Rhonda Draper believes that learning is accelerated through expressions of the “musical voice” in young people. In her unit plan Canada: On the Wings of Our Song she exemplifies this teaching philosophy through a focus on folk songs.
Rose Fine-Meyer created a senior level high–school Interdisciplinary Studies course entitled Archives and Local History which has received accreditation as part of the Ontario curriculum.
Susan Haynes developed Passport to the Past, a project that invites grade 7 students to research and role–play historical figures. Students create a passport, historical costume using household items, and make a link between this individual and themselves.
John MacPhail firmly believes in the idea of “constructive controversy.” In his project, a mock trial of William Lyon Mackenzie, he develops his students’ skills in critical thought, debate, and questioning assumptions.
Monique Martin’s students created 22 large advertisements and posters that were displayed in Saskatoon bus shelters and on routes in May of 2007. The posters detailed a historical event, place or person in Saskatoon History.
David Watkins believes that studying history is a key to self–determination. In his Canadian–African studies course students use the study of Canadian history to focus on their cultures' contributions to the multicultural fabric of Canada.
Mr.McKenna has consistently demonstrated his exceptional ability to tackle the challenges of communicating history through a modern media with originality, determination, and a deep respect for those whose stories he tells.
Historical biographer Ken McGoogan is a globe-trotting ex-journalist who survived a shipwreck in the Indian Ocean, placed a commemorative plaque in the High Arctic, and chased the ghost of Jane Lady Franklin across Tasmania.
“ We’ve Come a Long Way, Baby! ” is a Social Studies unit that reveals to the students that like a quilt, a community is composed of many small parts, all of which are valuable on their own, however, when sewn together with care, each piece works together to create something beautiful.
