Lesson Plan: Canadian Identity

Lesson Plan

Before project launch

Consider launching the project in one of the following ways:

Lead a class discussion with the question "What makes a nation?" Record key points on the chalkboard.

Provide a definition for the term "identity." Ask students to define "Canadian identity." Pose the question: "What is the Canadian identity?" Brainstorm this topic with the class and record answers on the chalkboard. Ask students to comment on which of their responses may be considered positive for Canada and which responses may originally have posed challenges for Canada. As a class, categorize the responses. How many categories are there? Can these categories be definitive in analyzing what makes us distinctly Canadian? Why is it difficult to have only one answer to what makes us distinctly Canadian?

Have students do a survey outside of class, asking five people: "What makes Canadians distinctly Canadian?" Students record the responses and share them with the class.

Have students conduct an Internet search for the term "Canadian identity" or for an answer to the question: "What is the Canadian identity?" Have students share their results with the class.

Inform students that the CBC Digital Archives website is a Canadian site with information categorized under the following headings: Economy & Business, Arts & Entertainment, Environment, Health, Lifestyle, Politics, Science & Technology, Society, Sports, War & Conflict.   If students were to research the Canadian identity, under which categories might they find suitable topics? What elements of the Canadian identity might not be represented within the above categories?

Outline the project parameters

Following the project launch, present and review the Project Outline (download sheet Canadian Identity) carefully with the students.

The project includes the following worksheets that outline the task and provide guidance for group research and tasks. You can choose to use all or some of these sheets or you can adapt them to suit your needs and those of your students. Be sure that students understand how to use each sheet that they need. Students should keep these sheets in a folder for quick reference.

For research, students can consult the CBC Digital Archives website as well as other resources listed. Encourage students to find additional resources on their own.

Project Outline
Distribute this outline before beginning the project. Be clear about expectations and clarify any questions.

Planning and Organizing Tasks for Group Research
Students can use these sheets to divide the workload fairly and to help focus their group's project.

Additional Research Resources
Students may find some of these resources helpful as they conduct research.

Individual Research Notes
Students can use this tool to guide their research and to focus their work.

Analyzing Information to Formulate Conclusions
Students can use these guiding questions to help them reach group consensus for planning and completing a group project.

Model Assessment Rubric
Review the rubric with your students immediately after presenting the Project Outline to ensure that students clearly understand the assessment procedures and expectations.

Revisit and Reflect

After all groups have performed their simulated television productions, compare and contrast all the group projects. Consider the following questions:

How are the works similar or different in content?

What might account for these similarities and differences?

What is the level of difficulty in determining the Canadian identity?

Is there a "true" Canadian identity? Why or why not?

Extension

Consider one or all of the following:

Post clips of the videotaped projects on the school's website.

Show the videotaped projects during a time when parents are visiting the school.

Incorporate the projects into a school concert, assembly, or Remembrance Day service.

Material

chart paper

video camera (optional)

Print
Canadian Heritage. Symbols of Canada. 2002.
Canadian Identity Directorate, Department of Canadian Heritage. The National Flag of Canada, A Profile. Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada, 2000.
Owens, Ann-Maureen and Jane Yealland. Canada's Maple Leaf, The Story of Our Flag. Toronto: Kids Can Press Ltd., 1999.

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