THANK YOU FOR A FANTASTIC SEMESTER!!
It has been an honour and a pleasure learning with such a dynamic and amazing team.
YOU MAY PICK UP YOUR PORTFOLIOS FROM THE CAWS OFFICE
Welcome to Civics and Careers!!
Below are the things we did in class and ongoing assignments. They are in reverse chronological order so the most recent day will be at the top. Each day begins with a song and quote the relates to the topic of the day. The lesson plans below include the quote and the link so you can view the videos and listen to the songs. Enjoy!! There will also be videos below so you can watch what we are watching in class from where ever you are!!
COURSE DESCRIPTION FOR CIVICS
This course explores what it means to be an informed, participating, citizen in a democratic society. Students will learn about the elements of democracy and the meaning of democratic citizenship in local, national, and global contexts. In addition, students will learn about social change, examine decision-making processes in Canada, explore their own and other’s beliefs and perspectives on civics questions and learn how to think and act critically and creatively about public issues.1
EXPECTATIONS FROM STUDENTS
Students will be encouraged actively to participate in debates, simulations, role-playing, and class-discussions. Students are expected to apply interpersonal and academic skills as well as demonstrate knowledge learned. Students are expected to put forth at all times a sincere effort and maintain complete and organized notes. Regular attendance and punctuality are essential to ensure success in the course. Students are responsible for their own learning. In cases of absence, students are responsible for finding out what work has been missed. They must complete all assigned tasks.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course is made up of three units:
UNIT ONE - Democracy: Issues and Ideas
-Civics, Democracy, and the Ideal Society
-Types of leadership and governments
-Rights and responsibilities
-Participating in the community
UNIT TWO - Democracy: The Canadian Context
-Values and the Political Spectrum
-Political Parties and role of the Media
-Canada’s Parliamentary Democracy
-How a Bill Becomes a Law
UNIT THREE - Democracy: Global Citizenship
-International issues
-International voluntary organizations
-Being an Active Global Citizenship
Mark Breakdown
Knowledge and Understanding (tests and quizzes) 25%
Thinking and Inquiry 25%
Communication 25%
Application (culminating tasks) 25%
_____
100 %
COURSE DESCRIPTION FOR CIVICS
This course explores what it means to be an informed, participating, citizen in a democratic society. Students will learn about the elements of democracy and the meaning of democratic citizenship in local, national, and global contexts. In addition, students will learn about social change, examine decision-making processes in Canada, explore their own and other’s beliefs and perspectives on civics questions and learn how to think and act critically and creatively about public issues.1
EXPECTATIONS FROM STUDENTS
Students will be encouraged actively to participate in debates, simulations, role-playing, and class-discussions. Students are expected to apply interpersonal and academic skills as well as demonstrate knowledge learned. Students are expected to put forth at all times a sincere effort and maintain complete and organized notes. Regular attendance and punctuality are essential to ensure success in the course. Students are responsible for their own learning. In cases of absence, students are responsible for finding out what work has been missed. They must complete all assigned tasks.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course is made up of three units:
UNIT ONE - Democracy: Issues and Ideas
-Civics, Democracy, and the Ideal Society
-Types of leadership and governments
-Rights and responsibilities
-Participating in the community
UNIT TWO - Democracy: The Canadian Context
-Values and the Political Spectrum
-Political Parties and role of the Media
-Canada’s Parliamentary Democracy
-How a Bill Becomes a Law
UNIT THREE - Democracy: Global Citizenship
-International issues
-International voluntary organizations
-Being an Active Global Citizenship
Mark Breakdown
Knowledge and Understanding (tests and quizzes) 25%
Thinking and Inquiry 25%
Communication 25%
Application (culminating tasks) 25%
_____
100 %
Careers Course Outline
This Career Studies course is designed to give students the necessary tools to begin the decision making process regarding post-secondary pathways and career options. The course is only 9 weeks long and so it moves fairly quickly. Please note that this course is a ½ credit course and is required for graduation. Regular attendance and completion of assignments is mandatory for success.
This course is about you. Who you are, what you want to do with your life, and how you’re going to get there. The more effort you put into answering these questions, the more you will get out of this opportunity.
Curriculum Units:
Unit 1: Personal Knowledge and Career Exploration
There is work to be done on the internet in this course. Please ensure that you have access to school computers. You will need to put money in for printing off information. If these two items cause concern please speak with your teacher.
Notebooks:
You are to have a binder to keep class notes accessible in. It is expected that you bring this binder with you to class each and every day. Please bring appropriate writing tools as well.
Attendance:
This half course is 9 weeks in duration covering information that pertains directly to you. It is very important that you attend class everyday. If you know in advance that you are going to be away, please notify your teacher. If you are ill and miss a class, please be prepared to get caught up on your work. It is best if you have a “buddy” in the class who will collect assignments and share notes with you in the event that you are away.
Class Website:
Students will be able to access online resources relevant to this course through the class website. The class website can be found here: www.mswestgate2.weebly.com. There is a forum on the website where you can ask questions of me and your peers and we can respond back to you and have a discussion.
Contacting the teacher:
Please see the teacher in class for most concerns. If parents would like to contact the teacher please contact the school at 705-645-4496 x 452. Email is also available at [email protected].
This course is about you. Who you are, what you want to do with your life, and how you’re going to get there. The more effort you put into answering these questions, the more you will get out of this opportunity.
Curriculum Units:
Unit 1: Personal Knowledge and Career Exploration
- Personal mission statement
- Hero story and values
- Collage creation, presentation and summary
- Skills, interests, aptitudes, learning styles
- Online assessments
- High school graduation requirements
- Apprenticeships
- University/college applications
- Guest speaker reports
- Job of the day- presentation/brochure
- Safety on the job
- Resumes
- Cover letters
- Application forms
- Interview techniques
- Professional portfolios
- Personal mission statement
- Hero story
- Collage presentation
- Collage summary
- Online self-assessment assignment
- Job of the day
- Guest speaker reports
- Final Professional Portfolio
There is work to be done on the internet in this course. Please ensure that you have access to school computers. You will need to put money in for printing off information. If these two items cause concern please speak with your teacher.
Notebooks:
You are to have a binder to keep class notes accessible in. It is expected that you bring this binder with you to class each and every day. Please bring appropriate writing tools as well.
Attendance:
This half course is 9 weeks in duration covering information that pertains directly to you. It is very important that you attend class everyday. If you know in advance that you are going to be away, please notify your teacher. If you are ill and miss a class, please be prepared to get caught up on your work. It is best if you have a “buddy” in the class who will collect assignments and share notes with you in the event that you are away.
Class Website:
Students will be able to access online resources relevant to this course through the class website. The class website can be found here: www.mswestgate2.weebly.com. There is a forum on the website where you can ask questions of me and your peers and we can respond back to you and have a discussion.
Contacting the teacher:
Please see the teacher in class for most concerns. If parents would like to contact the teacher please contact the school at 705-645-4496 x 452. Email is also available at [email protected].
Tuesday 21 June 2011 OUR LAST DAY TOGETHER
We will complete the mock interviews and then provide feedback. Following that, we will open the floor to anyone who would like to experience a mock panel interview with the three of us. The rest of the class will observe so everyone can see what this style of interview can be like. After that, I will have you fill out a course survey and feedback form that will guide me in my teaching of this course in the future. This is our last day. It has been a fantastic semester. I have enjoyed working with you all immensely and am confident that you will have an amazing future. You are all so driven and skilled and talented. It was truly an honour to spend this semester with you.
Please drop by during exam week and I will tell you what your final mark is in this course. I should have that for you by Monday next week. Alternatively, just send me a quick email and I will tell you that way as soon as I have it.
Please drop by during exam week and I will tell you what your final mark is in this course. I should have that for you by Monday next week. Alternatively, just send me a quick email and I will tell you that way as soon as I have it.
Monday 20 June 2011
Today was mock interview day. Most of the interviews were completed. The last few will be completed tomorrow, our last day together.
Friday 17 June 2011
We did a group activity called "The Outer Space Experience" where students had to rate items in order of importance individually and then in groups of 3 or 4. We then discussed the answers and compared them to a master list. Monday will be mock interview day. Calvin and CJ will be with us to conduct interviews as well. They will provide tips and suggestions during the interview and on Tuesday we will complete the interviews and then provide feedback. Following that, we will open the floor to anyone who would like to experience a mock panel interview with the three of us. The rest of the class will observe so everyone can see what this style of interview can be like. After that, I will have you fill out a course survey and feedback form that will guide me in my teaching of this course in the future.
Thursday 16 June 2011
This was a work period for some students. Some students met with me and I gave feedback on their portfolios and resumes.
Wednesday 15 June 2011
We read an article called "Never Going to Grow Up, Not Me" and answered questions. We discussed the themes and whether the information and advice given was valid and valuable for them as young people.
Tuesday 14 June 2011
Students were able to work on outstanding work on the laptops today. We also heard from some more students who spoke about their collages.
Monday 13 June 2011
We watched Dying to Work and completed questions. We had a discussion of who was in the wrong and how they can be proactive in their workplaces to ensure the safety. We reviewed what we learned before about Occupational Health and Safety and discussed what should be done.
Friday 10 June 2011
We listened to more collage presentations today and completed our discussion of earlier on Labour Laws using the Ontario Ministry of Labour website. Students were encouraged to look at this site often for changes and whenever they have questions. It has all the laws and regulations specific to every form of employment on it. http://www.labour.gov.on.ca/english/
Tuesday 7 through Thursday 9 June 2011
We will be in the library. Students will have these three class periods to create their resume, cover letter, and portfolio. After this, they will have to work on it on their own time. Make sure you bring all materials you need to each class. I will explain further the "three best works" and provide you with the possible interview questions from which you can choose 6 to respond to in your portfolio.
Monday 6 June 2011
Today we discussed the portfolio assignment. I showed the students my resume and cover letter so they could have an idea how one could look. They also have a sample resume for someone with simillar work experience to them. Students worked on deciding what skills and experiences they have that are also employable skills. Tuesday through Thursday, will be spend in the library typing cover letters, resumes, and working on the portfolio assignment. These will likely be the only school time lab days we get for the year, so be productive and on task. This is worth 30% of your mark in Careers.
portfolio_assignment_sheet.doc | |
File Size: | 28 kb |
File Type: | doc |
Thursday 2 June 2011
We have an altered schedule and a shortened class today due to SUMMERFEST. Mr. Robert Kerr LLB will be speaking to our class about careers in aeronatical and nuclear engineering as well as law. This will likely be our last presenter for the course. From here on in it's culiminating task and other tasks outlined above. We hope to have Calvin and CJ back during the last couple of days of class to assist with mock interviews so you can get a feel for what an interview is like and even what a panel interview is like so you can be better prepared for the world of work.
Friday 3 June 2011
We listened to another collage presentation, critically read a sample cover letter and resume pointing out all the flaws in them as a lead into writing our own resumes and cover letters.
Wednesday 1 June 2011
We are in the library today. Students will be doing one or all or some of the following:
- typing and formatting their resume
- peer editing their resumes
- finalizing their resumes
- selecting a job that they will cator their portfolio and cover letter to
- creating a strong cover letter and having it edited by a peer or myself
- finalizing their cover letters
- creating their portfolios
The resume, cover letter and portfolio is their culminating task worth 30% of their mark in conjunction with their mock interview
- typing and formatting their resume
- peer editing their resumes
- finalizing their resumes
- selecting a job that they will cator their portfolio and cover letter to
- creating a strong cover letter and having it edited by a peer or myself
- finalizing their cover letters
- creating their portfolios
The resume, cover letter and portfolio is their culminating task worth 30% of their mark in conjunction with their mock interview
Tuesday 31 May 2011
Mr. Nick Van Erp came to speak to us about careers in firefighting. Thank you for taking the time. It was a great presentation and the students really enjoyed it and learned about this career. It may have even encouraged students to explore firefighting as a satisfying career.
Monday 30 May 2011
Mr. Calvin Nesbitt and his partner, CJ, presented about effective resumes, cover letters and interviews. They also introduced the students to the programs and services that Canada Employment has to offer online and locally. It was a great presentation and the students definitely took something valuable away from it. We will be working on peer editing and writing resumes and cover letters and beginning the portfolio on Wednesday in the library.
Here are the links for the job bank and public service:
http://www.jobbank.gc.ca
Federal Student Work Exoerience Program http://jobs-emplois.gc.ca/fswep-pfete/index-eng.htm
Here are the links for the job bank and public service:
http://www.jobbank.gc.ca
Federal Student Work Exoerience Program http://jobs-emplois.gc.ca/fswep-pfete/index-eng.htm
Friday 27 May 2011
We heard more of the collage presentations today. We continued our look at Occupational Health and Safety.
Thursday 26 May 2011
Today we heard more of the collage presentations. We then explored the Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act. The links are below:
http://www.labour.gov.on.ca/english/
http://www.youtube.com/user/OntMinLabour They have their own channel where you can watch their videos on safety in the workplace.
http://www.labour.gov.on.ca/english/
http://www.youtube.com/user/OntMinLabour They have their own channel where you can watch their videos on safety in the workplace.
Wednesday 25 May 2011
Thank you Mike Laughlin for coming and speaking to the class about being a corrections officer. The supply said it was enthralling.
Friday 20 and Tuesday 24 May 2011
We watched Taken and students made a list of the careers they saw on screen and also the careers involved in getting this film produced and on DVD off screen. The longest most thorough list wins a prize!!
Thursday 19 May 2011
Stuart McKinnon, an EMT, spoke to the class about a career as a paramedic. It is was excellent. Students even learned how to transport patients down stairs and see the vehicle. Thank you Stuart!!
Wednesday 18 May 2011
Students worked on their collages and other outstanding work. Many began their resume organizers. We will be working on resumes, cover letters and portfolios.
Tuesday 17 May 2011
We listened to Peter Sale talk about his exciting career in environmental science. Students learned about the amazing opportunities this career choice offers and it was great to hear from him.
Monday 16 May 2011
We heard a couple collage presentations today. Students selected a partner and they will peer evaluate. The class offered one thing each presenter did really well and one thing they could improve. It was very constructive and positive. Students had a work period in the library to complete the outstanding tasks and plan their resumes.
Friday 13 May 2011
Steven Spiers came to speak to the class about the pathways, OYAP and SHSM opportunities students have here at BMLSS. It was fantastic.
Thursday 12 May 2011
Students worked in the computer lab finishing up the career discovery, preparing their script for their collage presentation, and preliminary research on the trends in resumes and portfolios. We will be working on resumes, cover letters and porfolios for over the next few weeks on the days that we don't have speakers.
Wednesday 11 May 2011
We had a nurse come in and speak to use about nursing and ultrasound technology.
Tuesday 10 May 2011
Students worked on their collages and we talked about the write up. We set up what makes up a good collage and presentation. This is designed to be preparation for interviews and portfolios. It is practice for job interviews where you are to talk confidently about yourself. The expectations we set up today are what I will use to create a leveled peer and self-evaluation sheet. Students will be evaluating eachother and providing feedback to use to improve for the mock job interviews.
Monday 9 May 2011
Students had the laptops. Students who needed to work on their career discovery assignment used the laptops and the others worked on their collages.
Friday 6 May 2011
Students worked on their career discovery assignments today. Those that finished began their collage. We listened to Sir Ken Robinson via Ted Talks. We listened to him speak on how our education system is killing creativity and how we need to change that to meet the needs or our 21st Century world.
http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/eng/ken_robinson_says_schools_kill_creativity.html
http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/eng/ken_robinson_says_schools_kill_creativity.html
Thursday 5 May 2011
Mr. Justin Deweert spoke to us about his career experiences as a civil engineer and how we came to be a math teacher at BMLSS. It was a great presentation and the students enjoyed it a great deal.
Wednesday 4 May 2011
Students continued working on their career discovery and also were given their collage assignment. They are to create a collage that speaks to 5 elements. The students today were to create lists for each category so that they would know what they are looking for tomorrow with the magazines.
Monday 3 May 2011
We continued the film and discussed some of the themes. And what we feel so far about the choices Chris made.
Friday 29 April 2011
We began watching The Pursuit of Happyness today. We will talk about the sacrifices that people make to reach their goals and their dreams.
Thursday 28 April 2011
Students were given their report cards in block A today. This will have their final mark in Civics on it.
Today we had Krista Hozian from Generation E come and present the youth entrepreneurship opportunities available to the students. There are grants and training available.
Today we had Krista Hozian from Generation E come and present the youth entrepreneurship opportunities available to the students. There are grants and training available.
Tuesday 26 and Wednesday 27 April 2011
Students began a career discovery task using the laptops. They did 3 assessment quizzes and recorded the occupations the sites indicated that they were suited for and then responded to some questions. The next part of the task will entail students researching 6 of the top careers from the quizzes and completing an organizer.
Thursday 21 April 2011
Today we talked debriefed the mind map from yesterday which was meant to show the students that they have many options and how one career path can lead them to other opportunities.
On the anniversary of the great Bob Marley's death we listened to Redemption Song.
Students went on career exploration sites today on the laptops. They completed personality quizzes and then it would tell them what careers they are best suited for.
On the anniversary of the great Bob Marley's death we listened to Redemption Song.
Students went on career exploration sites today on the laptops. They completed personality quizzes and then it would tell them what careers they are best suited for.
Tuesday 19 April 2011
Today students rated themselves on a list of personality traits and then they passed it to a table mate to rate them. We discussed whether we were surprised by any over ther peers responses. Most were not and said that they were pretty close to how they viewed themself. I then let the students rate me and I used their rating to illustrate how people express different personality traits in their personal life than they do at work in order to be successful. We then worked in groups linking three personality traits that they felt were most important to them with careers that they could be successful at based upon those traits. We will debrief this exercise tomorrow because it was meant to show them how one career path can take them into other careers and that there are many options out there if their first choice is not attainable.
Song: Justin donated the proceeds from this song to Japan. He and many other artists created a compilation CD that is being sold with proceeds going to Japan.
Song: Justin donated the proceeds from this song to Japan. He and many other artists created a compilation CD that is being sold with proceeds going to Japan.
Monday 18 April 2011
Today was our first day of careers. Students explored personality traits for careers like a fireperson, nurse and mechanic. We talked about what traits they would have and what things would give them satisfaction in their careers. We then talked about personality traits that first, middle and last born would have. We ended with a four corners debate about whether the order of birth is affects your personality traits. It was a very lively debate!!
Friday 15 April 2011
Civics is over!! Students were given mark updates and their goverment tasks back. Students have until Wednesday to get outstanding work into me. After that, the mark they have is the mark they will get on their report which goes out after Easter break. I enjoyed the class a lot and look forward to working with you all again in Careers. Thank you to everyone who gave me back their survey and indicated people they knew who would be able to come speak to the class. I will be contacting more professionals throughout the course. Ideally, I would like to have 2 guest speakers each week because I want to expose you to as many career options as possible, including the ones you are interested in. See you Monday!!
Thursday 14 April 2011
We discussed our impressions of the leader's debate and who they felt won the debate. We talked about why Elizabeth May was not permitted to participate yet Gilles Duceppe of the Bloq was. We talked about the latest censorship of who was permitted to participate in party rallies and how that fits in a democratic nation. We also talked about Canada's and NATOs involvement in Libya and what is happening in the Middle East to date. Students were given a survey to tell me what career(s) they are interested in and whether they knew any one who would be able and willing to come and speak to our careers class about their profession. I collected student self-evaluations and we discussed how we wanted to celebrate the end of Civics tomorrow. It appears that it will be a chillout game day.
Wednesday 13 April 2011
We finished the film Human Trafficking today and had a good discussion of what they learned from watching the film about the issue of human trafficking and how easy it is to become a victim. We also talked about whether they would do things differently in their lives now. The buddy system was one thing the students feel is a good strategy.
Quote: "in Canada, human trafficking was not even a criminal offence until 2005." Benjamin Perrin author of Invisible Chains: Canada's Underground World of Human Trafficking.
Song:
Quote: "in Canada, human trafficking was not even a criminal offence until 2005." Benjamin Perrin author of Invisible Chains: Canada's Underground World of Human Trafficking.
Song:
Tuesday 12 April 2011
We continued watching Human Trafficking today after the quote and song and discussion of what we have seen/learned so far. We talked about ways the characters in the film could have avoided being lured and forced into the human trafficking for sex industry. We talked about the fact that although this is fiction it is based on real cases and what they know already of the people involved in this industry.
Quote: "Victims of human trafficking are falling through the cracks of the criminal justice system because the response from law enforcement is too slow." Katherine Chon
Song:
Quote: "Victims of human trafficking are falling through the cracks of the criminal justice system because the response from law enforcement is too slow." Katherine Chon
Song:
Monday 11 April 2011
Today students worked together on the government unit assignment. They worked very well helping each other out and sharing ideas. I am sure everyone will be extremely successful. We are finished the culminating tasks for Civics now so we will finish the movie this week and just enjoy the week.
Friday 8 April 2011
We continued watching Human Trafficking and discussed the many ways people are recruited/lured in to human trafficking that we have seen in the movie. This is modern day slavery and we have more slaves in the world now than we have ever had in human history. It is an industry that is far more lucrative than drugs because you can sell a single person many times over whereas a drug is only sold once, may be twice. Although the content is disturbing and there is great emotional reaction to what is happening in the film, students want to continue watching until the end of the film so we will continue watching next Tuesday and Wednesday, discussing and debriefing as we go.
Quote: "I have seen the devil." - Nadia from Human Trafficking
Song:
Quote: "I have seen the devil." - Nadia from Human Trafficking
Song:
Thursday 7 April 2011
Students were given a self-evualtion to complete for their from of government presentations. We looked at the issue of human trafficking today. We began by looking at the RCMP report at http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/pubs/ht-tp/htta-tpem-eng.htm and discussing the gravity of the issue. Students were very shocked to learn of Canada's involvement and how much money this industry generates.
We began watching the movie Human Trafficking via YouTube.
We began watching the movie Human Trafficking via YouTube.
Wednesday 6 April 2011
We continued to review our political system and discussed what was happening in Libya and our political parties during the latest campaigning.
We talked about the fact that at the same time parliament was being dismissed troups were heading to Libya and whether that was a coincidence or intentional on the government's part. The students were reminded to get everything outstanded handed in for marking by Friday 15 April because that is when Civics is over. Marks have to be in by the 21st.
We talked about the fact that at the same time parliament was being dismissed troups were heading to Libya and whether that was a coincidence or intentional on the government's part. The students were reminded to get everything outstanded handed in for marking by Friday 15 April because that is when Civics is over. Marks have to be in by the 21st.
Tuesday 5 April 2011
We reviewed Canada's parliamentary system of government and talked about what has been happening on the election campaign trail. The test will be held on Monday the 11th because many students will be away on Thursday. It will be a group test so everyone should do fine.
Monday 4 April 2011
We looked at where the political parties stand on the environment and what is happening in the election campaign. We then went through the political party organizer so that everyone had the information. A test will be held on Thursday. We finished Sicko and students wrote a reflection responding to the question of which health care system they would prefer to have and why.
Quote: "I hold a vision of this blue green planet, safe and in balance. At the end of the Fossil Fuel Era, we are emerging to a new reality." Elizabeth May
Song:
Quote: "I hold a vision of this blue green planet, safe and in balance. At the end of the Fossil Fuel Era, we are emerging to a new reality." Elizabeth May
Song:
Friday 1 April 2011
We learned about more forms of government from our peers today and then began watching Sicko by Michael Moore. We will continue it Monday. Remember to complete the political parties organizers. We will wrap up our political system on Tuesday and have a quiz on Wednesday or Thursday. Students were given their issue presentation task so they can start thinking about an issue they would like our class to take on. We will be researching and then presenting so that we can take a form of action - be it showing a documentary on the caf over lunch hour to raise awareness, fundraising, educational posters, etc., before the term ends April 15th. \
Quote: "We believe all Americans should have access to stable and affordable health-care coverage." Pamela Dickson
Song:
Quote: "We believe all Americans should have access to stable and affordable health-care coverage." Pamela Dickson
Song:
Wednesday 30 March 2011
Today we had a lab day. Students completed their form of government presentations and then moved on to politics research tasks. The first thing they did was go on to www.cbc.ca/news/politics/votecompuss and find out what party they should align with. Students then completed an organizer and questions on the offical and unofficial parties in Canada. The links are below. If they finished that they were to answer questions on politics in 2008. Tomorrow is the OSSLT test so we will not have class. Good luck everyone!!
Political Parties: Where would you put your vote on May 2?
1. Using http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/canadavotes2011/votecompass/ to find out what party you should align with.
Record your party here:
2. Using the CBC website www.cbc.ca/news/politics and the political party websites below, complete the graphic organizer about the official parties in our election.
http://www.liberal.ca/
http://www.conservative.ca/
http://www.ndp.ca/
http://greenparty.ca/
http://www.blocquebecois.org/English.aspx
http://www.blocquebecois.org
3. Explore the sites below for unofficial parties.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhinoceros_Party_of_Canada_(1963%E2%80%931993)
http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/rhino-party/
a. Why do we have parties like the Rhinoceros Party?
b. When was the Rhino Party most prevalent?
c. This party is making a come back. Why?
d. What is the Communist Party Platform and leadership?
Political Parties: Where would you put your vote on May 2?
1. Using http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/canadavotes2011/votecompass/ to find out what party you should align with.
Record your party here:
2. Using the CBC website www.cbc.ca/news/politics and the political party websites below, complete the graphic organizer about the official parties in our election.
http://www.liberal.ca/
http://www.conservative.ca/
http://www.ndp.ca/
http://greenparty.ca/
http://www.blocquebecois.org/English.aspx
http://www.blocquebecois.org
3. Explore the sites below for unofficial parties.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhinoceros_Party_of_Canada_(1963%E2%80%931993)
http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/rhino-party/
a. Why do we have parties like the Rhinoceros Party?
b. When was the Rhino Party most prevalent?
c. This party is making a come back. Why?
d. What is the Communist Party Platform and leadership?
march_30_2011_political_parties_and_vote_compass.docx | |
File Size: | 12 kb |
File Type: | docx |
harper_calls_an_early_election.doc | |
File Size: | 40 kb |
File Type: | doc |
Tuesday 28 March 2011
We then looked at where the parties fit on the political spectrum and in turn, where we fit on the political spectrum. Some were surprised by their results. We have a lot of people who, based on their results, are swing votes.
political_spectrum.doc | |
File Size: | 25 kb |
File Type: | doc |
where_are_you_on_the_political_spectrum.doc | |
File Size: | 36 kb |
File Type: | doc |
Monday 28 March 2011
Today we talked about what happened in the House of Commons on Friday. The House voted to adjourn parliament after a vote on no confidence was made. On Saturday, Harper met with Honourable David Johnston and the Governor General dismissed parliament. The election campaign then began in earnest. We listened to our peers teach us about forms of government. Today we learned about absolute monarchy and puppet states. With the time we had left, we went through the vote compass as a class and found out that as a class we are Liberal!! That surprised many. Students will have the oppurtunity to go through this independently on Wednesday.
Friday 25 March 2011
It is a short period. We listened to our peers teach us about different forms of government. These will continue on Monday. At 230 we had a guest come in. Matt Richter came to speak to our class about the Green Party and local politics. We learned a lot and it was a great thing for the class to experience.
Quote: “Bad officials are elected by good citizens who do not vote.” George Jean Nathan
Song:
Quote: “Bad officials are elected by good citizens who do not vote.” George Jean Nathan
Song:
Thursday 24 March 2011
We are looking at our Charter of Rights and Freedoms today. We began by looking at a story of a woman who did not have the same freedoms we enjoy and ended by talking about whether our Charter needs to be ammended to address the world we live in and what changes you think need to be made.
In response to our quote, we talked about bystanders and why people wouldn't report what they see or hear. I linked it to the event last year when Dustin LaFortune was kidnapped, tortured and then dumped at a hospital in Regina. We talked about the tenant who heard everything and how he didn't report it to the police but told his landlord. We looked at Dustin's website so the students could see what that tenant potentially could have prevented. The link is http://dustinlafortune.com/.
Quote: “Now I say that with cruelty and oppression it is everybody's business to interfere when they see it.” Anna Sewell
Song:
In response to our quote, we talked about bystanders and why people wouldn't report what they see or hear. I linked it to the event last year when Dustin LaFortune was kidnapped, tortured and then dumped at a hospital in Regina. We talked about the tenant who heard everything and how he didn't report it to the police but told his landlord. We looked at Dustin's website so the students could see what that tenant potentially could have prevented. The link is http://dustinlafortune.com/.
Quote: “Now I say that with cruelty and oppression it is everybody's business to interfere when they see it.” Anna Sewell
Song:
Wednesday 23 March 2011
We continued our look at how our federal and provincial government works. I drew upon some resources and we looked at the Parliament of Canada (www.parl.gc.ca/common/index.asp) and government on Ontario ( websites. We completed the organizers for our levels of government. Tomorrow we will look at our rights and freedoms. We also looked at how a bill becomes law in order to help us understand how the provincial and federal systems operate. We looked at the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario's website at http://www.lt.gov.on.ca/en/default.asp.
Quote: “The only way I'd vote was if I was running. People could spend more valuable time buying rock albums, because it's obvious that music is more powerful than politics, or else the President wouldn't have to go on MTV to address anyone.” Marilyn Manson
Song:
Quote: “The only way I'd vote was if I was running. People could spend more valuable time buying rock albums, because it's obvious that music is more powerful than politics, or else the President wouldn't have to go on MTV to address anyone.” Marilyn Manson
Song:
roles_and_responsibilities_of_the_levels_of_government_march_23.docx | |
File Size: | 12 kb |
File Type: | docx |
the_parliament_of_canada.doc | |
File Size: | 34 kb |
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canadas_parliamentary_system_overview.docx | |
File Size: | 25 kb |
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roles_in_the_house_of_commons.doc | |
File Size: | 19 kb |
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executive_branch.doc | |
File Size: | 27 kb |
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legislative_branch.doc | |
File Size: | 29 kb |
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judicial_branch.doc | |
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Tuesday 22 March 2011
We are beginning our exploration of Canada's parliamentary system - both federal and provincial. We will look at the systems, how a bill becomes law at the provincial and federal level, political parties, and the political spectrum. We will also take a citizenship before we begin and then retake it at the end to see if we have improved. Could you pass the citizenship test today? Through this process we will pass a class bill in our government's fashion which will be fun. There will be a unit test on our government system and then we will take on our roles as citizens as we take action on an issue that our class chooses.
Quote: “Parliament will train you to talk; and above all things to hear, with patience, unlimited quantities of foolish talk” Thomas Carlyle
Song:
Quote: “Parliament will train you to talk; and above all things to hear, with patience, unlimited quantities of foolish talk” Thomas Carlyle
Song:
Monday 21 March 2011
Welcome back everyone!! Today we have the laptops so you can tighten up your form of government presentations. I thought this would be a nice relaxing way to ease back into the routine. To begin we looked at the BBC site to update ourselves on what is happening in Libya and Japan http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/ and CNN http://www.cnn.com/.
Quote: “It is shameful that Africa resorts to weapons whenever there is a dispute. Unfortunately, we turn all our differences into wars, which gives an opportunity for foreign interference.” Muammar Qadhafi
song:
Quote: “It is shameful that Africa resorts to weapons whenever there is a dispute. Unfortunately, we turn all our differences into wars, which gives an opportunity for foreign interference.” Muammar Qadhafi
song:
Friday 11 March 2011
We finished watching The Social Network today and discussed the impact Facebook and other online social networking sites has had on our lives and how we communicate. Keep up with what is happening in Libya and Egypt over the break because big events are brewing. We will recap the week's events on Monday.
Wednesday 9 March 2011
Today is our final OSSLT prep day. We looked at the multiple choice portion of the test. The test is on March 31st and you have to pass to graduate. If you fail your first try, you must take the OSSLT course before you can take the test again. If you do your best, I am sure you will all pass. For more resources, sample tests to practice, and tips go to http://www.eqao.com/Students/Secondary/10/10.aspx?Lang=E&gr=10.
Tuesday 8 March 2011
Students worked diligently on their government presentations. You will be evaluating your selfs and your group using the checklist you were given today. Check the blog for great sites and online sources for creating a properly formatted reference page.
forms_of_government_presentation_checklist.doc | |
File Size: | 40 kb |
File Type: | doc |
chicago_style_citation_guide.docx | |
File Size: | 23 kb |
File Type: | docx |
Monday 7 March 2011
We began our exploration of our democratic system today. We looked at the origins of democracy. We also looked at a diagram of our parliamentary system and discussed briefly what each branch and level does. We will continue this in more depth through the week. Tomorrow you will have the last computer period for your government presentations which will be held on Friday. I will give you a checklist with which you will evaluate yourself and use as a guide.
Quote: “In a democracy the poor will have more power than the rich, because there are more of them, and the will of the majority is supreme.” Aristotle
Song: Democracy is Coming to the USA by Leonard Cohen
Quote: “In a democracy the poor will have more power than the rich, because there are more of them, and the will of the majority is supreme.” Aristotle
Song: Democracy is Coming to the USA by Leonard Cohen
monday_7_march_2011_origins_of_democracy_and_our_parliamentary_system.doc | |
File Size: | 31 kb |
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origins_of_democracy.doc | |
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the_evolution_of_democracy.doc | |
File Size: | 38 kb |
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ca_par_sys.gif | |
File Size: | 8 kb |
File Type: | gif |
Friday 4 March 2011
Students had a supply today as I was attending a cooperative learning PLC. They watched more of the movie we will have to continue it at some point this week.
Thursday 3 March 2011
Students handed in their news report on the car accident facts and image provided. The link is in the lesson for Tuesday. We began watching The Social Network. Students began a see learn think chart and will write a reflection after we have seen the whole movie. We will continue the film on Friday.
Quote: “This participatory act aims to engage them in the issues of social networks and distributed interaction, but also on the possible drawbacks of limited privacy and geographical surveillance.” - Carlo Ratti
Song:
Quote: “This participatory act aims to engage them in the issues of social networks and distributed interaction, but also on the possible drawbacks of limited privacy and geographical surveillance.” - Carlo Ratti
Song:
Wednesday 2 March 2011
Now that we know what makes a good news report, we are going to write our own. The news report will be detailing an event from a period when your form of government operated. It must be historically accurate and include all the features of a good news report that we put on our anchor chart. This will count for marks so do your best. I will collect the rough draft, final and rubric tomorrow at the start of class.
Quote: “The secret of happiness is freedom. The secret of freedom is courage.”
Thucydides quotes (Ancient Greek historians and author, 460-404bc)
Song:
Quote: “The secret of happiness is freedom. The secret of freedom is courage.”
Thucydides quotes (Ancient Greek historians and author, 460-404bc)
Song:
wednesday_2_march_2011_news_report_revising.docx | |
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Tuesday 1 March 2011
We will be analyzing a news report and creating an anchor chart about what makes a good news report. Students will be writing their own news reports in this course and one for the OSSLT prep tomorrow. By doing the preliminary work, you will have a full period to write and peer evaluate your news report. Check out the newspapers and learn the form. You will be writing a news report that connnects to your form of government presentation. It will be based upon the historical facts and tell of a particular event that relates to your government presentation. This will count for marks so do your best.
QUOTE: “Revolutions have never lightened the burden of tyranny: they have only shifted it to another shoulder” - George Bernard Shaw
QUOTE: “Revolutions have never lightened the burden of tyranny: they have only shifted it to another shoulder” - George Bernard Shaw
tuesday_1_march_news_report_prep_for_osslt_and_future_assignment.docx | |
File Size: | 14 kb |
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examining_the_news_with_articles.doc | |
File Size: | 52 kb |
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Monday 28 February 2011
We had library time today to begin research on a form of government. Students are working in groups preparing a presentation on a form of government. The assignment is below. We will have more computer time on Thursday and next week. While you are learning about other forms of government, we will also learn about the origins of democracy.
Forms of Government Presentation
In groups of 2 – 4, you will research a form of government and create a presentation to share with your peers.
The presentation must include:
PART I
Form of government - identify whether it is a military dictatorship,
constitutional monarchy, oligarchy, etc.
Style of government – communist, democracy, socialist, fascist, totalitarian, etc
Charts or diagrams explaining the system of government, its chain of command and what level is responsible for what
Country or countries that operate under your government system, including a map
PART II
Who is in power and their leadership style
How long they have had this type of system
How your system of government developed or came to be (the history/background)
Include any current events (ie. Middle East uprisings)
If your system no longer functions, explain why
Include at least 3 types media (video, sound, images, props, costumes, models, etc)
A reference page using APA or Chicago style formatting
We will have a lesson on proper formatting this Thursday. Open up the assignment file below for a list of government types.
Forms of Government Presentation
In groups of 2 – 4, you will research a form of government and create a presentation to share with your peers.
The presentation must include:
PART I
Form of government - identify whether it is a military dictatorship,
constitutional monarchy, oligarchy, etc.
Style of government – communist, democracy, socialist, fascist, totalitarian, etc
Charts or diagrams explaining the system of government, its chain of command and what level is responsible for what
Country or countries that operate under your government system, including a map
PART II
Who is in power and their leadership style
How long they have had this type of system
How your system of government developed or came to be (the history/background)
Include any current events (ie. Middle East uprisings)
If your system no longer functions, explain why
Include at least 3 types media (video, sound, images, props, costumes, models, etc)
A reference page using APA or Chicago style formatting
We will have a lesson on proper formatting this Thursday. Open up the assignment file below for a list of government types.
forms_of_government_presentation_assignment.docx | |
File Size: | 20 kb |
File Type: | docx |
Friday 25 February 2011
We began our exploration of forms of government through a fictional story of Totalitaria. We read the story together and responded to the questions as a group. The only portion students were left to do on their own is create a political cartoon on Totalitarian life. We analyzed two political cartoons.
life_in_totalitaria.doc | |
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File Type: | doc |
Thursday 24 February 2011
We watched the remainder of Invictus and students wrote a reflection about how the film depicts apartheid and post-apartheid South Africa.
Quote: So as a prelude whites must be made to realise that they are only human, not superior. Same with Blacks. They must be made to realise that they are also human, not inferior. - Steven Biko
Song: Biko by Peter Gabriel
Quote: So as a prelude whites must be made to realise that they are only human, not superior. Same with Blacks. They must be made to realise that they are also human, not inferior. - Steven Biko
Song: Biko by Peter Gabriel
thursday_24_february_2011invictus_and_reflection.docx | |
File Size: | 11 kb |
File Type: | docx |
Wednesday 23 February 2011
We looked at the opposing viewpoints of the seal hunt and students began writing an opinion piece. They responded to the following question:
Should the seal hunt continue? If so, should the hunt be done using clubs and spears or low-calibre guns?
Should the seal hunt continue? If so, should the hunt be done using clubs and spears or low-calibre guns?
wednesday_23_february_osslt_seal_hunt_opinion_piece.docx | |
File Size: | 11 kb |
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Tuesday 22 February 2011
We finished watching Invictus and wrote a reflection summarizing the film and
tuesday_22_february_2011invictus_and_reflection.docx | |
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File Type: | docx |
Friday 18 February 2011
We had a gentlemen from Pathways come speak to us about what options are available in the school to work towards a career while getting high school credits. Have a great long weekend everyone! I will see you on Tuesday.
Thursday 17 February 2011
We began watching Invictus today and will continue it on Tuesday. I felt our first movie should address one of the 20th Century issues with black civil rights that happened in South Africa - Apartheid - because it is Black History Month. We will learn more about apartheid and who Stephen Biko was on Wednesday. You can click the name and get a bit of information from that, if you like. A brief explanation of apartheid can be found here http://www.africanaencyclopedia.com/apartheid/apartheid.html.
Quote: The most potent weapon of the oppressor is the mind of the oppressed.
Steven Biko
Song:
Quote: The most potent weapon of the oppressor is the mind of the oppressed.
Steven Biko
Song:
Wednesday 16 February 2011
Today we had a another practice exercise for the OSSLT: Main Idea Short Writing. You were given the option of a editorial or short article to read and respond to the prompt using the text and your own ideas. You were then given a second short article or editorial and summarized it by writing what the main idea was and one detail from the text that supports the main idea.
Tuesday 15 February 2011
We began the River Simulation today.
Quote: “A good leader inspires people to have confidence in the leader, a great leader inspires people to have confidence in themselves” - unknown
Song:
Quote: “A good leader inspires people to have confidence in the leader, a great leader inspires people to have confidence in themselves” - unknown
Song:
Monday 14 February 2011
We are finishing A Bug's Life today and completing the organizer on characters, leadership styles, conflicts/problems, and how they resolved them. We will discuss the organizer. We then went on to talk about what is happening in Egypt now. We are following Egypt as part of our study of governments and conflict resolution. Students were given time to meet in their villages to confirm their strategies on the River Simulation. If time, delegates will circulate the villages before the meeting of leaders. If not, we will begin the actual simulation on Tuesday.
Friday 11 February 2011
Today is a relaxing day. We watched the first half of A Bug's Life and made note of characters, leadership styles, conflicts/problems and how they were resolved. We will continue this on Monday.
Quote: "We need bigger bugs." Flick
Quote: "We need bigger bugs." Flick
a_bugs_life_leadership_styles_and_conflict_resolution_chart.docx | |
File Size: | 11 kb |
File Type: | docx |
Thursday 10 February 2011
We finished our opinion short answer from Wednesday and shared with a peer who told us one thing we did well and one thing we need to improve.
We then went on to look at the River Simulation. Students formed villages, decided on their leader and deligate, and made preliminary plans on how to resolve the water issue.
We then went on to look at the River Simulation. Students formed villages, decided on their leader and deligate, and made preliminary plans on how to resolve the water issue.
thursday_10_february_2011.docx | |
File Size: | 11 kb |
File Type: | docx |
exercise_1_the_river_simulation.doc | |
File Size: | 156 kb |
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Wednesday 9 February 2011
We explored conflict resolution for the first part of the class using through role playing scenarios. We discussed what makes resolution possible. Honesty and willingness to listen and compromise were the key things students believed were necessary. We then moved on to expressing our views in a short writing response. We decided to respond to the prompts:
Should students be required to pass the OSSLT to graduate?
Should physical education be mandatory in each year of high school?
Should students be required to have 40 hours of volunteer service in order to graduate high school?
Students chose one prompt and responded in a paragraph using linking works, capitals, puncuation and correct spelling.
Should students be required to pass the OSSLT to graduate?
Should physical education be mandatory in each year of high school?
Should students be required to have 40 hours of volunteer service in order to graduate high school?
Students chose one prompt and responded in a paragraph using linking works, capitals, puncuation and correct spelling.
wednesday_9_february_2011_conflict_resolution.doc | |
File Size: | 34 kb |
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Tuesday 8 February 2011
“I think that people want peace so much that one of these days government had better get out of their way and let them have it.”
Dwight David Eisenhower
Today students defined Civics, values, governments, and civil society, using dictionaries, their term glossary and their own ideas using the graphic organizer below on the second page of the lesson plan below. We also read through and discussed some of the "Terms Worth Knowing." We also learned what a "citizen's circle" in terms of personal and legal applications.
Dwight David Eisenhower
Today students defined Civics, values, governments, and civil society, using dictionaries, their term glossary and their own ideas using the graphic organizer below on the second page of the lesson plan below. We also read through and discussed some of the "Terms Worth Knowing." We also learned what a "citizen's circle" in terms of personal and legal applications.
tuesday_8_february_2011_intro_to_civics.doc | |
File Size: | 31 kb |
File Type: | doc |
terms_worth_knowing.docx | |
File Size: | 14 kb |
File Type: | docx |
Monday 7 February 2011
Today was our true beginning of class. Friday was spent getting to know each other through games. Students were given the course overview to sign, have parents/guardians sign and keep in their binders for their records. They were also given a student information sheet to complete that provides me with information about what they plan to do once they graduate as well as ways to contact them and their parents/guardians.
course_overview.docx | |
File Size: | 13 kb |
File Type: | docx |