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Introductory Activity
Here is a selection of introductory activities for teachers to use with students.
In this introductory activity, students explore the life and career of Robert Bourassa.
In this introductory activity, students gather information about and discuss Canada's military contributions to the Second World War, and the Dieppe raid in particular.
In this introductory activity, students research Rick Hansen, the challenges he faced, and the Man in Motion World Tour.
In this introductory activity, students listen to and view archival clips about the issues around the construction of the Confederation Bridge.
In this introductory activity, students explore this site and other sources to create a biography of Tommy Douglas.
In this introductory activity, students will prepare a fact sheet about the history of birth control in Canada.
Issues Surrounding the Northern Pipeline
In this introductory activity, students browse the site to understand the key figures in the development of and inquiry surrounding the Mackenzie River pipeline and to develop a picture of Thomas Berger and his mandate.
In this introductory activity, students browse the site to gather information about China, both historically and currently, and explain why they think China is growing into a superpower.
In this introductory activity, students write a handbook outlining how to prepare a peaceful protest or profiling a well-known protest.
Students explore the site to gather information about the Avro Arrow.
In this introductory activity, students will discover the early history of the Canadian auto industry.
In this introductory activity, students will learn about the life and times of Louis Riel.
In this introductory activity, students will create posters supporting or opposing the 1991 Gulf War.
In this introductory activity, students will explore Matthew Halton's reflections on Canada and identify and express their own views on what Canada means to them.
In this introductory activity, students browse the site to gather impressions of and information about René Lévesque.
Interning Japanese Canadians: A Blight on Canadian History
In this introductory activity, students will create a timeline of events from the time of the internment of Japanese Canadians during the Second World War to the eventual apology from the government in 1997.
In this introductory activity, students identify and describe, orally or in writing, who the Pope is and facts about his 1984 visit.
In this introductory activity, students identify, and describe orally or in writing, characteristics and facts about Terry Fox
Religion in the Classroom: Understanding the Issues
In this introductory activity, students define the term "religion", scan the CBC Digital Archives website, and complete an introductory Learner Log.
Red River Rising: What Would You Do?
In this introductory activity, students examine the human impact of a major flood and list items they would take and leave behind in such a disaster.
Facts About the Marijuana Debate
In this introductory activity, students will find facts about marijuana and its legalization.
In this introductory activity, students will examine the life of Phil Fontaine and create a web to understand how the events of his life are related.
In this introductory activity, students write a letter to a friend telling that person about Peter Gzowski.
Exploring the Atlantic Seal Hunt
In this introductory activity, students prepare a multi-media presentation about the seal hunt in Canada.
In this introductory activity, students explore conflict resolution methods at work in the quest for world peace.
In this introductory activity, students develop a timeline showing the progression of Canada's involvement in peacekeeping efforts over time.
In this introductory activity, students browse the site to gain an initial impression of Oscar Peterson and his music.
An Introduction to Politics in Ontario
In this introductory activity, students will explore the main personalities, events, and issues in Ontario politics from the mid-1980s to the present day.
In this introductory activity, students will conduct research about the nature of alliances, the formation of NATO, and Canada's role as a founding member of NATO.
Women Contribute to the War Effort
In this introductory activity, students perform dramatic monologues about contributions made by women during the Second World War.
Serving Our Traditions and History
In this introductory activity, students will write creatively to reflect on how Canadian food is tied to our traditions and history.
Presidents and Prime Ministers
In this introductory activity, students prepare a broadcast news report covering a presidential visit to Ottawa.
In this introductory activity, students analyze media clips by or about Mordecai Richler and select the most important point from the clip.
In this introductory activity, students explore the topic to learn about how time, place, and conditions influenced British women to marry Canadian servicemen during the Second World War.
In this introductory activity, students complete a chart that identifies and lists the causes, effects, and treatments for Minamata disease, and conclude with ideas to prevent the disease from spreading in the future.
Who Was Maurice 'Rocket' Richard?
In this introductory activity, students explore the topic to create a timeline of significant events in Maurice Richard's life.
In this introductory activity, students create a vertical sequence chart that records the milestones in the life of Louis St-Laurent.
In this introductory activity, students will collect, analyze, and present information about the medium of film.
In this introductory activity students conduct research about the experiences and perspectives of Holocaust survivors in order to formulate opinions about studying genocide.
Marshall McLuhan, The Man and His Message
In this introductory activity, students identify and describe, orally or in writing, Marshall McLuhan and his contributions.
Gathering Information about Margaret Laurence
In this introductory activity, students scan the site to answer basic questions about Margaret Laurence and her life.
In this introductory activity, students create a book jacket for the biography of Lester B. "Mike" Pearson, Canada's 18th Prime Minister.
The Care and Feeding of a Writer
In this introductory activity, students will research Margaret Atwood's early life to discover how she developed as a writer.
Leonard Cohen: Canadian Cultural Icon
In this introductory activity, students will define the term "cultural icon" and examine why it is applied to Leonard Cohen.
The World of Satellite Technology
In this introductory activity students gain an overview of sattelite technology and its development.
Tracking the Development of Lacrosse
In this introductory activity, students create a timeline of the history of the game of lacrosse.
In this introductory activity, students will create a stamp commemorating the achievements of Marc Garneau.
In this introductory activity, students complete a KWL chart about June Callwood.
The Rise and Fall of Kim Campbell
In this introductory activity, students outline key events in the rise and fall of Kim Campbell in Canadian politics.
In this introductory activity students list qualities of a good Prime Minister and compare the accomplishments and failures of John Diefenbaker to that list.
In this introductory activity, students explore the CBC Digital Archives website to learn facts about Karen Kain and her career.
In this introductory activity, students examine Jeanne Sauvé's career and focus on her appointments that were "firsts" in the parliamentary arena.
In this introductory activity, students prepare a poster illustrating Jean Chrétien's political career.
Funding Amateur Sports: An Investigation
In this introductory activity, students investigate the history and current status of government funding for amateur sports in Canada.
James Bay Project: Pro and Con
In this introductory activity, students will examine the main reasons why the James Bay Project was initiated and what the primary roadblocks were to the project.
In this introductory activity, students will explore what makes a hero.
Is Canada a Safe Haven for War Criminals?
In this introductory activity, students will examine how the Canadian government responded to claims that alleged war criminals were hiding in Canada.
In this introductory activity, students prepare a timeline of the major events, figures, issues, and developments in the glory days of the cod fishery in Newfoundland and Labrador from the 1400s to the 1950s.
In this introductory activity, students create a visual display illustrating what the internet is and how it is tied into our daily lives.
Locating Hydroelectric Power in Canada
In this introductory activity, students will become familiar with the location and energy output of hydroelectric power plants in Canada and create a fact sheet about one plant.
Impact of the Pork Industry in Canada
In this introductory activity, students will explore the advantages and disadvantages of Canada's pork industry, with particular attention to profits versus environmental impacts.
In this introductory activity, students research and write an expository paragraph detailing the background, philosophy, and actions of the hippie movement.
Protecting Language and Culture
In this introductory activity, students will examine the passage of Bill 101 and create a poster describing its cultural and legal significance.
In this introductory activity, students explore the topic to learn more about Newfoundland and Confederation, with a particular focus on political and economic circumstances.
In this introductory activity, students identify the technologies used in Canada to fight forest fires.
Students explore the reasons why people who do exercise do, and why people who don't exercise don't.
Issues Facing Canada's Aboriginal Peoples
In this introductory activity, students will explore the issues facing Aboriginal People, both today and throughout history.
Students browse specific sites to obtain on overview of the controversy surrounding genetically modified foods.
In this introductory activity, students will interview older women for their view of the changing realities of women's issues, then briefly note the issues addressed by the Royal Commission on the Status of Women.
In this introductory activity, students examine job opportunities and the marketing impact of various demographic groups.
Pioneering Canadian Women in Sports
In this introductory activity, students will explore the history of Canadian female athletes.
Dr. Morgentaler and the Abortion Debate
In this introductory activity, students explore the career of Dr. Henry Morgentaler and examine the central issues in the abortion debate.
In this introductory activity, students explore and describe the life of Dr. Gerald Bull from various perspectives.
In this introductory activity, students will review the concept of "species at risk," learn about endangered species in Canada and the reasons they are at risk, and record what they learn on a chart.
In this introductory activity, students make a web showing the various industries associated with farming and discuss the impact of drought on these industries.
In this introductory activity, students gather information about the personality, political career, and importance of Ed Broadbent as a voice from the left in Canadian politics.
The Death Penalty in Canada: A History
Students will collect information about the death penalty and prepare a short presentation on their findings.
In this introductory activity, students will learn about Canadian retailing giant Eaton's, and how its founder, Timothy Eaton, changed the way Canadians shopped.
In this introductory activity, students will consider what factors help people remember key events of importance to a society, and what factors motivate people to support good causes through time, money, or effort.
In this introductory activity, students will examine the effects of relocation on the Innu of Davis Inlet.
In this introductory activity, students will browse the site and gather information to create a fact sheet about David Suzuki.
In this introductory activity, students will create a timeline identifying changing attitudes toward smoking.
In this introductory activity, students will investigate the climate and weather patterns of Nunavut.
In this introductory activity, students will complete a worksheet charting the compensation given to various veteran groups.
In this introductory activity, students create a timeline of significant events in the Canadian film industry.
Constitutional Discord: Meech Lake
In this introductory activity, students create storyboards about the events leading up to and the events of the Meech Lake Constitutional Accord, and dramatize those events.
Introduction to Media Concentration and Convergence
In this introductory activity, students define terms and explore media concentration and convergence.
In this introductory activity, students will familiarize themselves with the life, times, work, and legacy of Dr. Norman Bethune.
Students learn about Brian Mulroney and his place in the history of Canadian politics.
Computers and Canadian Culture
In this introductory activity, students will explore how computers have changed our lives and culture.
The Quest for the Northwest Passage
In this introductory activity, students examine the motivations, explorations, and results of various voyages through the Northwest Passage and create a poster-sized timeline to share their findings.
In this introductory activity, students explore the site to gather some first impressions of the Cold War era and its impact on Canadian society and politics.
In this introductory activity, students will explore the history of the forest industry in Canada.
Bombardier's Opportunity in the Snow
In this introductory activity, students will explore the Bombardier Corporation and the history of the snowmobile in Canada.
In this introductory activity, students browse the site to find examples of racism, discrimination, and exploitation of Chinese immigrants from the 1880s to 1947.
Students develop a glossary to help them understand the history and science of diabetes.
In this introductory lesson, students will gather information about diabetes and its treatment.
What Is Canada's Constitution?
In this introductory activity, students explore the history and relevance of Canada's 1982 Constitution and Charter of Rights.
In this introductory activity, students explore the topic to learn more about the boat people and why they fled from their homeland.
In this introductory activity, students will browse the site to gather information about nuclear power.
The Canada-U.S. Free Trade Agreement
In this introductory activity, students will explore and summarize the issues involved in the Canada-U.S. Free Trade Agreement.
In this introductory activity, students prepare a timeline describing the events of the 1972 Canada-Soviet hockey series.
Government Regulation of Industry
In this introductory activity, students will explore and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of government regulation of the wine industry.
Quotations of Lucy Maud Montgomery
In this introductory activity, students explore the site to find revealing quotations from the writings of Lucy Maud Montgomery.
In this introductory activity, students design a stamp to commemorate a royal visit.
In this introductory activity, students create a list of items they need for an earthquake preparedness kit.
In this introductory activity, students will investigate the major issues involved in constitutional debates from Confederation to the mid-1960s.
In this introductory activity, students prepare a descriptive web of Canadarm's uses and upgrades.
The Impact of Radio and Television
In this introductory activity, students will choose a significant event broadcast in the early days of radio and television and use a medium of their choice to share information about it.
In this introductory activity, students browse the site and create an organized chart displaying data about the creation and uses of the telephone.
In this introductory activity, students will differentiate between reproductive and therapeutic cloning, and examine their own positions on this issue.
In this introductory activity, students will examine and explore the lyrics of anti-apartheid songs and convey information to other young people about anti-racism.
Learning About Federal Elections in Canada
In this introductory activity, students gather information about the history of federal elections in recent Canadian history, focusing on some key campaigns and learning how the issues, leaders, parties, and results of each election impacted Canadian politics.
In this introductory activity, students study and use the symbols relating to the Calgary Stampede.
In this introductory activity, students will listen to the stories of avalanche survivors and create a collage that reflects their experiences.
In this introductory activity, students will create a collage to explain the impact of the softwood lumber industry on the lives of people in Canada and the U.S.
A Timeline of the Asbestos Industry
Students will prepare a timeline of the fall of the asbestos industry.
In this introductory activity, students will browse the site to gain an initial understanding about censoring art.
In this introductory activity, students browse the site for information about Antonine Maillet and discuss techniques to use to provide that information.
In this introductory activity, students will investigate the idea of assimilation as it relates to the federal government's education of Inuit children, which began in the 1950s.
Albertans Who Make a Difference
In this introductory activity, students will prepare a poster profiling a prominent Albertan and how that person has made a difference to the province.
Students will search for literary themes in Al Purdy's poetry and show how they express elements of his life and outlook.
In this introductory activity, students explore information about Africville and its history and describe what it might have been like to live there.
In this introductory lesson, students will explore acid rain and its impact on the environment.
Students will view and react to an interview conducted by Barbara Frum.
Portraying Canadian Women in Television and Radio
In this introductory activity, students create a chart to compare and contrast current portrayals of Canadian women in the media to portrayals in the past.
In this introductory activity, students will prepare a brief oral or written statement about the challenges and opportunities of residential schools.
In this introductory activity, students listen to war interviews with soldiers and analyze their effectiveness.