Lesson 1: Historical Inquiry and Skill Development

TASK

INSTRUCTION

Gather

Ask the following questions to the class:
• What is history?
• How does history impact the present?
• What are the benefits of archiving?
• Explore the following websites:

• Library and Archives Canada in 90 seconds
• How your home videos could contribute to Canadian archives
• International Council on Archives
• Online Jigsaw Puzzles: Piece Together Ontario’s History

• What is an archive? Discuss.

Synthesize

Using pages 39-109 in the Archive, select 2-3 writers and consider the following questions:
1. Why is it important to gather evidence from primary sources when investigating past developments and events?
2. What are some sources you might consult to try to identify voices that may be missing from the official version of an event?

Transfer

Using the 2-3 people who were selected from the Archive, have students answer the above questions in their notebooks in sentence format.
In addition, students can write about primary sources which they use in their daily lives.