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Canada's Constitutional Documents

An essay using the Canada in the Making site

Teacher Guide

The history of the written Canadian Constitution is a process that could be described as an evolution. Sometimes dramatic events have spurred changes in legislation, which have in turn shaped future events. Ultimately, this led to the Constitution that Canadians enjoy today. This activity will give students the opportunity to analyze one major constitutional document and the events surrounding it. In doing so, they will examine primary sources (historical documents) and draw conclusions from evidence. They will write an essay and may prepare a presentation of their findings.

Subject/Grade
Social Studies (History) and Language Arts; Ages 15 and up

Overview

This is an essay requiring that students become familiar with one document in Canada's constitutional history. It is an independent activity and should take between three and four hour-long sessions for research.

Note that the sources used in ECO can be printed from the browser and then photocopied.

Outcomes (WCP, APEF); Expectations (ON); Objectives (QC)
Table of Curricular Relevance by Course and Province
Alberta
British Columbia and Yukon Territory
Manitoba
Ontario
Québec
Saskatchewan
APEF
WCP

Materials/Resources Required
Computers with Internet access
(Extension) Materials for a presentation:

• Traditional print materials (card, paper, markers) or
  

• Multimedia tools (PowerPoint, overheads)

Student Work Sheet
Suggested Rubric

Links
Early Canadiana Online: Canada in the Making
http://www.canadiana.org/
Essay writing resources can be found in the Writing An Essay unit on ECO:
URL: http://www.canadiana.org/eco/lesson_plans/ topictoconc.htm
Other links can be found in the Student Work Sheet.

Previous Knowledge
Students will need

• An understanding of Web navigation symbols, tools and terminology, particularly the tools used in ECO.
  

• Familiarity with research and essay writing skills.
  

• A basic understanding of the basic shape of Canadian history, especially from the 18th century on.

Lesson Opener

Ask students what is the biggest issue in governing Canada today. Possibilities include: separatism, regionalism, division of powers between levels of government, etc. Discuss:

• How long do they think it has existed?
  

• How did this problem come about?

Draw them to the conclusion that the issues we face today have deep roots that can be traced back in history.

Procedure

Step 1
Hand out Student Work Sheets and introduce students to the ECO Canada In the Making Web site. Read the assignment and discuss.

Step 2
Each student picks a particular document to examine. They may look at background material on the ECO site or other sites.

Step 3
Students search for the required information for each document. They should discuss answers and try to make balanced comments about the documents. It may be efficient for groups working on the same document to conduct research together. Extra credit could be given for comments about the documents not specifically identified on the Student Work Sheet.

Summary

Review consensus: Considering the shape of Canada and its politics today, which document has the greatest impact on:

• The status of Québec?
  

• Provincial-federal relations?
  

• Individual rights and freedoms?

Evaluation
See the Suggested Rubric.

Homework/Extension
When all information has been gathered, drafted, reviewed and printed as a final draft, groups could make short presentations to the class using various presentation media (e.g.: posters, PowerPoint, role playing, interviews, etc.)