconvenient Indian" by Thomas King
- Government of Canada archives and historical documents website
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This lesson plan aims to foster an understanding of Canadian history and its relevance to contemporary society while enhancing critical thinking and analytical skills.