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.

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.

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. 

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

Contest Hosted by Helena

Check it out!

Movie Time with Louis Riel

Rania in E7B found a website that has several links to different sources about Louis Riel, including a site with several videos.

He's a Poet and We Didn't Even Know It

Alma in E7B discovered that Louis Riel is a poet. Check it out on her blog or look at even more information.

Mike is Blogging

Hello pals,

Our hardworking Co-op student, Dr. Prof. Mr. Mike, has started a blog. You should read it. He will be posting assignments for you. Don't worry, I'll link to him when he does. In the meantime, though, read his posts (he's very funny) and feel free to comment. He is also giving a great example to you of what you can do with your own blog. You may write on it at any time, not just when responding to assignments.

Go blog-crazy!