-by Brittney Glinsbockel and Ivy Waite
In grade 4 Humanities this term, students have been examining events that are re
levant to Alberta’ History. To begin with, as a class, students examined posters advertising settlement to Canada’s west and activated prior knowledge by discussing what Alberta once was, how it has changed, and how it has stayed the same.
Next, out of a hat, students chose a historical event based in Alberta to research and create a one page overview. They were to focus on the 5W’s, using thick questions instead of thin questions to formulate their research questions. (a skill they have been working on developing all year). To see a comprehensive list of historical events, click here.
While students began to dive into their research, we shared an example based on the event “Alberta Becomes a Province” and asked students to place the example on a continuum according to developing, meeting and exceeding criteria. This lead to a discussion around different features of writing and helped students understand the expectations for the task.
To access the student planning document click here.
Stay tuned for part 2 where we will discuss what students did with their summaries and how they engaged in debate!