Social Studies 11

exam preparation

2011-06-17T14:33:00.000-07:00

hopefully you are spending the weekend getting ready for your provincial exam... here are a few things that might help you.
Links to practice exams and keys:
http://frankhurtsocialstudies11.wikispaces.com/Sample+Provincial+Exams+and+Keys - great website with lots of review

Exam Writing Tips:
http://sites.google.com/site/norm52/socialstudies11provincialexampreparation

Exam Essay Samples with feedback
http://frankhurtsocialstudies11.wikispaces.com/file/view/08training_papers.pdf

Link to provincial exams - government website
http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/exams/specs/grade11/ss/2010.htm

Review Handouts:

Living Standards and Poverty

2011-05-31T10:09:00.000-07:00

Today we had our population quiz, and began our last chapter - Living Standards.

Here is today's assignment, with the websites to explore.

Population: Chapter 13 &15

2011-05-27T15:40:00.000-07:00

Overview of the Population Unit:
1. Intro to population - we watched the Miniature Earth presentation, discussed the world's population growth, and issues of population around the world.   Here is the handout for our intro lesson.
2.  Our second lesson focused on a discussion of age pyramids - we learned how to read them, and tried to figure out the "stories" that they tell. Here are the assignment on Age Pyramids that was due for this unit, as well as the notes on Age Pyramids and basic demography.   We also read an article and watched clips from the DVD - Lost Girls by National Geographic focusing on China's One Child Policy.
3. Our last lesson on population focused on a review of basic demographic concepts, the Demographic Transition Model, and a study of population distribution and density.   Here are the Notes on Population Density and Urbanization.

You have a quiz next day on Population that will be worth around 20 marks. It will involve all of Chapter 13 and there will be a few political cartoons for you to analyse.   We will then begin our study of Living Standards and Development.

Environment: Ch. 17

2011-05-18T09:50:00.000-07:00

Bonjour! After three classes of study, we will have a "Quest" on Ch. 17 on Friday (bl.2 and Tuesday bl.5). This will be on all major environmental issues addressed in Ch.17, with a major focus on climate change. You will be expected to know the major causes, effects and proposed solutions to each problem. Please also be sure that you have a firm grasp on the notion of sustainability.

Assignment that is due Wed/Thurs - ch.17
Article on Rainforest Destruction should be read
Practice Questions for quiz have been given out. HERE ARE THE ANSWERS
Here is the powerpoint for Climate Change Solutions - REAL, and the powerpoint for Environmental Problems. There is a handout that goes along with the Climate Change powerpoint.

Please make sure you are organized and ready for your quiz.

Preparation for Canada Votes - Thursday

2011-04-26T23:45:00.000-07:00

Hi there Block 4 - LASS 10. Your assignment for today's class is below. If you get stuck on the any of the questions in the quizzes, feel free to ask the TOC or Ms. Giles for help.

ASSIGNMENT: BE SURE TO PRINT YOUR RESULTS FOR CANADA VOTES AND HAND IT IN. DOUBLE-CHECK TO MAKE SURE YOU PRINT THE RESULTS SCREEN - THIS SHOULD BE ONE PAGE.
1. Go to Canada Votes - Vote Compass
This is a quiz that will help you determine who you would be most likely to vote for. If you are confused about the questions, ask for help.

Once you have finished the test, print your answers - feel free to examine the results of the questions in more detail if you are interested.

2. Go to Canada Votes 2011 page and find the section called MY ELECTION in the bottom right hand side of the screen. Click on each leaders face to answer the following questions.

Who is the leader of the Conservative Party?
How many years has he been in power as Prime Minister ?
Who is the leader of the Liberal Party?
Who is the leader of the NDP Party?
Who is the leader of the Bloc Quebecois?
Who is the leader of the Green Party?

3. Scroll down the page and find the section 2008 Election Results.

Each political party has a colour on the map. Write down the name of the party for each colour.
Which 3 political parties won seats in British Columbia in the last election? Hint: Match the colours to the political parties.
Enter your postal code in the section "Find my Riding" - what political party is in power in your home riding?
What is the date of the Federal Election this year?

4. Go to Elections Canada and answer the questions

Scroll down and find the section "How to Vote" on the right hand side of the screen. What are the 4 ways that a person can vote in Canada?
Click on "hours" and find out what time the voting polls will close next Monday.
On the left hand side of the screen, click on "Information for Ethnocultural voters". Download the information in your own language(s), just for fun.
How many languages were translated in the creation of the voter guides?
Find the section "Young Voters" on the left side of the screen. Click on it and find out... Does your employer have to give you time off work to vote?

You are done the assignment! Don't forget to vote Thursday at lunch for the Student Vote - don't forget to bring ID. Please hand in the answers to your questions and your printed results to the TOC.

Canadian Culture through the Decades

2011-04-15T11:53:00.000-07:00

We started chapters 7 and 8 today with a discussion on the nature of what it means to be "Canadian," as well as an intro to the 1950's. We focused on the key aspects of life in the 1950's, including the post-war economic prosperity, the rise of the suburbs and consumerism, and the fight against American influence.

Here is the powerpoint that we watched on Post-War Era - Life in the 1950's. You can thank my good friend Tina for that powerpoint, as it is not one that I made myself.

We also received a handout that is due next day - an introduction to the key aspects of Canadian society in the 1950's. Please be sure to stay on top of the readings, as we will pass you by - there are now only 19 classes left!

Cold War Conflicts: Part Two

2011-04-01T12:32:00.000-07:00

The last two classes have focused on the main conflicts during the Cold War time period, as well an the "nuclear issue" - should Canada have them... Last day we did an examination of the Cuban Missile Crisis - the climax of the Cold War, and the closest we were to full-on nuclear war during the Cold War. Today we examined the Vietnam War in detail, as well as conflicts following the collapse of the Soviet Union including Somalia and Rwanda

Here is today's powerpoint on Cold War Conflicts. Homework was to complete the multiple choice practice questions in the booklet using Counterpoints and Chapter 6. This was marked in class for /26 marks.

Your unit test on Chapter 6 will be April 13/14.

Cold War: Tension and Conflict

2011-03-27T03:20:00.000-07:00

Hi there everyone. I hope you all had a great spring break. Today's assignment is going to fairly straightforward, but you will need access to the blog to complete it. Keep in mind that Chapter 6 is an overview of the Cold War conflicts. You are not expected to know everything in detail, but you are expected to go through the readings and read them carefully.

There are 3 activities that you need to complete in the next two classes. YOU WILL HAVE TWO CLASSES IN THE COMPUTER LAB TO FINISH ALL THREE "STEPS". Once you are finished, you can relax, study and complete other homework. Follow the instructions on this blog post and hand in the required activities to Ms. Barsky/Ms. Bacon/the TOC. See you on Thursday/Friday!

STEP ONE: FINISH POWERPOINT NOTES

Intro to the Cold War Powerpoint:
Download the powerpoint that we began viewing prior to Spring Break, and fill in the answers to the NOTES HANDOUT that you should already have in your binder. You do not need to hand this in once you are done.

STEP TWO: CONFLICTS GRAPH
Please download the Conflicts graph assignment here. You must either print out this graph, or open it in word, and use Microsoft word to fill in the blanks. Please be sure to add as much as detail as possible - this assignment will be marked out of 16 for detail, content and accuracy. Once you are finished, please hand in to the teacher by Wednesday/Thursday of this week. If you do not feel you can finish it by the end of Wednesday/Thursday's class, then please work on it for homework.

STEP THREE: CANADA'S INTERNATIONAL ROLE
Please download the handout Canada's International Role here. You are required to finish this by Friday's class, where it will be checked. USE ALL OF CHAPTER 6 to answer the questions - you can skim through the chapter to find the right answers. Most of the terms are major vocab for the chapter.

The War Spreads

2011-02-10T11:18:00.000-08:00

After the last two classes, we have essentially reached 1942 - a time where the momentum shifts from Axis supremacy to Allied power. We have studied the causes of World War II, as now the early battles. These include:

Early Blitzkrieg - Poland, Phony War, Norway - Winter War, Belgium and Netherlands, and the fall of France & the failure of the Maginot Line.
We discussed the rescue mission of Dunkirk, and the air battle and Blitz during the Battle of Britain - Operation Sea Lion
We examined the beginning of Operation Barbarossa and the invasion of Russia
Today we reviewed the early battles, and examined the Battle of the Atlantic and the War in the Skies

Next day we will review the homework: Canada and the Economy, and study the homefront issues that faced people during WWII. After that, we will examine the fall of Nazi Germany.

Road to War

2011-02-03T19:07:00.000-08:00

Today we started our exploration of World War II. Last day we did a brief overview of the conflict, and briefly discussed the movie the Pianist, that we watched together in class. Today's class focused on the causes of World War II, and included a study of this powerpoint.

Road to War Powerpoint
Notes Handout for Road to War Powerpoint

Homework for next day is to complete the Road to War cartoon, and then create a paragraph that discussed your opinion on Appeasement. You must pretend that you are Chamberlain, and are forced to determine a course of action regarding Hitler's aggression. The outline for the paragraph is on the Notes Handout.

The Inter-War Period Wrap-Up

2011-01-18T10:11:00.000-08:00

Next class you will be writing your Inter-War exam, focusing on the 1920's and 1930's. You already have the outline for the 1920's and 1930s, and you should use this as a guide to study. The test will be Multiple Choice and Short Answer - please be sure that you know your vocabulary, as well as sequence of events.

Here's the powerpoint about the 1930's:   Great Depression
Here's the outline for the 1920's: 1920's Overview
Here's the outline for the 1930's: 1930's Overview

A few things that might be helpful:
Reviewing the List of Important People from the inter-war period that we "interviewed" in class and wrote speeches about.   Also review the questions in the Ch.4 Reading Guide, some of the test questions will be pulled from here.   This is an assignment on Prohibition that we did not complete this year, however, it might have some questions that would be helpful for you to study from.

Review Sites:
Here is some good websites on the Inter-War Period, they are very focused on American Issues, but alot of the content relates to Canada as well.   There is some review activities and questions in here.
Who did not Prosper in the 1920's?
Causes of the Stock Market Crash
Impact of the Great Depression
Review Games - Scroll down to the bottom of the page for review games

Cinderella Man

2010-12-14T15:17:00.000-08:00

This week we are watching a movie about a boxer named Jim Braddock, who suffered through the Great Depression to become one of the world's great heavyweight boxing champions. In the movie, there are several allusions to events that we will study in class, so I think that its a nice relaxing break/semi-educational movie to study from.

This week, you must finish the 1920's/1930's word search for 5 bonus marks in your assignment category, and I will be posting an additional bonus assignment that you can complete by the end of January. There is no homework over Christmas break, but you are welcome to preview/take notes on Chapter 4 if you would like to get a head start on what we will be studying in January.

Roaring Twenties Test

2010-12-08T11:51:00.000-08:00

Today we finished our unit on the Roaring Twenties, and our unit test is this Thursday and Friday. Please download the unit outline for Chapter 3 if you have lost it, as well as outside handouts to study from. The unit begins with the Paris Peace Conference at Versailles and ends with the Stock Market Crash of 1929.

The test will be MC, short answer and there will be a long short answer question that discusses the extent of Canada's autonomy in the 1920's: You should be able to explain ways in which we gained independence from Britain, while our culture was "hijacked" by American mass media and social values at the same time.

1920's - The Roaring Twenties

2010-11-29T22:59:00.000-08:00

Here is the outline for the Roaring Twenties - we began discussion on the main concepts, and homework is to take notes on 2 articles of your choice. See me in class to get a hold of the handouts.

WWI "Quest"

2010-11-16T17:39:00.001-08:00

Ok we're back online.

There is a "quest" tomorrow on WWI - everything up to the Home Front.
Here is an outline Quest Outline to help you study - key terms, vocab, etc.

Charter of Rights and Freedoms

2010-10-06T15:31:00.000-07:00

There are a few updates missing since the end of September, but we'll fill in the blanks here. Since the last quiz at the end of September, we've done the following topics.

1. Branches of Gov't - Executive, Legislative, and Judicial Branches. We took brief notes on this, and there are also text pages in Chapter 9 & 10 for you to refer to.

Here is a powerpoint that will help you understand the different roles of the gov't and branches

2. Jobs in Gov't - We discussed MP's, the PM, the Cabinet, the Senate, & lobbyists, and also discussed some of the controversies and difficult decisions they must face.

3. Controversies in Canadian Politics - We discussed 4 different controversies:

Celebrities in Gov't & the Role of Lobbyists
Unequal representation across Canada and regionalism - ex. Western Alienation
The First-Past-the-Post System vs. Proportional Representation
The Senate - To Reform (change), Abolish (get rid of), or leave as it (Status Quo)

4. Today we discussed Charter of Rights and Freedoms, as well as Civil Disobedience. You are responsible for knowing the following case studies:

Civil Disobediance - Tank Man; G20 Riots in Toronto; Clayoquot Sound in BC
Charter Cases from handout

Voting Issues

2010-09-26T11:45:00.000-07:00

In last day's class we examined the specifics of the voting process, as political parties attempt to gain power in parliament. We discussed the stages of the election process including:

Dissolving parliament
Campaigning
Voting/Balloting
Tabulating the Votes

We discussed minority vs. majority governments and how to calculate them, and reviewed the ideological spectrum. We also talked about the levels of government and studied specific vocab words that would help us understand the organization of parliament. Next day we will continue on studying the structure of the government and move on to how politicians pass a law.

Next Day: Quiz ~ Ideology and Political Spectrum, Political Parties, the Election Process including important vocab (electoral riding, and calculation of majority & minority leaders
Answers to MC review: D, D, B, C, D, D & the answers to the matching are outside my classroom, or in the notes and text. Good luck!

Political Issues

2010-09-21T16:20:00.000-07:00

Everyone is political to a certain degree, you just have to figure out what you feel strongly about. Today you presented your political party to the class, and then we debated 4 different issues together.
1. Hairstyles - Dress Codes
2. Canada's Role in the Military
3. Omar Khadr - Child Soldiers
4. Lowering the federal voting age to 16

For homework, you must read the article "Sweet Sixteen" and answer the following questions. Please make sure that you are in class next day, as we will be getting into the specifics of the election process.

Gov't #2 - Ideology & Party Platforms

2010-09-15T11:49:00.000-07:00

Today's class focused on a review of our five key ideologies, and I gave an acronym that can help you remember their order starting from left to right on the political spectrum. Credit goes to Ms. Bacon for this one.
Creative/Competitive (Communism)
Students                     (Socialism)
Learn                         (Liberalism)
Content                      (Conservatism)
Faster                         (Fascism)

We examined a brief history of the ideologie, and then a review assignment practicing how well we could identify their descriptions.  Then we chose partners for a "Create Your Own Political Party" Assignment that will be due next week.

HW: Highlight and read notes package (not online!) about political parties. Work on format for your own political party.

Gov't #1 - Ideology

2010-09-13T16:11:00.000-07:00

Today's class focused on an introduction to political ideologies. Our key vocabulary words today were Communism, Socialism, Liberalism, Conservatism & Fascism. We then took a political spectrum quiz and tried to figure out our own politics, discussed the political spectrum, and the terms Right, Left and Centre politics.

1. Ideology Notes
2. Ideology Quiz - personal politics
2. Ideology Review 1

HW: Review notes on the political spectrum, and to complete the 4 practice MC questions.

Getting Started!

2010-09-07T15:24:00.000-07:00

So, it's time for you to get you started while you still have some enthusiasm for school! This blog will be an important, integral part of the course, and you will be using it throughout the year to catch up on missed assignments, get access to extra reading and interesting articles, and to complete certain homework assignments.

Participating in the blog is mandatory, and so it is important that you learn how to use it. Now, I am not the most sophisticated of computer users, so if you are having problems, or can think of better ways that this blog could be used to help you enjoy Social Studies, then just let me know. In the meantime, you will need a google user name to get started because you will complete your homework assignments by posting comments, insights, and interesting questions. If you get stuck, or you can't use the blog at home, do not be afraid to ask for help - you are always welcome to use our classroom computer on your own time, in order to complete your assignments.

How To Post...

Posting a comment is easy, but it helps if you have a google account. At the end of each post there will be a link that shows the number of comments (ex. 0 comments). Click on this link, and you will be given a space to write a response. Please spellcheck your response, and be sure that your comment is respectful.
At the bottom of your comment it will say "Comment as" - select Google Account, or Anonymous. Then, you can preview your post to see what it looks like beforehand, and then you're done! NOTE: The comment will not show up immediately... it will be sent to me first to moderate it. Check back in a few hours, or the next day to check the post.

ASSIGNMENT #1
1. Post a comment below, so that you can practice using the blog. No message is necessary, just make sure you leave your first and last name so that I can tell which students have posted.

You did it!

2010-06-22T22:27:00.000-07:00

Congrats on a great year! I really enjoyed teaching all three classes, and hope that all of you enjoyed the course - at least a little bit! Take care, and I hope that you were pleased with how things went on the exam.

Yah! No more studying for the year...

Are you Ready?

2010-06-21T16:51:00.000-07:00

So tomorrow is the exam... hopefully you are not beginning you're studying tonight, but all the same, here are some exam writing tips that might help out. Remember, you have so much information in your mind - it just takes a bit of work to get it out. Be patient with yourself, and most of all - be positive!

1. Do not be overwhelmed by the size of the test - there are not very many multiple choice questions per page, so it seems a lot bigger than it is.
2. Make sure you are careful on the bubble sheet - erase completely! don't leave any blanks! no one will check your scantron for you - you are responsible.
3. Get a good night's sleep tonight, and make sure you eat a big lunch before the exam
Bring a snack to tide you over while you are writing, and lots of water
4. The exam is in the large gym. Make sure you are there by 12:45pm
5. Dress in layers, that way it won't matter if you're hot/cold
6. DO NOT BE THE FIRST TO LEAVE.... go over your exam, review your answers, edit your work.
7. Bring extra, pens, erasers, etc. just in case
8. Manage your time - 1 min. per MC question, and 45 min per essay. Then take the remaining time to review your work.
9. Read over the essay questions first, and then record notes/vocab terms from the MC that you will use during the essay.

MC Hints

Look for clue words. Absolutes "never, all, every, etc." often indicate a wrong answer as the world is rarely black and white
Choose the best answer - not the first answer you see.... watch out for tricks
Trust your gut instinct, don't erase your first answer unless you are sure its wrong
Notice the order of the MC - government, then history, then geography.. The history questions are in chronological order.
Read the directions carefully - especially on matching, true/false sections

Essay Hints:

Read the question very carefully and look for command words
Describe - this is asking you to offer details, pay attention to the time frame, and organize your work chronologically if possible
Assess/Evaluate/To what extent - This is asking for you opinion - create a pos/neg or yes/no/somewhat organizer to plan your essay.
Make sure your thesis is clear, easy to find, and that it answers the question directly
Use transition, and make sure you stay on topic - a good thesis statement should be evident in each body paragraph
Intro - Make sure you define the terms, and give the reader some background info. "Warm-up" the reader and get them ready for what you have to say
Concl - Hint at what comes next in history, or the future so that you show your understanding of how the event or issue sits in chronological history. Acknowledge opposing points of view.
Try and keep the rhetorical questions in check, and be wary of using terms like always, never, all, most, etc.
Use specific examples wherever possible.

SOLUTIONS: Hope for the Future

2010-06-08T13:49:00.000-07:00

The future does not simply have to be bleak - instead in can be filled with amazing hope and cool ideas that can come from you!

Today's class focused on solutions for the geographic issues - whether they be development, environmental, or health-based in nature. We reviewed REAL SOLUTIONS, see handout, and watched a series of video clips. Key concepts:

1. Sustainability - Masdar, Formula 3 race car, Giant Jelly Fish, Algae biofuels
2. Issues surrounding Agriculture - Water Use, Eating Local, Small Farms, Organic Foods, Climate change

Next day there will be a quiz on Geo (Thurs - 2/3) (Friday - 7), on chapters 14, 15, and 17. I will upload a quiz outline to the blog. Please use practice questions as your guide.

MORE INFO ON TODAY'S CLASS:

1. Masdar's Sustainable City - Omg amazing. Someone please build something like this in North America.
2. Formula 3 Chocolate Race Car - Article on sustainable cars...
3. Algae Biofuel - look out cars
4. GOOD magazine - most of today's videos came from there, and they have unbelievable transparancies and visual design handouts.

Environment

2010-06-06T10:14:00.000-07:00

Two classes have passed by, and I have neglected the blog posting a bit... so here's a quick review. We have examined the following environmental problems in detail:

1. Ozone Layer Depletion - CFC's, Montreal Protocol, Antarctica, Skin Cancer, Cataracts

2. Desertification - Sahel, China

3. Acid Rain - NO2, SO2, factories and car emissions, Clean Air Act, Acidic lakes, fish, plants, corroded buildings

4. Deforestation - Tropical Rainforest, Temperate Rainforest (coniferous forests), biodiversity

5. Groundwater Issues - Aquifer Depletion, Ogallala, Sinkholes, Pollution

6. Oil Spills + Our dependence on oil - Case Study: Gulf of Mexico

7. Climate Change & Greenhouse Effect

Here is the powerpoint that we reviewed in class on Environmental Issues and the homework was to create a world map with the key HOT SPOTS of the major issues shaded in. Make sure you have a legend and title.

Here are some links to some of the photographs of the Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill

http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2010/04/oil_spill_approaches_louisiana.html

http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2010/05/oil_reaches_louisiana_shores.html

http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2010/05/01/us/20100501-oil-spill-tracker.html

http://www.visualeconomics.com/cost-effects-of-the-bp-oil-spill_2010-05-05/

Here is a link to the story about the Guatemalan sinkhole

http://dotearth.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/05/31/dot-shot-sinkhole-in-guatemala-city/?scp=1&sq=sinkhole&st=cse

Population #2 - Solutions to Exponential Growth

2010-05-30T12:55:00.000-07:00

How do we prevent our population from exploding out of control? Now that we know that the world's population grows at an exponential rate, we need to pay attention to ways in which we can slow population growth, and make sure that our earth does not surpass its carrying capacity.

Class Activities:

1. Review of 4 types of population pyramids - and matching them to stages of Dem. Trans. Model

2. Correction of population pyramid assignment - answers, questions, etc.

3. Potential solutions to population control? Case Study - Article: China's One-Child Policy

4. Effective population solutions - understanding why families would choose to have many children: Link between poverty and population growth

HW: Draw your own population pyramid (using grid from class) and create a "story" that explains the nature of your graph.

Population - Ch. 13

2010-05-30T12:52:00.000-07:00

For those of you that missed class on wednesday or thursday of last week, we began our exploration of population issues. This is a two class mini-unit, and we will examine the nature of "demography," as well as some controversial issues surrounding population control.

Class One: Population problems

1. Ch. 13 Notes - please upload from the side.

2. Class handout - population pyramid practice

3. Geography Practice MC - multiple choice questions to help you review living standards section, and to review population issues.

Next day we will examine China and India's attempts to curb their population growth, and to suggest solutions for population control.

Foreign Aid

2010-05-25T18:26:00.000-07:00

How do we help people in need? What does "good" help look like? What are the complexities embedded in foreign aid? How do Canadians help?

These are some of the key issues we focused on in today's class. If you missed class, or need to catch up, then here is the powerpoint on Foreign Aid, and the notes sheet to go along with it. Don't forget that your Living Standards assignment is due next class.

Get ready to start learning about population next day - Ch. 13

The Development Trap

2010-05-19T19:29:00.000-07:00

What are the difficulties a developing country faces as they attempt to raise their standard of living? Today's class was our last class that we will spend on poverty, development and living standards - and we used several different articles and movie clips to enhance each section.

We started off by identifying the "most important" problems a developing country faces, including disease, shortage of fresh water, the poverty cycle, debt, etc. We used a package of notes to help illustrate each of the major issues. At the end of the notes package is an assignment that is due next week (wed/thurs) where you must choose 5 major issues that a developing country faces, and articulate the causes, effects and potential solution for each issue. There are a selection of articles given out in class to help you understand each issue.

We watched several video clips today including:

A video by the Red Cross discussing the shortages of fresh water in Zambia
A scene from Slumdog Millionaire that shows life in the slums for children
The HIV/AIDS chart from www.gapminder.org

Challenges of Development

2010-05-19T19:21:00.000-07:00

Our second class of our geography unit focused on defining the notion of poverty, a little bit of review on living standards, and then a trip to the computer lab to check out some of the amazing websites out there that relate to our course.

1. Poverty notes

2. Poverty Powerpoint

Intro to Living Standards

2010-05-13T15:07:00.001-07:00

Today was our first class as part of our geography unit - our focus was living standards, and our perception of the world and the definition of a "good life". We began with an activity with the Miniature Earth, and discussed how lucky we are to live in North America.

Class Activities:

1. Powerpoint and intro activity - "If the world was a class of 30; If the world were 100 people"

2. Discussion of measures of HDI, and the reasons why its problematic

3. Examples of 4 different levels - video clip of the Dem. Republic of the Congo

HW: Handout on Women and Children section in Ch. 14 - includes chart and questions.

Geography Intro - The Best is Yet to Come.

2010-05-11T13:46:00.000-07:00

We have finally reached our last major area of study, and I'm pretty excited about it. After today's test which was (hopefully!) a positive experience, it's time for you to check out a basic overview of what we will cover in our geography unit.

For homework, you must choose ONE of the options - the Computer Questions on Urbanization & Population, or Option Two - Text questions (Notes - 340-345 + 1, 2, 4b on pg. 345 & Notes 367-372 + Question 4a and b on pg. 372)

Links for the Electronic Websites:

Garbage Dreams Game - Cairo, Egypt
Population and Statistics
UN HDI Rankings
Gapminder

Your homework is due next class, where we will begin talking about development and living standards.

Cold War Test Prep

2010-05-09T13:28:00.000-07:00

So, I am hoping that the competitive fire in all of you will come out as you study for your last history test of the year. Reminder that your test will comprise of content from chapters 6, 7 and 8 in Counterpoints - the Cold War Era + Canadian Identity.

TEST FORMAT: Multiple Choice & Short Answer questions. You must be familiar with specific examples, all of the major vocabulary, and important people. It will also be important that you understand the connections between different events, and how they all help to define the nature of "canadian culture".

CHAPTER OUTLINES: Here is a test OUTLINE

KEY THEMES OF THE UNIT:

Autonomy - how did Canada become less dependent on Britain, and more dependent on the United States.
How did Canada work to protect its arts and culture from "American Invasion"?
How did the protest movements of the 1960's develop as a result from the conformist nature of 1950's society?
How did Canada establish itself as a 'middle power' in foreign affairs during the Cold war era?
How did the welfare state develop in Canada?
How did French-English relations shape Canadian identity in the twentieth century?
How has immigration shaped Canadian identity?
What challenges have Aboriginal peoples faced since the time of first contact?

Short Answer Hints:

Explain why the Dew Lines and Pinetree Lines were controversial in Canada
Should Canada have a multicultural or melting pot policy towards minorities in Canada?
Explain the importance of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms to Canadian society.
Explain the importance of the patriation of the Constitution
Explain why Aboriginal peoples feel that their culture is threatened by Canadian society?
Describe the ways in which the Canadian government attempted to assimilate the Aboriginal population.
Describe Canada's connection to peacekeeping, as well as some examples of Canadian participation in peacekeeping
Explain how the separatism movement gained power in Quebec.
Explain why French Canadians were upset over the failures of the Meech Lake Accord and Charlotttetown Accords.
Do you believe that Pierre Trudeau acted appropriately in using the War Measures Act against the FLQ?
Explain why "Trudeaumania" took over Canada in the early 1970s.
Describe the three protests movements of the 1960s (youthquake, women's movement, environmental movement)
Explain some of the reasons why province in the west suffer from "Western Alienation"
What would be some of the political, economic and social consequences of the separation of Quebec from Canada.

Good luck studying. Don't forget to examine political cartoons throughout the chapter, and to review the focus questions at the beginning of each chapter.

To Separate or Not to Separate

2010-05-04T09:57:00.000-07:00

Canadian Identity - Part Two: The last two classes have focused on the great debate between the role that French culture should play in Canadian identity. The first class focused on the rise of the French nationalism in Canada, and the roots of the separatist movement. We then watched clips from the Greatest Canadian: Pierre Trudeau, and examined the October Crisis instigated by the FLQ.

Last class focused on the issue of the referendums - how would Canada be affected if Quebec were to separate, and how would French Canadians be affected? We examined the Meech Lake and Charlottetown Accords, and the rise of the Bloc Quebecois in Quebec politics.

You are responsible for the entire section in Chapter 8, and the powerpoint along the side should help to prepare you. There are also questions from the text that you can use as notes to prepare for our last history test.

Canadian Identity & Multiculturalism

2010-04-28T15:30:00.000-07:00

Today's class focused on the issues of multiculturalism and immigration and the ways in which they help to define Canadian society. As a country with an official policy of multiculturalism we differ greatly from the "melting pot" of the United States - despite Sarah Palin's attempts to tell us otherwise! Our activities today consisted of a review of Canada's immigration history and discriminatory laws, as well as the acknowledgement of the steps forward we have taken to rectify power imbalances felt by minority groups.

Activities
1. Class Discussion - Arizona Immigration Bill; benefts of melting pot vs. multiculturalism; what does it "mean" to be a minority?
2. Immigration Term Review
3. Homework - Paragraph response on Canada's immigration policy - due next class (min. 10-12 sentences).

Ch. 7 Quiz

2010-04-22T15:11:00.000-07:00

Today's class consisted of a quiz, and the beginning of our last history chapter of the year!

1. Quiz - Ch. 7 (MC and short answer only)
2. Intro to Multiculturalism (bl. 7) & Library Research (bl. 2/3)

Pre-reading for upcoming lectures is Ch.8, pgs. 204-207. We will be comparing and contrasting multiculturalism versus melting pot cultural systems.

Trudeaumania

2010-04-20T19:52:00.000-07:00

Pierre Trudeau - Canada's "JFK" - at least in the early 1970's. He was brash, daring, confident and articulate, and our second longest serving Prime Minister. Today's lesson focused on Pierre, our man of the hour, as well as the key policies that were enacted during his tenure. We finished off with a discussion on regionalism - topics like "Western Alienation".

Class Activities:

1. Reviewed answers to Quiz from Ch. 6

2. Trudeaumania Notes & Quote-A-Mania Activity & Regionalism Matching

3. Review Package for next day's quiz

4. Review of quiz outline

The notes chart of major protest movements was checked, if this wasn't finished you have until the day of the test to finish.

Protest and Resistance

2010-04-19T11:45:00.000-07:00

The 1960s and 1970s are famous for the protest movements, and this affected Canadian society greatly. Today's class consisted of the following activities

1. Marked Ch. 7 Notes on Welfare State - if you didn't do your homework the alternate assignment is to take notes with headings on pgs. 162-167
2. Handout - Protest and Resistance
3. Case Study One: Civil Rights Movement; Movie Clips - Eyes on the Prize (Little Rock, Bus Boycotts)

Homework is to complete the notes sheet on the 4 major forms of resistance - Youthquake, Women's Movement, Environmental Movement and Aboriginal Movement + bonus articles.

Canadian Society during the Cold War

2010-04-13T14:03:00.000-07:00

Welcome to our new unit on Canadian society during the Cold War. Utilizing our knowledge of Cold War politics, we are going to examine the social changes that were taking place throughout this time period. In our examination of society, we will explore changes in immigration patterns, working conditions, fashion and popular culture, music, and social values.

Today's Class: Canadian Post-War Society: 1950's

Our activities today consisted of a powerpoint on the 1950's, and we took notes on the main topic headings. Key points that were emphasized include:

Massey Commission - CBC, CRTC, Canada Council for the Arts, Hockey Night in Canada

Rise of the Suburbs and consumer culture - era of the automobile

Family Values of the Baby Boomer generation

Prosperity - working conditions, giant mega-projects, natural resources (oil), American investment

Exclusion of minorities - civil rights movement, Aboriginal peoples, ethnic minorities, single women

We then got the outline for our Cold War research project, while will be due at the end of the month. Presentations are optional.

HOMEWORK: Read pages 160-173; Begin researching your term project

In Bed With An Elephant

2010-04-01T14:23:00.001-07:00

Describe Canada's relationship with the United States throughout the Cold War. Which Canadian Prime Minister's were friends with the US, which struggled to maintain good relations? What major decisions caused the US to respond to Canadian foreign policy? Today's class focused on these major issues, and we utilized the video "In Bed with an Elephant" to help bring some of those canadian politicians to life.

If you missed class, please download the handout given out in class from the video and be sure to get the notes from someone else. Your study guide is due two classes from now, and it is expected that some of the analysis we are discussing in class will be integrated into your assignment.

End of Cold War

2010-03-31T14:10:00.001-07:00

Ch. 6 is coming to a close and our last topics of discussion are the Trudeau Era, Salt Talks, Collapse of Soviet Union, Somalia, Yugoslavian civil war, Rwanda, and globalization. When you begin working on your study guide for this chapter, it's important to note the key concepts you are trying to identify.

1. What was the Cold War, and what were the main ways in which it was fought.
2. How was Canada involved OR not involved in the Cold War?
3. The key relationship that were are focusing on in the Cold War is between Canada and the United States - which events drew us closer together, and which events help us solidify our independent identity.

Your study guide assignment is due the day of the test. Please note that it is worth 20 marks, and I am expecting great and wonderful things from you. Use this as a way to study - include more detail than what is asked of you. Try and make connections between the terms and ideas. Categorize the information so that you demonstrate the ability to analyse content.

It is expected that you have read all of chapter 6 by day of the test. You will have an essay to write as part of your assessment.

Canada's Autonomy - Cold War

2010-03-22T14:16:00.000-07:00

How was Canada's autonomy affected by the events of the Cold War? In which ways did we assert ourselves to Britain and the United States, and in which ways were we forced to "toe the line" and give in to their influence?

Today's class consisted of a quick review of the Cold War conflicts including Korea and the Suez crisis.

Korea - First war fought under flag of UN, showed UN willing to take action, millions of Koreans dead - still unresolved conflict, proxy war between USSR and USA, Canada's most "popular war", Korea still divided today between Comm. North and Dem. South
Suez - Britain/France embarrassed by events - lose influence in Mid East to USSR and USA. Lester Pearson creates idea of peacekeeping as a way of resolving the conflict - war averted and Canada is able to assert itself -refuses to go to war for Britain.

Then, we split up into expert groups and presented on 6 different topics and examined whether or not they were examples of increasing or decreasing Canadian autonomy.

Avro Arrow - Canadian missiles that were scrapped for being too expensive, Canada buys American BOMARC missiles - very controversial
Cuban Missile Crisis - Canada refuses to support US, stays out of conflict
Vietnam War - Canada refuses to support the war, criticizes the US publicly
Trudeaumania & Middle Power status - CIDA, middle power, aid and trade
End of Trudea Era - SALT, Afghanistan, Moscow Olympics boycott
Somalia and Rwanda - Canadian military cover-up of torture of Somali boy, peacekeeping failure by Romeo Dallaire and UN peacekeepers.

Next day we will review the Cuban Revolution, Missile Crisis, and Vietnam War and then review for the cross-grade.

Cold War Conflicts - Korea and Suez

2010-03-18T13:44:00.000-07:00

Today's class focused on the Korean war (1950-1953) and the Suez Crisis (1956). Both of these conflicts were considered to be proxy conflicts during the Cold War - most especially Korea. Each of these conflicts were examined from both a global and canadian perspective.

Significance of:
Korean War - First example of UN acting assertively to military aggression, Canadian troop/military involvement, and the fact that Korea remains divided today.

Suez Crisis - Britain and France are embarassed, and lose their influence in the Middle East region. Canadian Lester Pearson (External Affairs Minister) is able to convince the UN to develop emergency peacekeeping forces, which has become a defining part of our national identity. Canadian peacekeepers have now been used in places such as the Congo, Cyprus, former Yugoslavia, and Rwanda.

Class Activities:
1. Cold War Conflicts powerpoint
2. Video clips: Lives of Others (ch. 1 & 6), Inside North Korea (Nat'l Geo), Greatest Canadian (Lester Pearson - Scene 1/2)

HOMEWORK: Korea/Suez BOOKLET needs to be completed, it will be marked at the beginning of class next day. Reading booklet - Korea/Suez - READ & HIGHLIGHT

Cold War & the Red Scare

2010-03-16T14:08:00.000-07:00

Where did the phrase "duck and cover" come from? What about "better dead than red"? Today's class focused on the origins of the Cold War and the red scare at home in North America, as well as a basic overview of the dominant political philosophies during the Cold War - containment & domino thoery, as well as the military alliances. We also discussed the role of propaganda in pop culture, and I thought I would draw your attention to the image in this post. As a great lover of the unicorn species, I was pleased to see that it is possible to buy your own set of Cold War unicorns. Please send me any other links of cool Cold War products.

1. Powerpoint - Intro to the Cold War (link is along the side)
2. Intro to Cold War notes worksheet that goes with the powerpoint

Some of the video clips may not work in the powerpoint, however you can search for them on youtube:

Duck and Cover - atomic cafe
Division of Europe - atomic cafe
How to tell a communist

HOMEWORK: Cold War in Europe map assignment. Note that if you are on the snowboarding trip, you are responsible for getting the assignment in to me prior to class.

NEXT DAY'S LESSON: Cold War Conflicts - Korea and Suez + Peacekeeping

CROSS GRADE REVIEW

2010-03-04T15:55:00.000-08:00

This post is designed to provide you with links and activities to help you prepare for your cross-grade. It will be updated continuously as we approach March 26th, so keep coming back to this particular entry.

CROSS-GRADE MATERIAL: Ch. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 (essay), 9, 10, 11 - Charter, 12 - Human Rights. A handout with key terms and a test outline was given out today.

1. Excellent review site with online quizzes that will help you prepare. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

You are responsible for sections 1-6 for the cross-grade multiple choice. We are currently studying Unit 7 and this might be very helpful for the essay and unit study.

2. Study Buzz. Excellent review site from the Ministry. Create an account and there are tons of review activities.

3. Review Handouts given out at the tutorial session:

Answers are not included - however the questions will guide your study... Students that attend the review session will have the answers if you get stuck.

Holocaust

2010-03-04T15:47:00.000-08:00

Today's class focused on the events of the Holocaust - our last case study in our review of the tragedies of World War Two. 2 sheets of notes were given out, and we used scenes from Episode 9: Band of Brothers as our primary visual for the lesson. Topics of discussion:

How would the soldiers who discovered the Nazi concentration/extermination camps in Germany have been affected by this experience? They are also victims of war/trauma.
If we had been living in Germany during this time, would we have had the capacity to stand up against the Nazis and defend the human rights of others

Key vocabulary included: The St.Louis Incident, Kristallnacht, Nuremberg Laws, Nuremberg Trials, Ghettos, Extermination/Concentration camps, "None is too many", Genocide

Intro to War Crimes & the Holocaust

2010-03-03T13:51:00.000-08:00

Today's lesson continued our theme of the "Aftermath" of WWII, and our discussion of "just war" philosophy and proportionality. Class Activities included:
1. Lesson #4/5 - Fog of War : Discussion Questions
2. Atomic Cafe - Intro Scene of Atomic Bomb
3. Discussion of the Geneva Convention and the rules of war - "Are the rules of war enforceable"?
4. Sophie's Choice - Ethical Dilemma
5. Holocaust Notes

Reminder of Holocaust field trip on March 16, 2010 & of the cross-grade coming up.

Tragedies of War

2010-03-01T17:55:00.000-08:00

Today's class was Day 2 in our mini-unit on the aftermath of WWII. Class activities included:

Review of Political Effects of WWII including the creation and function of the UN, and the onset of the Cold War and the bi-polar world.
Political Cartoon Analysis of UN and Cold War
Tragedies of War including Hong Kong, Japanese POW camps, Russian POWs, Firebombing of Dresden, US firebombing of Japan, Atomic Bomb

We then began a discussion on the morals of war, and whether or not we view the actions of "our side" as being more justified or moral than those of the enemy. Next day we will continue the discussion with a viewing of parts of the documentary "The Fog of War" - interviews with Robert McNamara.

Aftermath - WWII

2010-02-24T15:14:00.001-08:00

We are beginning a short mini-unit that will help introduce us to the 1950's & the Cold War. Before we begin major conflicts such as the Korean War and the Suez Crisis, it is important that we address the aftermath of WWII for both Canada, and the world.

This mini-unit will focus on the political, economic, social and technological effects that WWII had on the world - paying particular attention to the creation of the United Nations, effects of the atomic bomb, the displaced peoples across Europe, and the tragedies that are associated with total war.

We are using political cartoons from the time period to help us understand what terms such as "bi-polar world", and the "iron curtain" refer to, as well as maps that show how Europe became divided along ideological lines after WWII.

In today's class we began a booklet called "The Aftermath" and it is important that you have completed at the least the first 3 pages before next class. Next day we will be examining the tragedies of WWII, including the firebombing of Japan, and the atomic bomb attacks. Following that, we will examine the Holocaust, and note the impact of that particular tragedy.

BE SURE TO TAKE A LOOK AT THE BLOG ASSIGNMENT BELOW - DUE DATE IS SPRING BREAK.

Blog Assignment #2 - Aftermath

2010-02-22T22:32:00.001-08:00

This blog assignment asks you to examine TWO different issues of World War Two that are listed below. Your blog post must be completed before Spring Break. It is worth 10 marks. Please make sure your name is stated, as well as the topic numbers you have chosen.

You are encouraged to express your ideas, and also comment on the thoughts of others in a mature way. If needed, you may comment more than once if you discover you have more to say. The theme for this assignment is Tragedies and Heroes

ASSIGNMENT DESCRIPTION:

Skim through the list below, and select two topics that you believe to be of personal interest. Note that some of these are articles, movies, and animations. Review the links given for the topic and pay attention to interesting and significant details.
Comment on what you have learned, interesting facts, or points that you would like to dispute.
If appropriate, feel free to present arguments that you think are relevant, or to pose questions.

TOPICS: CHOOSE TWO

Topic One: The Allied Resistance Movement in France - SOE (Special Operations Executive)

BBC Video Animation of Allied Resistance Movement

What would it be like to live under a false identity in order to defeat your enemies?

Topic Two: Enigma code breakers

BBC article on the details behind the code-breakers, Ultra, the Enigma machine

Virtual Enigma Machine - enter your name and watch how the code works!

How did code-breaking help contribute to the Allied victory?

Topic Three: Law in Action - Nuremberg Trials

Article on the Nuremberg Trial details and of Goering, Hess, and Speer's Defence.

Who was responsible for the Holocaust, and how should high-ranking Nazis have been treated?

Topic Four: A Closer Look at D-Day - The Opening of the Second Front

BBC movie on the D-Day invasion - note the absence of info on Canadian involvement!

Animated Map - D-Day

Topic Five: Holocaust & Genocide

In-depth timeline that demonstrates the systematic nature of the Holocaust

Interactive Map of Auschwitz concentration camp

Topic Six: Choosing Sides in Yugoslavia

Article on the roles different ethnic groups in Yugoslavia played in WWII

Topic Seven: Risky Business - Bomber Crews in WWII

Article on the risks facing fighter pilots in WWII

BBC Movie on Bomber Crews

Topic Eight: Battle of the Atlantic

Play a game that helps you to understand the perils and difficulties of the war at sea.

Topic Nine: Kindertransport - Rescue Missions of Children during WWII

http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/worldwars/genocide/holocaust_survivors_gallery.shtml

Home Front and Test Review

2010-02-19T14:27:00.000-08:00

Next day will be your unit test on Canada's Role in WWII. Keep in mind that while we have been studying the events of WWII from a global perspective, the test will emphasize Canada's involvement in this conflict. Your test will consist of multiple choice, short answer and an essay section. The essay questions can be found on your unit test outline - one of these will be chosen for you.

Today's lesson consisted on examining examples of propaganda used by the Canadian government to convince the public to buy victory bonds, to work in factories, and to "fear the enemy". We also discussed the improvement of the Canadian economy during the war, including acting as the "Arsenal of Democracy" for the Allies.

All of today's handouts have been uploaded to the blog, be sure to study for the unit test, and be sure to review pages 122-125, 126-127, 116-119, and 113-114 in Chapter 5.

Atomic Bomb - The War Ends...

2010-02-17T18:05:00.001-08:00

Today's class focused on the end of the war in the Pacific, and the debate surrounding the dropping of the atomic bomb on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Next day we will be reflecting on the impact of WWII on Canada. That will conclude our unit.

The debate surrounding the atomic bomb is important because it signified the beginning of the atomic era. Regardless of your perspective on Truman's decision, it is important to recognize that this was a tragedy for Japanese citizens, and has been one of the most controversial decisions in human history.

In preparing for your unit test, be sure that you are familiar with all of the information in chapter 5, and most notably - how everything relates to Canada's involvement. Here is a unit outline for the test, however make sure you also download the quiz outline and study the vocabulary included there.

Victory in Europe!

2010-02-08T12:37:00.000-08:00

How did the war in the European and North African theatres come to a close? Today's lesson focused on the events of D-Day, and how that led to the eventual collapse of the Axis powers in Europe. Our three main topics of study in the powerpoint were Dieppe, the Italian campaign, and the Normandy Invasion. Your test next day will consist of everything from the causes of WWII up to the fall of Berlin. In particular you should know everything between pgs. 100-119.

Today's lesson: Both activities are uploaded on the side
1. Review Activity - chapter 5
2. Powerpoint - Reclaiming Europe

Your quiz will consist of about 30 questions, and should take about half the class. Here is an outline of the content. It will consist of short answer and multiple choice questions taken from previous provincial exams. You should be familiar with political cartoons, and how to analyse them. May the force be with you!

The War Spreads...

2010-02-04T21:55:00.000-08:00

Today's lesson focused on a review of the initial WWII battles in Western Europe, and then an explanation of how it expanded into new realms of conflict. We reviewed:

Blitzkreig
Phony War - Denmark
Dunkirk
Battle of Britain and the Blitz

We then moved on to expert group presentations of the following topics:

1. Operation Barbarossa - and Stalingrad

2. The War in the Pacific - Hong Kong

3. Dieppe

4. Battle of the Atlantic

5. Battle in the Skies

It is important that you read all of the handouts that were given out today, and that you are fully prepared for the quiz coming up next week Wednesday/Thursday. The quiz will be up to D-Day.

Introduction to World War II

2010-02-01T15:58:00.000-08:00

On Friday and Monday's classes, we covered some of the early events of World War II, including: Canada's response to war; World War II map-reading; Dieppe; Dunkirk; the Battle of Britain; and Propaganda.

Homework: Page 105 questions (question #3 will be checked in-class if you didn't hand it in to me).

Causes of WWII

2010-01-27T16:36:00.001-08:00

Why did World War Two break out after the "War to End All Wars"? Had people forgotten how gruesome global conflicts could be? What were some of the leading causes that contributed to fighting in three different theatres: Europe, North Africa, and the Pacific?

Today's class was a bit full-on, an extended powerpoint that hopefully kept most of you captivated for at least some of the class. Obviously many of the most interesting parts of WWII include the study of the battles, the inventions, the technology - however understanding the key causes helps us understand the scope and sequence of the fighting.

Class Activities:

1. Review of interesting points in Hitler article - discussion of the why historical emphasis tends to focus on the actions of Hitler and place less emphasis on other dictators such as Stalin.

2. Powerpoint - Causes of WWII: This is linked along the side in the WWII section. There is a handout to go along with it that will be a helpful outline for your study.

3. Cartoon Review - Sequence of events: Road to War

Homework: Bonus - read over appeasement article and discuss what you would have done in Chamberlain's place. Assignment is described on the back of ppt notes sheet.

Test Day - Interwar Period

2010-01-25T16:39:00.000-08:00

Today's your chance to show off your critical thinking skills, your ability to analyze, and your comprehension ability. Today's test is on the inter-war period - if you miss class please come see me immediately to arrange to write the test because we are going over the answers next day.

Homework - Read over 1933 - Hitler's Rise to Power. Highlight key points and be ready to discuss the article next day.

1920's and 1930's Unit Test

2010-01-20T14:54:00.000-08:00

Your unit test will be next class, after the 3-day weekend. I'm glad that you will have this time to relax at home and study for socials. excellent.

Test Format:
1. MC - selections from Provincial Exams - Socials 11 and History 12
2. Short Answer - focusing on key vocabulary terms
3. Famous Quotes - identify the speaker and signficance of the quote
4. Paragraph Question - there will be a choice - they will relate to overall themes of the unit such as Autonomy and Independence, the development of the Social Welfare State, and the rise of alternate political parties.

QUOTES:

"The only thing to fear is fear itself." Franklin Delano Roosevelt
"I never so much as stole a dime, a loaf of bread, a gallon of gas, but in those days I was treated like a criminal." - Barry Broadfoot, explaining the social effects of the Great Depression
"I made three round trips across Canada that summer by boxcar." 'Ridin' the rails' during the Great Depression.
"A government is not here to subsidize idleness." Bennett
"Hitler smiled very pleasantly and indeed had a sort of appealing and affectionate look in his eyes. My sizing up of the man as I saw and talked with him was that he was the sort who truly loves his fellow man." PM King (1938)

CBC Radio presents...

2010-01-18T13:43:00.000-08:00

1930's Radio Show presentations... excellent work from everyone in Block B and C today. Or 2 or 3, whatever you want to call it.

Handouts from the World Map Text were given out today. Homework is to read through the text and gain an overall understanding of the rise of fascist dictatorships in Europe as a result of the Great Depression.

The Origins of Hockey Night in Canada

2010-01-12T18:34:00.000-08:00

Today's class was spent reviewing the basic causes of the Great Depression, analyzing the rise of new political parties that emerged during the 1930's, and examining the notion of "distractions" during these dark years.

New political parties:

CCF - origins of current NDP party
Social Credit Party - grassroots conservative party
Union Nationale - origins of Bloc/Parti Quebecois

Creation of the CBC was one way in the Canadian government worked to protect Canadian identity by developing radio shows that would be entertaining for Canadians. The powerpoint for today's class is uploaded on the side.

Assignment: You have been assigned your groups for the Radio Shows that will be presented on January 18/19. Each radio show has a maximum time of 5 minutes. Your show should include an entertainment/sports section, a "Canadian content" section, a U.S. news section, and a global news section. You have been assigned topics, and are responsible for presenting the basic facts to the class. The entertainment and sports sections can be fictional, and feel free to be creative.

Causes of the Great Depression

2010-01-07T19:35:00.001-08:00

When people are poverty-stricken, unemployed and desperate to meet their basic needs, it is common to find that extremist governments and ideas are able to take hold. Thus, it is no coincidence that the inter-war period saw a rise of dictatorships across Europe. The 1930's are seen as the precursor to the outbreak of World War Two. What we intend to find out is how this economic depression occurred.

Today's lesson focused on the causes of the Great Depression. We watched a movie called "The Great Depression - Part One" that explained how the stock market crash triggered the start of the greatest economic recession of the 20th century.

The movie identified the main causes of the depression as:

Overproduction of manufactured goods and agricultural products
Speculation and "buying on margin" on the stock market
Protective tariffs (taxes) that made domestic products cheaper, but stalled global trade.
The Dust Bowl - poor farming techniques worsened the drought conditions

If you missed class, it is really important that you come in and watch the 30 minute video on your own time.

HOMEWORK: Make sure that Chapter 4 preview is complete

"Dirty Thirties" ~ Intro

2010-01-05T20:55:00.001-08:00

New year, new unit. We are beginning our study of the 1930's, beginning with the stock market crash of 1929, and ending with the outbreak of WWII. Chapter 4 in your counterpoints textbook will be your main reference source.

The 1930's are an important area of study because they help us to understand more clearly how dictatorships often arise out of unstable, and poverty-stricken nations. From a Canadian perspective, the Great Depression was a crisis that led to the establishment of a social services framework.

Our first assignment included a Chapter 4 textbook preview assignment. This will be marked in class.

The "Roaring" Twenties?!?

2009-12-09T13:36:00.001-08:00

There are three major themes that we will focus on during this unit of study.

What innovations - both technological and cultural - occurred during this time period? For example: jazz music, cars, radio...
Which groups of people flourished during this time period, and which groups suffered? See assignment of cartoon boxes for more detail.
To what extent did Canada's independence increase during the 1920's? Ways in which we stood up to Britain (Chanak Crisis, Halibut Treaty, Balfour Declaration), and in which ways did Canadian culture become dominated by American culture?

Discussion: Today's discussion centred around the question of whether or not Canadians are simply "Americans living further north" - an important question for all of us, and one that led to extremely interesting debate in each class.

Today we also examined 4 different handouts that focused on different aspects of the 1920's. It is important that all of these handouts are highlighted and read by the end of next week. Good luck preparing your presentations for next day, and let me know if you need any help.

The Roaring Twenties - Introduction

2009-12-01T12:53:00.000-08:00

Rarrh. We call the 1920's roaring not because there were lots of aggressive animals, but because this was a time when people made money, they broke social taboos, and they lived on the edge. This was a time when society was changed dramatically with the rise in consumerism, and the social rebellion visible in the form of flapper dresses and dance fads,. The assembly line altered our family living spaces as mass produced products made items like radios, cars and telephones affordable for middle class families. The speculation on the stock market contributed the acceptance of 'credit' as a form of payment, and helped lead to the decline of North America's economy....

We are going to examine how Canadian society, politics and economic systems changed as a result of the 1920s', and also how the values and laws set the stage for the Great Depression, and the rise of the 'Dirty Thirties.'

Class Activities:
1. Handout - Roaring Twenties and Dirty Thirties Introduction; Prohibition
2. Discussion of how elements from the 1920's are still visible in our current society
3. Term 2 Project is Assigned - due next week!

Both handouts are uploaded on the side, however the textbook needed to answer questions is one that is available in class only.

HOMEWORK: Begin researching your term project topic.

WWI Movies and Visuals

2009-11-25T14:43:00.000-08:00

Watching movies is more fun than reading textbooks...
These visuals and movie titles might be a helpful way to study.

BBC (geeky) history movies with interviews with soldiers, etc. - quite good!
Gallipoli (1981)- Two Australian sprinters including a (cute!) Mel Gibson volunteer to fight in Turkey on the Eastern Front
Behind the Lines (1998) - A look at shell-shock amongst soldiers as a result of WWI. It's supposed to be an excellent psychological study.
All Quiet on the Western Front (1930) - A very slow, black-and white movie that examines WWI from a German perspective. This is one of the classic 'war movies' of the 20th century, and the story is excellent.

EXCELLENT REVIEW WEBSITE:

http://www.schoolhistory.co.uk/revision/worldwari.shtml

Conscription Crisis: A Nation Divided

2009-11-25T14:29:00.000-08:00

"Aye, ready, Aye"~ Wilfred Laurier, 1914

At the beginning of the war, many Canadians charged to the recruitment stations in order to volunteer to fight. The majority of those were English Canadians, however the overwhelming feeling was that this was a good decision - most notably since the war would be over soon.

As time passed and the casualties mounted, the number of Canadians volunteering to go to war dropped dramatically, and Prime Minister Robert Borden was faced with the difficult decision of deciding whether or not mandatory military service would be a good way to provide reinforcements for his troops.

The decision divided Canadians, and many of these tensions are still in existence within the fabric of today's society. The "Khaki Election" of 1917 was decided on the basis of conscription, and many people believe that part of the reason that the Conservative Party has struggled historically in Quebec stems back from Borden's attempts to "rig the election" and force conscription upon French Canadians.

Two handouts from today's lesson have been uploaded to the blog including:
1. Conscription Notes: A Nation Divided
2. Conscription Role Play Characters - Summaries of all of the historical characters exemplified in today's lesson.

Test Preparation: Main Themes

1. Give specific examples of how the pressures of Militarism, Alliance Systems, Imperialism and Nationalism led to the outbreak of WWI.
2. In what ways did Canada contribute to the war effort giving examples from trench battles, the war in the air, the war in the sea, and the home front.
3. How did Canada increase its independence and status on the world stage by through our actions during World War One?
4. What were some of the tragedies of WWI and who were some of our heroes?
5. How did the end of the war (Paris Peace Conference, Treaty of Versailles, League of Nations) contribute to the instability in Germany and increase the likelihood of a future world war?
6. How were minorities treated during World War One, and how did the status of women change as a result of their involvement in the war effort?
7. In what ways did the war unite Canadians and bring them together... in what ways did the war divide Canadians and tear them apart?

WWI Unit Test Outline

2009-11-20T11:35:00.000-08:00

Today's class was spent discussing the "homefront" in Canada, as well as the Conscription Crisis. Key things that were discussed include:

Propaganda - to force men to enlist, to attract women workers, etc.
"Enemy Aliens" - treatment of German/Austro-Hungarian immigrants in Canada
Conscription Crisis - divisions between French and English, including actions of Henri Bourassa and Robert Borden's election campaign
Role of Women - increased power and resultant voting rights

The WWI Unit Test outline has been posted on the side, please download it and prepare your cheat sheet for the test.

Powerpoint: End of WWI

2009-11-19T19:43:00.000-08:00

Here is the powerpoint from class that explains the Collapse of the Central Powers at the end of WWI. I am sure this will bring you great joy and fun as you review your Socials 11 homework over the weekend.

Collapse of the Central Powers Powerpoint

Heroes and Victims - WWI and Canadian Identity

2009-11-16T13:32:00.000-08:00

PICTURE: Billy Bishop - Canadian Fighter Pilot - Leading ace of WWI with 72 credited victories.

Today's class focused on an analysis of WWI battles and technology, and the way in which they impacted the development of Canada's national identity.

Class Activities:

1. Reviewed answers to WWI Battles Worksheet from last day. Emphasized key terms/ideas that we need to know for the unit - ex. Tanks were first used in the battle of the Somme.

2. Watched video clip of Trench Warfare - WWI

3. Examined the heroes and victims of WWI using worksheet "Rembering the War." This included:

Individual soldiers like Jerry Jones and fighter pilots like Billy Bishop (picture above), the Black Flight, & Red Baron

The battle of Vimy Ridge as one of Canada's greatest military victories
The War at Sea - German U-boats, wolfpacks, the convoy system, Halifax Explosion

HW: Make sure blog post is made before next class for full marks. Reminder of Unit Test on November 27, 2009.

Here is an interesting article about the youngest soldier to serve in the British Army in WWI. He was 12 years old.

WWI Battles & The Canadian Corps

2009-11-11T17:51:00.001-08:00

The CEF in Action - How did the battles and fighting of World War One affect us as a nation?

Today's class will be spent examining 4 key battles in detail - Ypres, Somme, Vimy Ridge, and Passchendaele. It is important that we understand the basics about these wars, but also their significance. Which battle was characterized by the first use of biological weapons in WWI? Which battle was the first to utilize the power of tank warfare? Which battle was considered to be Canada's greatest victory in the Great War?

Class Activity

1. WWI Battles Activity Sheet - if you lose it, you can download it on the side.

Homework Activity: Use the internets...

PART ONE: Examine trench warfare up close. Take a look at the 4 virtual tours by the BBC.

Dog Fight Virtual Tour Trenches - Front Lines Virtual Tour

Trench Dug-Out Interior Life in the Trenches

PART TWO: Choose one of the following topics below, and then answer the questions for the topic by commenting on this post. NOTE: You must leave your first/last name to receive marks & your post will not appear until I have approved it. You only need to send it once. You will receive a mark out of 5 for your post - you will be assessed on your level of analysis and your clarity. Please spell-check your answer, and indicate which topic you chose.

Topics: CHOOSE ONE AND RESPOND.

1. Trench Warfare - Information

Click on the link and choose a minimum of 2 different topics to read about from the lists.
In your post, comment on at least TWO things that you found interesting.

2. Shell Shock during World War One

Skim the article, and write down 2 things that you found interesting about shell-shock, and its impact on the soldiers and/or their families.

3. Shot at Dawn: Cowards, Traitors, or Victims?

Skim the article, and comment on whether or not you believe that corporal punishment should have been used to punish soldiers in WWI. Explain your reasoning.

4. Tanks: Life and Times of a "Wonder Weapon"

Read over the introduction, and then select the section 2 "Tanks on the Western Front" and one other section of your choice.
Comment on 2 interesting things that you learned about tanks.

Extension Activity:

Go to the Fun and Games section on the right side of the blog and play the trench warfare game. It's pretty fun. I haven't figured out how to win yet, but i'm trying.

Life in the Trenches

2009-11-10T11:46:00.000-08:00

Over 22 million people died during WWII, and over 13 million are estimated to have been civilians. What was it like for the soldiers that were forced to fight in the 20,000 miles of trenches that cut across Europe? Why did so many of the survivors suffer from "shell-shock" when they returned home?

Today we reviewed the handout "A soldier's life" and discussed the horrific, gruesome nature of the fighting that was characteristic of WWI. The rats, the disease, the trench foot, the dying bodies - it was enough to cause many to injure themselves in the hopes of being sent home.

Be sure that you are clear about the architecture of the trenches, as well as some of the challenges soldiers faced in these fighting zones. Next day we will examine specific battles in detail.

No Homework... but reading over the battle section in your text will be helpful.

Pre-WWI Europe Maps

2009-11-05T18:23:00.001-08:00

In preparation for next day's map quiz, here are some maps that you can study from.

The map on the left shows the countries/empires that existed prior to WWI, as well as the alliances systems. Please be sure that you are also aware of the geographic location of "the Balkans".

This link is a good interactive map that shows the way in which the map of Europe changed after WWI, due to the break-up of empires and the creation of new countries. The Paris Peace Conference that occurred at the end of the war offered the "winning countries" a chance to re-draw the borders of Europe, and you will notice significant differences to the map.

WWI: From a European conflict to Global Warfare

2009-11-05T18:10:00.000-08:00

Understanding the origins of the "Great War" is extremely important because it gives us insight into the dynamics of the European powers at the turn of the century, and is an excellent way to analyse the results of nationalism, imperialism, alliance systems and militarism in detail.

Major Concepts that students should understand by the end of this unit:

How a regional conflict over control of the Balkans evolved into a global conflict
How Canadians were involved, and affected by WWI
How conscription became a major issue that divided Canadians, and increased tension between French and English Canadians
How Canada gained new influence in global affairs, and solidified its national identity
How the end of the war led to the creation of diplomatic relations between countries (League of Nations), and contributed to significant levels of German resentment.

Class Activities:

Read opening of Chapter 2 in Counterpoints - please finish Ch. 2 Reading Guide by next class.
Movie: Causes of WWI - answered questions and discussed responses

Next Day: Map Quiz on Pre-WWI Europe and Reading Guide due

Freeze! Setting the Stage for WWI

2009-11-04T10:12:00.000-08:00

Why did World War One break out? What were the causes that led to one of the most devastating global conflicts in recent times?

Today we examined an overview of the war by acting out freeze scenes in front of the class. These were the topics:

Europe in 1914
Conflict in the Balkans
Triggering Event - Assassination
Canada's Response to War
Schlieffen Plan
Trench Warfare

For homework, you were asked to read over the large handout, and take notes on a seperate piece of paper on the following topics:

Economic Rivalries
Nationalism
Militarism (Arms Race)
Spies
Propaganda
New Weapons of WWI

I would also suggest reviewing the term Total War, as well as the map of Europe. You will have a quiz on Pre-WWI Europe on Monday/Tuesday.

Introduction: World War 1

2009-11-02T19:34:00.000-08:00

Today's class will be a general overview of WWI, beginning with the causes of one of the most devastating conflicts fought in the 20th century. In order to prepare yourself for today's class, it is important to preview Ch. 2 in your Horizons text, which will give you an overview of our next unit.

WWI took place started in 1914 and ended on November 11, 1918 (Remembrance Day). This war was originally thought to be a short war that would "be over by Christmas". No one envisioned the terrible battles that would be fought from the trenches, or the endless insanity that characterizes wars of attrition.

By the end of today's classes, you should have a general understanding of the causes of WWI, as well as a familiarity with "the Balkan issue". You should understand Canada's response to the outbreak of war, as well as strategic battle plans such as the Schlieffen Plan.

Day's Activities:

1. Hand in assignments - Turn of the Century Assignments

2. Preview WWI - large handout

3. Break up into groups - freeze scene rehearsal

4. Presentations of freeze scenes

5. Homework - reading questions from handout, text.

Powerpoint: Ch. 1 Themes

2009-10-28T17:28:00.000-07:00

Here is the powerpoint that was used in class today to exemplify the key concepts for Chapter One.

What was Canada like in the 1900's?

Laurier Era Themes

2009-10-27T16:09:00.000-07:00

Today in class we continued our examination of Turn of the Century Canada by reviewing the major vocabulary terms and events and linking them to our 4 key themes of the chapter. If you have forgotten the themes, please glance at the previous post to refresh your memory.

When you are organizing your assignment, it is important that you try and 'categorize' your vocabulary terms into the four themes. This will help you understand the connections between the events, and will also help you analyze the information in a deeper way.

Which of the themes is most interesting to you?

Our assignment due date has been postponed to after the weekend, however don't forget that you now have a mini-quiz next class on the Chapter terms. If you have lost your unit outline, please download it from the blog.

Unit 2: History - Let the story unfold...

2009-10-24T15:25:00.000-07:00

The Laurier Era:

We are beginning our history unit with an overview of what the world was like at the turn of the century. We will focus first on Canada during the years prior to World War One, and then we will analyze the events that led to the outbreak of war in Europe.

Key textbook references for this unit will be chapter 1 and 2 in Counterpoints, as well as the class handouts. Main themes for the first mini-unit will be:

Racism and Discrimination - Immigration policies by Borden, Vancouver Riot of 1907, Chinese Head Tax, Komagata Maru Incident, Treatment of Aboriginal peoples including reserves and residential schools.
Protest and Dissent - Introduction to early civil disobedience includes Nellie McClung and the Famous Five, suffragettes, trade unions
Hope and Discovery - New inventions of Victorian Era including the car, radio, manufacturing line; medical discoveries including penicillin
The British Bullies - Canada struggles to stand up to Great Britain as they are forced to fight for the British in South Africa during the Boer War, while the Alaskan panhandle is given away to the Americans.

Assignment: See uploaded handout.

A visual summary of the 4 main themes above - "What was Canada like at the turn of the century?"

Unit Test Fast Approaching: Do You Have What It Takes?

2009-10-19T13:57:00.000-07:00

Our Government Unit test is fast approaching - I am hoping that you will be able to demonstrate your political understanding next class. Your unit test will cover everything in Chapter 9, everything in Chapter 10 except civil disobediance, pgs. 275-276 in Chapter 11, and pgs. 294-300 in Chapter 12.

Key focus topics in our unit: "The Big Ideas"

What is the history, organization and responsibilities of our government?
What are the basic political ideologies that serve as the underpinnings of Canadian political parties?
How can individual citizens create change, and be a part of the political system?
What are some of the major issues facing the Canadian political system - electoral system, electoral turn-out, the Senate?
What is the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and why is it important?

Be ready to answer multiple choice questions, short answer, and analyse political cartoons.

Charter of Rights and Freedoms

2009-10-18T22:48:00.000-07:00

Here is a link to a detailed powerpoint on the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, one of the topics that will be on your government unit test. Some of you might find this useful review.

Charter Review

Debates!!

2009-10-15T14:03:00.001-07:00

Outstanding work today on the debates! We had some great conversations during class, and I was extremely impressed with everyone's effort and preparation. Interestingly, all the proposed bills were passed during the second block, while none of the bills passed in third block....

Reminder that there is still one debate to finish next day in Block 2B, and 2 more in Block 3C. We will spend the rest of the class reviewing, and your unit test will be the following class.

Homework for Blocks 2/3 is to finish the Constitution questions, they are posted in the handouts section if you have lost them.

Notes and Handouts are Online

2009-10-13T18:04:00.001-07:00

Hello everyone,

My PDF maker is now working, and most of the notes and handouts have now been posted for the government unit. If you are away, it is expected that you will head to the handouts section and download anything that you are missing. Also, if you have lost some of the notes to review for the unit test, they should be up there.

Also, SS11 fun welcomes Block 7G to the blog! It would be great if you would practice posting a comment on this post - you can create a google account, or just use anonymous. Once your comment is approved by me then it will appear below the post.

Enjoy!

Rights and Freedoms - Canada's Constitution

2009-10-13T15:02:00.001-07:00

Today was the last topic in our government unit - Canada's constitution. Today we reviewed for our unit test by watching the Canada's Government video, and then examined our constitution in closer detail.

New bills and by-laws are crossing the paths of our provincial and municipal governments as we prepare for the Olympics. Many of these will directly affect our individuals rights. As we examine these issues, it is important that we not only understand our rights and freedoms as Canadian citizens, but also the limits that can be placed upon them.

Today's Activities:
1. Brief group meetings to prepare for debates
2. Video: Canada's Government - fill in questions on worksheet
3. Handout: Canada's Constitution - text questions about Constitution and Charter

HW:
Get ready for the debates!

Parliamentary Debate!

2009-10-08T13:58:00.001-07:00

How can the legislative process empower everyday citizens to make change within our society. Understanding the law-making process is an important one, and will hopefully be brought to life in the coming classes. Today's class consisted of the First Reading of our Proposed Bills, and each Cabinet was informed of the proposed ideas that will be presented two classes from today.

Class Activities:
1. Legislative Debate Handout - Group Expectations, preparation of the First Reading
2. Review of "How to Pass a Bill" HW - fill in the blanks
3. Introduction to Video: Canada's Government - discussion questions. This will be continued next class.

SHADOW CABINETS FOR BLOCK 2B:
1. Raising the Minimum Wage to $9.75 - will be opposed by Mallory O'Neil's group
2. Free Public Transit for Students - will be opposed by Bhavik's group
3. Legalization of Marijuana - will be opposed by Sarah Garcia's group
4. Abolishment of Provincial Exams - will be opposed by Nicole's group

SHADOW CABINETS FOR BLOCK 3C:
1. Raising the Driving Age to 19 years - opposed by Anil's group
2. Canada should be transformed into a fascist state - opposed by Stefan's group
3. Legalization of marijuana - opposed by Hamsa's group
4. Voting Age should be lowered to 16 years - opposed by Crystal's group
5. Death Penalty should be reintroduced - opposed by Cory's group

HW for next class - begin your research so that you will be prepared for Second Reading two classes from today.

Government Roles and Responsibilities Wrap-Up

2009-10-06T14:36:00.000-07:00

We are almost complete our second section of our Government Unit. We have examined the structure of the government, the 3 different branches, the roles and responsibilities of different parliamentary members, and now we are beginning our discussion of the legislative process. We have also begun examining how the process of analyzing political cartoons, because they can be a bit complicated sometimes.

Today's Activities:
1. Political Cartoon - Democracy/Voter Apathy
2. Review: Cabinet/Senate vocabulary activity
3. Notes: Positive and Negatives of the Senate; Potential Senate Reform
4. Political Cartoons - Senate Reform/Abolishment
5. Law-Making Process: text book activity COMPLETE FOR HW
6. Assigning of Groups for Parliament Simulation

In the next coming classes we are going to begin our simulation of the law-making process. I"m hoping that not only will it lead to some wonderful classroom debates, but it will also bring the process of passing a bill to life and make it a bit more exciting.

HOMEWORK FOR NEXT DAY:
Decide as a group what topic you will attempt to bring before Parliament. One person in your group will be responsible for presenting your bill during the First Reading next day in class.

Moral Dilemmas - A Politician's Life

2009-10-04T21:34:00.000-07:00

Friday's class consisted of finishing up our examination of some of the our political system's biggest debates including Senate Reform, patronage, and cabinet solidarity.

We made our way through some of the dilemmas facing MP's, Cabinet members, and issues like Senator Andrew Thompson's vacations in Mexico. The hope was that simulating the experience of creating a budget would help you remember what Cabinet Solidarity stood for, while watching VHS video footage of Parliament would help bring the issues of Senate Reform to life.

Next day we will review your notes from pages 230-233 in your text, begin our political cartoon analysis, and start researching the process of passing a bill. It is extremely important that you are in class this week, as we will be acting out Parliament procedures in groups next week.

In the meantime, you might want to be following the "fall-out" from the non-confidence debate that occurred in Parliament this week...

Government #6 - Unit 2: Structure of Government

2009-09-28T15:48:00.000-07:00

UNIT 2: STRUCTURE OF GOVERNMENT

Once people are voted into power - what happens next? Today we began our analysis into the (very fun and exciting) structure of the Canadian parliamentary system. Our classroom activities consisted of:

1. Unit 1 Quiz - Government (Political Ideologies, Parties and the Electoral Process)
2. Powerpoint on Structure of Canadian government - will be posted shortly

Summary of Executive, Judicial and Legislative Branches
Roles and responsibilities of different positions within the government including PM, Cabinet, MP's, civil servants and bureaucracy, Senate, Governor General

3. Handout called "Branches of Government" was given out - Study Guide package

HW: Finish fill in the blanks sheet -Roles of Government and highlight booklet

BONUS: Pay attention to the no-confidence vote in Parliament. Vote has been postponed until Thursday. Write a brief summary informing us about the reason for the vote, and the voting results. Due Friday in class.

Government #5 - Electoral Process

2009-09-28T15:41:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, September 23, 2009 we did the following:

1. Review of electoral terms - matching
2. Notes on Electoral process
3. Webquest in the computer lab - political parties and legislature building

HW - Finish webquest, Study for Quiz

WEBQUEST ANSWERS:
1A) 24 parties 1B) answers vary 1C) Carole James 1D) Gordon Campbell
2. Vancouver Island = NDP
3. Answers may vary
4A) Lieutenant Governor 4B) 79 4C) 15-25
5A) Keep order in the House/Legislative Assembly 5B) Mace/sword 5C) Answers vary
6. To facilitate dialogue and discussion in the house, and to organize speaker list

Party Leaders
1. Jack Layton
2. Michael Ignatieff
3. Stephen Harper
4. Gilles Duceppe
5. Elizabeth May

Government #4 - Canada's Electoral System

2009-09-21T19:59:00.000-07:00

Last day we discussed the fact that one of the issues facing the Canadian government is the decreasing participation in Canadian voters in our elections. Today we connected our discussion on voting last day, to the structure of the Canadian electoral system.

1. Review of multiple choice questions on ideology and Canadian political parties

2. Analysis of the political satire video clip "Vote Fascism"

3. Notes on Voting and the Canadian electoral system

4. Analysis of special interest campaigns "5 Friends - Don't Vote" and the role that celebrities should/should not play in influencing political campaigns.

HW - Block B/2: Finish opinion questions; Block C/3: No HW

Quiz - Next Monday, September 28th 2009

Government #3: Ideology Review and Intro to Democracy

2009-09-17T16:59:00.000-07:00

From Ancient Greece to Canada's modern state, the notion of democracy has evolved significantly since its earliest origins. A fully functioning democracy is the opposite of a dictatorship, and possesses several distinct characteristics:

A constitution that protects individual rights and freedoms - BNA Act
A separately organized judiciary and political system, so that judges can make decisions without worrying about the political repercussions.
Multi-party elections
Separate levels of government
Freedom of speech, and a media free from government censorship

Not all states that claim to be democracies uphold all of these tenants, and while it is not the most efficient government system - it is still a system that many people believe is the best structure for societies. However there are many issues that should be discussed, such as:

Should the voting age be lowered?
How are elections rigged?

Class Activities:

1. Review of class political compass results

2. Political Ideologies review activity - Matching and practice questions

3. Democracy intro and handout

4. News Article: Should 16 year olds receive the vote? - class discussion

5. National Political Parties HW handed in

No HW for next class

How do political ideologies connect to political parties?

2009-09-15T13:11:00.000-07:00

Government: Lesson#2

An ideology explains the way in which a society should be organized, and offers suggestions on the role of individuals within that particulary society. Political ideologies help to explain the way in which governments should be organized, and the roles and responsibilities of individual citizenship within that structure.

Our federal and provincial political parties in Canada are each based on particular ideologies along the political spectrum. The goal of this unit is for you to determine your own ideas about the way an ideal society should function, and then to choose to support a political party that aligns with your beliefs.

Class Activities:
1. Review the results of the Political Compass test, and hand in results to Ms. Sawatsky.
2. Review the "Right to Left" political spectrum, and became familiar with specific ideologies including:

Communism - ex. Karl Marx's philosophy
Socialism
Liberalism
Conservatism
Capitalism
Fascism - ex. Benito Mussolini, Italy

3. Discuss where political parties fit along the political spectrum, and we began to examine the different federal parties that exist in Canada.

Handouts:

Communism/Socialism/Fascism
Political Spectrum booklet
Worksheet - National Political Parties

HW: Finish worksheet for next class with as much detail as possible.

Government - #1: Political Ideologies

2009-09-11T11:32:00.000-07:00

How do dictators maintain control over their people? How do you think a society should function, and a government should run itself? What is your perception of the world and of human nature?

These are some of the questions that were discussed in class today, and they will guide our introduction to political ideologies. This unit will eventually connect to our study of political parties in Canada and the world, to issues of individual rights and freedoms, and eventually to the structure of our government. Keep in mind that your political views will change with time - be open to the questions and comments that are raised around you as this will only help to clarify your own opinions.

Class Activities:
1. Role Assignment: Discussion of Absolute Dictators
2. Political Viewpoints Quiz - including partner and class discussion
3. Brief overview of 4 quadrant political spectrum

Homework Assignment #2

Go to http://www.politicalcompass.org/ and 'take the test'. It will take about 25-40 minutes to complete, so please allocate enough time. If you get stuck on any of the questions or the vocabulary, use http://www.dictionary.com/ or just give it your best guess. There are alot of questions, so your results shouldn't be affected too much.

Print out your results page (print selection so you don't get all 7 pages), or if you don't have a printer, bring the coordinate results to class for us to record.

Challenge Activity: Read over the website explanation on ideology as it is quite thorough. We will be discussing this next day in class.

Getting Started!

2009-09-05T11:26:00.000-07:00

Participating in the blog is mandatory, and so it is important that you learn how to use it. Now, I am not the most sophisticated of computer users, so if you are having problems, or can think of better ways that this blog could be used to help you enjoy Social Studies, then just let me know. In the meantime, you will need a google user name to get started because you will complete your homework assignments by posting comments, insights, and interesting questions.

If you get stuck, or you can't use the blog at home, do not be afraid to ask for help - you are always welcome to use our classroom computer on your own time, in order to complete your assignments.

How To Post...

Posting a comment is easy, but you will need a google account to do this. At the end of each post there will be a link that shows the number of comments (ex. 0 comments). Click on this link, and you will be given a space to write a response. Please spellcheck your response, and be sure that your comment is respectful.

At the bottom of your comment it will say "Comment as" - select Google Account. Then if you do not have a gmail/igoogle page/blog - you will have to create a new google account. Select a user name, and enter in your email address. Then, you can preview your post to see what it looks like beforehand, and then you're done!

ASSIGNMENT #1

1. Post a comment below, so that you can practice using the blog. No message is necessary, just make sure you leave your first and last name so that I can tell which students have posted.