Grade: 10

Time: one period (40 minutes)

Expectations:
The students will:

• demonstrate an understanding of the impact of WW I on Canada and the World community.
• identify and describe the achievements of Canadians who have contributed significantly to the development of Canada and the world.
• use appropriate vocabulary to describe their inquiries and observations.
• analyze, synthesize, and evaluate historical information; locate information using a variety of sources.
• analyze and describe conflicting points of view.

Preparation:

• Prepare lesson notes for discussion about WWI on:
  • what soldiers thought war might be like
  • the reality of trench warfare
  • major battles at Ypres and Vimy Ridge
• Prepare a copy for each student a WWI Time line of events

Lesson Plan:

1. Begin by sharing some of the points you have researched about WWI and introduce the soldier's point of view.  Ask the students, what do you suppose it was like to be a soldier in WWI?  How do you think they felt?  Discuss any preconceived notions people may have at the time of WWI.(e.g. War could be over by Christmas, feelings of excitement and pride)
2. Discuss the reality of WWI. Discuss 'trench warfare' and describe what it was and how it was different from battles fought in the past.  Discuss the illness, mud, lice and other conditions involved.
3. Describe the Major Battles of WWI.  Discuss the importance and strategies employed at Ypres and Vimy Ridge.  Discuss why these battles were significant within the context of WWI., and how they came to symbolize much pride and honour in Canada, as a nation.

Evaluation Opportunities:

• Observe and assess student contribution and participation to class discussion
• Assess student attentiveness and note-taking during the Teacher's presentation and the discussion.  One could also ask the students to hand in their rough notes at the end of class for a completion or participation mark.