E7/8 - Today we Live Blog

Good morning, E7/8,

Today we'll be live blogging. That means that we'll all be working on our blogs simultaneously while we are sitting here in the Lab.

I don't mind if you work with a partner today so long as the two of you stay on task. I reserve the right to split you up if I feel you are not on task.

I've listened carefully and thought a lot about what you said about blogging, and I'll be making some changes.

Today, for example, you are going to do some research and you won't be marked on the finish product, but you will be marked on your process of gathering information and then participating in our class discussion.

Your job today is to look at the questions at the bottom of this post and figure out some ways to answer them so that when we have a class discussion about these topics next class, you will be well prepared.

Please let us know if you find any particularly wonderful sites.

In answering the questions, you may use full sentences or jot notes, your choice. As you publish answers, let me know so that I can link to you. Hopefully this will enable us to get an online discussion going. Post anything that you find interesting - links, information...

None of these questions have simple answers. They all have complex, involved answers. Try to give yourself a bit of an overview of some of the issues involved. You will do research to find some answers, you can talk with your partner and you will use your own inferencing skills to come up with some answers to the following:

Grade 7s
-How did the influx of Loyalist refugees change things in Canada?
-What were some of the causes (the reasons that it started) of the War of 1812?
-What were some of the effects (the things that happened because of) of the War of 1812?
-What would life for a Canadian look like, feel like and be like at this time in our history? (1775 - American Revolution started, 1783-1784 - approx. 50 000 Loyalists migrated to Canada)

Grade 8s
-How did the completion of the Canadian Pacific Railway change Canada? -What were some of the causes of the Red River Rebellion?
-What were some of the effects of the Red River Rebellion?
-What would life for a Canadian look like, feel like and be like at this time in our history? (1881-1885 - construction of the CPR, 1869 - Red River Rebellion)

Adrily Has Done it Again

The incredible Adria and Emily in E7/8 have made another hilarious and informative video. They made great use of 18th Century slang. Their bunny joke is a highlight.

A Loyalist/Patriot Game

Santana the Magnificent has found an amazingly cool game where you work your way through different tasks and questions and determine whether you would have been a Patriot or a Loyalist living during the American Revolution.

Let me know if you've played the game and what the outcome was!

Want Some Bonus Marks? - Special thanks to Santana!

Santana continues her wonderful 'net research skills. She has found all kinds of exciting sites, including the following:

#1. An article about Black Loyalists.
#2. Many articles from different points of view in America about the American Revolution.
#3. Some American heroes of the American Revolution. How do you think the Loyalists saw these people? What about the British North Americans?
#4. An article from the American point of view describing the causes and effects of the American Revolution.
#5. I haven't played a lot on this one yet, but it's pretty neat - HistoryWorld. If you check this one out, let me know what great features it has!

For some bonus marks, you can check out these sites and write a review on your own blog, linking others to them. As always, if you do a bonus assignment, send a comment my way so that I know to check it out!

Mapping Your Way through History

Santana (my #1 Internet researcher) has found yet another amazing site. Canadian Geographic hosts all kinds of capital ("cool" from the 18th century) sources, including Historical Maps.

The site is super, duper awesome. You pick a year and you are shown a map of Canada from that time. There are really clear legends and a description of important events PLUS bonus facts. As well, there are many wonderful links in each description. This is a great place to start your research for ANY Canadian History topic. Amazing.

As well, you can click on a link on the right-hand side of the page to do a Canada Quiz. This is a great, comprehensive quiz. There are questions that go along with each map and chunk of information. As well, unlike some not so great Internet quizzes, the answers are available to you after you've completed the questions. That means you can actually learn from your mistakes (the best reason to MAKE mistakes!).

I strongly suggest you check out this site. We certainly will be using it as a class in the future.

Change of Schedule - Day 4

 

Hello students in E7A, E7B and E7/8,

Starting the week we come back from March Break, we will be blogging in the Lab two times (instead of three times) a cycle. On Day 4, you will need to bring a notebook or a binder with you to my classroom. We will meet outside my room and go over what we'll be working on for the next little bit.

From now on, Day 4 classes take part in my classroom - Room 108!

Will Life Be Worth Living in 2000?

I found a hilarious article from 1961 that predicts the future.  The writer feels that there will be a lot of change and that all those changes won't be wonderful.  It reminds me of the work you've done in predicting the history of the future. 

Great News - I'm going to change the Due Dates for #9 and #10!

Hey Cupcakes,

Let's talk about Assignments #9 and #10 at school on Friday - many people feel that they cannot get finished on time. No worries. We'll select a new due date during class on Friday!

ESL Assignment H

Hello again, English language learners!

Your next assignment is to talk about school in Canada and school in your home country.

1.) You must create a new post and write about three things that you like about Canadian school. 

2.) You must write about three things that you liked about school in your home country. 

3.) Then, tell us which you like better and why.

ESL students - Assignment G

Hello English language learners!

Your next assignment is a lot like your last one. You have to check out this website and answer these questions in full sentences.

1. What was the population of Canada in 2002?

2. What are the two official languages in Canada?

3. How long are women expected to live in Canada (life expectancy)?

4. How long are men expected to live in Canada (life expectancy)?

5. What are three types of jobs that people have in Canada (work force)?

When you have finished this assignment, please leave a comment on this post.

ESL Students - Assignment F

Check out this website about Canadian Facts and Trivia. Read the facts and then start a new post to answer the following questions in full sentences:

1. In population density, how many people are there in every square kilometer in Canada (this is an average)?

2. What are five inventions that have been created in Canada?

3. Where is the world's smallest jail?

4. Is Canada the first or second largest country in the world?

When you are finished your assignment, leave a comment on this post.

ESL Students - Assignment E

Hello English language learners,

Here is your newest assignment.

I have found a quiz about Canada. There are ten questions on it. Try to answer as many as you can. Which ones did you know? Which ones were more difficult. For your assignment, start a new post. Tell me what you learned from the quiz and write 5 Canada quiz questions of your own.

When you have finished this assignment, please leave a comment here.

Baby Mike is sick

Hello ladies and germs,

Dr. Prof. Mike is sick today. You can visit his blog and send him well-wishes if you wish to wish him well.

Hopefully he'll be back tomorrow.

Historical Trends by the Decade

The incredible Santana has discovered one of the greatest sites I've ever seen. You can select a decade and there are lists of important events, who is "in", who died, the "bad guys", entertainment, music, literature, art, slang, and fashion and beauty. This site is an excellent place to start your research or enhance your diary or journal. So, so cool! I love it!

18th Century Slang

Do you want to make your letter or diary entry more authentic? Check out this list of 18th century slang. Then say some of them out loud with a British accent. It's capital.

Grade 8s - Assignment #10: Diary/Letter from the Railroad

Hi Grade 8s,

Your new assignment is up on Mike's blog. Check it out and get rocking!

You will write as someone involved with the building of the Canadian Pacific Railway between 1881-1885.

If you're stuck for information, here are some places to get started
The Railroad in General
-Wikipedia entry on the Canadian Pacific Railway, lots of basic information
-The Canadian Pacific Railway website traces the history of the Railway, this may help if you are writing from the point of view of a person overseeing its construction.
-The Canadian Encyclopedia has an article that includes information about some of the people in charge of the railroad and the great importance of its construction

Chinese Railway Workers
-Historica has a one minute video depicting the danger of building a railroad that cut through mountains
-The Wikipedia entry on the History of Chinese immigration to Canada explains what life was like for Chinese immigrants in the section "Immigration for the Railway".
-The Chinese Canadian Culture Online Project presents information about Chinese Railroad workers
-Parks Canada posted an article commemorating Chinese Railroad workers lost during the construction of the railway
-This is the text of a speech made to the US House of Representatives in 1999 commemorating the lives of Chinese Railroad workers and their contributions to the building of the transcontinental railroad. There are also photos included.
-This is an excellent article that includes information about how much the Chinese workers were paid for their backbreaking labour. It also describes what happened to the workers after they died. Heavy stuff.
-Gordon Lightfoot, a Canadian singer wrote the song, "The Canadian Railroad Triolgy". Read over the lyrics or listen to the song to help you out with some ideas.

You will be evaluated based on the following expectations:
-Point of view - you have done an excellent job "stepping into the shoes" of your writer and we can fully understand his or her opinion
-Information used - your letter or diary has lots of information based on fact
-Map included - you have included a map of where these people were living and/or working
-Link to three sites you used for information
-Vocabulary - you use appropriate vocabulary
-Creativity - your work is written in your own words and in a unique way

Here is what you are expected to learn:
-explore the Canadian Pacific Railway as a factor contributing to the settlement and development of western Canada
-use a variety of resources and tools to gather, process and communicate information
-identify some key individuals and groups whose efforts led to the railway's completion
-use a variety of sources to locate relevant information about the building of the railway
-analyze, synthesize and evaluate historical information
-describe and analyse conflicting points of view about a historical event
-use appropriate vocabulary to describe inquiries and observations

Hey E8C - This one's for you!

E8C,

Mr. Campbell and I are currently trying to figure out how to teach you together. Up until now, you've been doing Geography in the classroom with Mr. Campbell and History with me in the Lab. Your Geography course is finished and Mr. Campbell and I are now working together to teach you History.

What I'd like to know from you is whether you'd like to continue blogging, add more blogging days or stop blogging altogether. Also, I need your advice on how to make things work with two teachers and one course. Please answer the poll question below and leave a comment to weigh in.

Grade 7s - Assignment #9: Loyalist Diary/Letter

Hello GRADE SEVEN buddies,

Check out your newest assignment. Mike has assigned it. It's super awesome. You get to write an imaginary diary entry or letter from the point of view of a Loyalist or a British North American meeting Loyalists for the first time during the American Revolution (1775-1783).

The details are on Mike's blog.

Some sources to start your search
-The Wikipedia entry on Loyalists (this includes information on where the settlements were and a list of well-known Loyalists)
-The Wikipedia entry on Black Loyalists
-Here is a major destination of early Loyalist refugees
-The Mysteries of Canada website has a good article on United Empire Loyalists
-The Wikipedia entry on United Empire Loyalists has a list of settlements and links to websites about them, as well as an explanation of why some people added UE to the end of their names.
-A short history of the UEL
-This short article discusses some of the immediate effects of the influx of UEL into Canada
-hand-drawn Loyalist maps - so cool!
-a list of real Loyalists - some inspiration for names, perhaps?
-this is an incredible list of real Loyalists and some information about each one - it is organized alphabetically
-here is what what given to every Loyalist who "fought for the Crown"
-this page has lots of links, I've already linked to some, but there are certainly more of interest

***Research, research, research BEFORE you start writing! There is so much interesting information, don't rush into the quickest bit, the writing. Find out loads of information first!***

You will be evaluated based on the following expectations:
-Point of view - you have done an excellent job "stepping into the shoes" of your writer and we can fully understand his or her opinion
-Information used - your letter or diary has lots of information based on fact, including the areas of settlement
-Map included - you have included a map of where these people were living
-Link to three sites you used for information
-Vocabulary - you use appropriate vocabulary ("The crown", "Loyalists", "Patriots", "Upper Canada", "Lower Canada"...)
-Creativity - your work is written in your own words and in a unique way

Here is what you are expected to learn:
-Explain the origins of English settlement in North America after the fall of New France
-Describe the migration and settlement experiences of various groups of settlers
-Use a variety of resources to gather, process and communicate information about the beginnings and development BNA
-Identify themes and personalities from the period
-Explain the historical impact of the American Revolution on the settlement of BNA
-Describe different groups of people who took part in the Loyalists' migration
-Analyze, synthesize and evaluate historical information
-Describe and analyze conflicting points of view about historical events
-communicate the results of inquiries for specific purposes and audiences
-use appropriate vocabulary to describe inquiries and observations

See how much you are learning!

To Blog or Not To Blog?

Thank you to those of you who have responded to the poll asking whether you'd like to continue blogging in Geography. I really appreciate those of you who took the time to write a comment and let me know what you think.

This is the first time I have taught using blogs and, like you, I am learning a lot! Your work continues to improve as you use the tools available to you more and more effectively. I am especially impressed with your work on Assignment #8. I have read some wonderfully creative and well-researched imaginary interviews.

Some issues you have raised and that I am thinking about:

More class discussion - Some people have suggested that we do some class discussion along with our blogging. I think this is a great idea. So far, you have been working fairly independently on your blogs (and doing a great job, may I add!), I will work on finding ways to interact even more.

More guidance from the teacher - In other classes you've taken in the Social Studies (History, Geography), you are used to having the teacher lead you through a concept and then you do a reading or an assignment. With our projects so far, I've been releasing the responsibility to you. You have been responsible for working with information I've given you, that I've directed you towards or that you've found on your own. Some of you want more guidance and I will be happy to provide that to you.

More clarity - You may not believe it, but you are flying through curriculum expectations for your grade. What I will do is I will let you know, with each assignment, which curriculum expectations you are covering (there is a whole bunch of stuff you're expected to learn each year and that's put together in curriculum documents that teachers refer to). Also, I've started to add more information at the end of posts to tell you how I'll be evaluating each assignment. People have also expressed that they miss learning in units. I'll add more info at the beginning of assignments to let you know which unit we're working on. I'll get even better organized and hopefully that will help you.

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Fewer Assignments - Some of you have said that you would like more time to read your peers assignments before you are given your next one. I've been trying to give you assignments of different lengths, but to also keep you busy during class time. I'm thinking about how many assignments to give you.

Distractions - Several of you have said that blogging is distracting. I'd argue that it's not the blogging that is distracting, but it's all the other cool stuff on the Internet that is distracting. It is up to you to monitor your use and make sure you are staying on task. The world is a distracting place and I think it is an invaluable tool to learn how to stay focused amidst many other tempting things.

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Once again, I really appreciate your opinions and I really appreciate the respectful, mature way in which you are expressing them. Like I've said, I am learning from our blogging project along with you, and your input helps me to continue to learn and improve my teaching. Thank you.

If there are any other issues you'd like to raise, please don't hesitate to do so in the comments area.

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Geography is Coming...

I have heard from many of you who have said you love blogging. Please leave a comment to tell me what you love about blogging and what you do not love about blogging. If you do not love learning History through blogging, please tell me what I can do to help you learn better.