Canadian Heroes of the 20th Century: Lesson 1

LESSON ONE

Introduction

Time: 1-2 Periods

Expectations:
Students will:

begin thinking about the characteristics that define a hero;
participate in small and large group discussions;
complete and submit Project Worksheet 1;
begin creating and decorating a Canadian Heroes Folder to monitor their progress.

Materials:

Project Worksheet 1
Markers and foolscap paper (large sheets of paper)

Preparation:

Divide students into small groups (size of groups will depend on class size).
Have students brainstorm on the characteristics of a hero (possible topics: movies, books, comics, TV, current events, history, philosophy, politics, science, First Nations, radio, music, women, war veterans, ...)
Have students create a Mindmap (distribute markers and foolscap paper).
This Mindmap requires students to write the word HERO in the center of the page and create relevant branches linking their thought process with related themes.
Regroup and create a class definition of a hero and the characteristics that define heroism.
Have students complete and submit Project Worksheet 1.
Have students begin creating and decorating a Canadian Heroes Folder to monitor their progress.

Evaluation Opportunities:

Teacher observation of participation in group and class discussions.
Individual submissions of Project Worksheet 1.

Name: ________________

Canadian Heroes of the Twentieth Century

Canadian Heroes can be found throughout the history of the Twentieth Century. No matter where you look - politics, philosophy, women, religion, First Peoples, science, law - you will almost certainly stumble over certain individuals whose character and achievements have contributed to the Canadian Identity. The contributions of these unique individuals is often difficult to measure. How do we define a hero? A Canadian Hero/ ine? Is it enough to assume heroes possess qualities that elevate their achievements above the norm? Or can we find heroism in everyday life, in the oral and the unwritten, in the stories that are not widely known? Today, Canada is full of heroes that continue to astonish us and gain our admiration. But what about the heroes of the past, those men and women who left their mark on our Canadian heritage and who contributed to our national identity? How should we remember these individuals? Throughout this project you will have an opportunity to explore these, and many other questions.

What is the 'project'?

The Canadian Heroes Project is a unit designed to help you gather information from a variety of web sources. Primarily, you will be using Canada's Digital Collections which offers a wealth of information on this topic.

Initially, you will be required to examine at least 10 individuals from a variety of categories. Eventually, you will have selected one candidate: your Canadian Hero. By the end of this assignment you will have gathered enough information to deliver an original class presentation. These presentations should be as creative, interesting, and unique as the individual you have chosen.

Don't panic! Each requirement of the project is outlined in the following Project Worksheets. These Worksheets will help guide you through the various historical processes necessary for a thorough understanding of your hero and their impact on the Canadian Identity. Each Project Worksheet contains a section titled TO BE COMPLETED BY your teachers name. This section allows you and your teacher to monitor project progress.

Most importantly: have fun and enjoy learning the stories of some of our greatest Canadian Heroes!

Before you begin your project you need to define your terms. First, write what comes to your mind when you hear a certain word and then see how the dictionary defines that word.

Project Worksheet 1: Defining a Hero

1.How would you define the following words? Please provide an example for each definition.

Hero?

______________________________________________________________

Heroism?

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How does the dictionary define hero?
_____________________________________________________________

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How does the dictionary define heroism?

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2. How would you define 'being heroic'? Consider what makes an action heroic and why individuals
are driven to heroic deeds. Please provide at least three (3) examples of a heroic action, of someone
being heroic.

______________________________________________________________

3. Consider today's current events. Look back on your own life. Who is your favorite hero? Why?
Please identify at least three (3) reasons why you consider this person a hero.

______________________________________________________________

4. You are a judge on the panel that selects recipients for the Order of Canada Award. Part of your responsibility is to determine whether or not each candidate is a hero. You will have to judge whether or not their past actions have displayed heroic qualities. What criteria will you apply when you read their biographies? What qualities, values, actions will you base your decision on? Please explain your answer in a paragraph (3-5 proper sentences) discussing at least five (5) factors that will influence your decision.
_____________________________________________________________

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TO BE COMPLETED BY __________________________________

Progress Verified (?) Date Submitted __ __ / __ __ / __ __

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