Volunteerism
vs. Conscription
 

Grade: 10

Time: one period (40 minutes)

Expectations:
Students will:

• demonstrate an understanding of Canada's participation in World War I (e.g. reasons Canada fought, roles of Canadian men and women, actions of the Canadian forces at the battle of Vimy Ridge) and the contributions of war veterans to Canada and world history;
• demonstrate an understanding of the impact of World War I on the veterans, their families, Canada as a whole and specific groups within the country;
• use appropriate vocabulary to describe their inquiries and observations;
• formulate questions to facilitate research (e.g., the changing role of women in the workforce), using a variety of sources;
• analyze, synthesize, and evaluate historical information; locate information using a variety of sources;
• analyze and describe conflicting points of view.

Preparation:

• Chart paper for approximately six groups
• Markers
• Time line Overhead

Lesson Plan:

1. Begin with revisiting and discussing parts of the first lesson - the excitement of war. Why might men have signed up willingly?
2. Develop a definition on the board for the term, volunteerism.
3. Discuss that, as time passed, and with so many dead, many countries began conscription. Develop a definition for conscription on the board with the class. Have students copy these two definitions down.
4. Divide the class into six groups (approximately 4 - 5 students per group). On chart paper ask students to develop a chart listing positive, negative, and interesting points about one of either volunteerism or conscription. Share the results.
5. Debriefing: Discuss the implications of conscription for soldiers, government, and the people on the home front.

Evaluation Opportunities:

• Observe and assess contribution to class discussions.
• Observe and assess cooperative learning and cognitive skills while students create and present their group's chart.