Last Post

Hi all! Sorry for the late post-I will blame it on pregnancy! As we discussed, you need to complete exercises 1-6 for the post WWII period and hand them in to Mr. D'Alfonso in my portable by Monday May 7th (then you will get 7-12-due when you return). As for the reflective piece (due by may 15 to Ms.Kauppila's email)-please respond to: How has Canada matured as a nation during this period? Her email: kauppila_j@sd36.bc.ca Thanks for everything-will miss you guys:)! Cheers, Mrs.samson

SS11-Monday April 23

Hi all, First, if you did not write the test on Thursday-email me ASAP-you need to complete the alternate assignment by Tuesday! -also-I will not post your next unit tasks until Tuesday-my laptop broke so I am doing everything on my iPad (I don't have my word processing ability until I see a keyboard!) I am away tomorrow ( sick) so if you want essay prep-see me tues-fri this week! -reminder you need to come to class on Thursday-any last improvements due then, as I am done work as of Friday. Look forward to seeing you all on Thursday! Cheers, Mrs Samson

SS11-Important Notice

Hello All,

I must admit I am slightly frustrated today.  You have a Government test today in my room during blocks 3&4-you knew this last week and I have only received a few emails that you 'can not' attend due to work experience however there seems to be many more that 'can not attend'.  My expectation is this: You are here, period on Thursday (unless you have made alternate arrangements with me PRIOR to today) if you are not you are in an "I" zone as this is a summative assignment.  The reason I can not have a ton of different 're-writes' is because I do not have time to create a whole new test (plus it is not fair to those who worked hard to write it on Thursday and some of you get to write it on Monday).......I have an alternative assignment that you must complete (and trust me it is much harder than just a test) and email to me by Tuesday April 24 (no lates accepted).  So, if you did not write the test on Thursday, email me ASAP and I will email you the attached alternate assignment, which will be due Tuesday April 24.

Cheers,
Mrs. Samson

SS11-April 13

Well.....today was our LAST official day together :(  I would just like to tell you all that it was an absolute PLEASURE to teach you and I am so proud of what you have all accomplished.  It is a very hard adjustment to be asked to 'think in a different way' and you all rose to the occasion!  I hope that you look at history not as a 'bunch of old facts' but as a series of events that you can now trace to your own lives and use as reference in interesting critical thinking discussions.  Anyways, enough with my 'mushy talk'-thank-you for being such a great class.

Now-for the 'details'....
-you need to come to my class (usual time-blocks 3/4) for your Government test (only multiple choice/short answer) on THURSDAY APRIL 19-mark this down!!  If you can NOT make that time, you need to email me asap and we will set up an alternate time for you to take your test.
-you got your essays back today-PLEASE see me about how to improve, I am available anytime at lunch or blocks 3/4 to help and I would LOVE to help you out-so use this time!!  Just email me if it is a certain day/time that you want to come in, otherwise just pop in my portable and I will likely be there!

Assignment for the 'last part' of government: Human Rights (ch.10 in textbook, pgs. 30-37 in workbook)
- please pay special attention to this unit as it is important and many of the topics will resurface in your 'human geography unit.'
1) Complete a 1 paragraph reflection on: 'Are there certain rights that should be protected NO MATTER WHAT as humans?'  Therefore, no matter what country/situation certain human rights should ALWAYS be protected at all costs....  Provide reasons and examples for your answers.  Email me this asap samson_l@sd36.bc.ca
2) You need to see me on Monday (any time) and collect the exercises for this chapter.  They will be due to me on the 'test day' for completion........

**Keep checking the blog!!  This is how I can communicate with you and I assume you are reading it EVERY DAY (I won't post everyday but check it so you are informed as quickly as possible!)

SS11-April 5

Happy Easter All:)!!  Today we started our 'Government' unit and brainstormed ways that we could effect change on the government (as Canadian citizens).  Although this unit TENDS to be vocabulary focused, I want to utilize your thinking skills as much as possible, so be ready to participate and answer some hard questions in your reflective journal.

As for work: at this point, your portfolio was due today, interviews will begin on Tuesday.  If you have not handed in a summative project and want to not receive an 'I' from me, I suggest you give it to me on Tuesday.  **Those of you who have not handed in a portfolio and have NOT talked to me, you need to email me this weekend and discuss your reasons-ignoring this is NOT a good idea and only prolongs the inevitable conversation.

For cue cards: Wednesday is the due date for WWII terms (choose 30/74 from Workbook to complete).  For the government unit (which is heavily vocab  based) cue cards are very important.  However, after speaking with a few of you-you are concerned about adding significance to all of them-SO, I will make a few concessions.......Here they are:

-I encourage you to (when you have the time, ENSURE you know all 74 key terms for the government unit)
-for ME, however I will choose the following 32 that I would like you to complete (the numbers correspond with the workbook term numbers)
2, 7, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 24, 27, 31, 33, 36, 40, 43, 46, 47, 48, 50, 51, 60, 61, 62, 63, 65, 70, 71
**reminder you WILL have independent work time all class on Tuesday and I will only be assigning a few exercises, so if you utilize your class time, you should get these all done! 
-We will touch base in class about a 'realistic' due date but likely it will be the Friday before you leave me:(

**One more thing!!  Your Workplace Safety Lesson is PAST DUE-I am giving what I have to Mr. Derbyshire on Tuesday, so give it to me then if you want me to hand it in, otherwise, as far as I am concerned you are 'big people' and you will responsible for getting it in to Mr. Derbyshire yourself (no one will chase you).

Have a great Easter-don't eat TOO much chocolate................

SS11-April 2

Hi guys,

Sorry this is a later post-I had a staff meeting after school and I just put my daughter to bed now-so I apologize if you were looking for it earlier.  As you all know, essay test tomorrow:)  As we discussed, you will write 2 essays (one in the first block, one in the second block) each block will have 'different options' you only need to write on one topic per block.  Please bring your own paper and a writing utensil!  Remember, an outline is an EXCELLENT idea and I will be looking for it-remember to always provide specific examples to your answers and tell me the significance!!  Good luck, don't be nervous-I know you will all do great!  Here is the list of 'possible' essay topics (hint, hint) that we discussed today:

1) Describe Canada's contribution to the Allied war effort.  Provide examples.

2) How is Canada's home front effected by WWII.  Provide examples.

3) Hitler adopted a 'final solution' during WWII.  Using examples from 1933-1945, provide examples of his attempts.

4) Is war ever justified?  Provide examples specifically from 1930-1945 (but you could include others, just focus on the events we have been studying).

5) Using examples from 1930-1945, describe the human atrocities that occured and how they could be prevented in the future.

SS11-Mar. 30

Happy weekend everyone!!  We covered LOTS today-including detailed discussions on each battle in WWII and how Canada played a role in some of them (remember this is what is REALLY important in this course).  We also discussed Pearl Harbour and its effects on WWII and finished off with an introduction in to 'human atrocities.'  With WWII, inevitable everyone thinks of the horrible things the Nazis did in the Holocaust, however I have introduced you to a few other atrocities that also occured during this time.  My purpose in introducing you to these horrible events is not to 'make you feel bad' but to give you knowledge and hopefully, together we can take that knowledge and apply it to what we know about today's world (as human atrocities are STILL happening in the world TODAY) and what can we do as 'the average Canadian citizen.'  Is it our duty to help?  Can we help?  Why do these things happen?

Homework for this weekend: Choose ONE of the stories I gave you on Friday (Ukraine, Ethiopia or Nanking) and write a journal entry from the perspective of a historical figure within that atrocity.  For example, it can be someone directly affected by the tragedy or it could be from a government official ordering it/trying to stop it or it can be from someone comitting the atrocity.  Remember, I need to see a 'personal account' and you need to include specific historical details about the event.  Bring this completed for Monday morning:)  Have a great weekend!

SS11-Mar.29

Today we worked on final portfolios and you had your work experience interviews!  I can not stress enough how important it is to touch base with me some time in the next week if you have any questions/want feedback on an assignment before your final portfolio is due....remember this shows me you are INVESTED in your learning-this is good.......

As for work experience, the 'Workplace Safety Lesson' needs to be done ASAP!  Some of you forgot to pick one up from me before you left today (as I would like them by tomorrow)-SO, as a result, they will be due this Monday from everyone!

Tomorrow: we will be doing an exercise with your Battle exercise that I assigned on Wednesday so MAKE SURE it is done!  I am hoping to wind up WWII by Tuesday or Wednesday of next week-so expect a test on this unit by Wednesday.....and YES, there will be an essay question and NO I will not give you the question beforehand.....but we will brainstorm possible essay questions.

See you tomorrow! Yeah Friday!  Any one else feel like this week went on forever??

Psych 11/12-Mar. 28

Today we worked on our Psychology Experiments in our groups and hopefully got a good handle on the 'written component' of your project (it is due Friday), keep in mind that your presentation will be due Monday. 

We also continued our discussion on 'Designer Babies' and where we stand on this issue.  It is serving for a good intro. to our Child Development Unit.  Stay tuned!

SS11-Mar. 28

Hello ALL!  Today-was BATTLE day!  You need to complete the list of 17 battles that I gave you in class today-tell me the 'when, where, what, outcome' of each AND the significance (including Canadian involvement).  I would like this to be completed for Friday (as tomorrow you do have some 'work time'). 

**Please do not forget that tomorrow is Mock Interview day!!  Dress appropriately and bring your resume/cover letters.  We will be working on Portfolios/catching up on work during the rest of the blocks-so come prepared!

See you tomorrow:)

SS11-Mar.27

Today we talked abut Canada's decision to enter/not to enter in to WWII.  We also discussed Canada's immigration policy back then and compared it to similar situations happening today.  Good discussions/many reflections, use in your portfolio!!

As for tomorrow: The battles!
*Remember to bring your resume and cover letter to hand-in to me (any questions about interview questions you may have)

See you tomorrow:)

Psych 11/12-Welcome Back, Mar. 26

Welcome Back:)  Your Psychological experiments are nearing their 'due date' (some of us are more prepared than others)!  The written component of your experiment will be due by Friday (presentations to follow on Monday).  You will be given class time to work on this on Wednesday (double block if really utilizing time) so bring laptops, all your data to class on that day!

SS11-Welcome Back, Mar. 26

Welcome back from Spring Break!!  We only have 3 weeks until you leave me to go on work experience:(  So, for our little time left together, we have a lot to get done!!  First, in class today, we reviewed the events leading to WWII and you remembered quite a bit!  If you were 'not participating as much' in this discussion, it is in your best interest to review what we have done so far on WWII.  We also spent a lot of time on proper essay writing and together 'marked' 4 different essays!  Hopefully, you found this helpful and will apply your learning to your own essays.  We ended class with a task for tomorrow, answer this question and bring it completed to class: Should Canada involve itself with European affairs?  Why/Why not?
**Remember, this is only based on what you know so far-how WWI affected Canadians, how different people in Canada may react (think French/English relations, for example)......

**Another important note-YOU have Mock Interviews on Thursday!  You will need to have your completed cover letter and resume with you and dress appropriately (we will briefly discuss this in class tomorrow).  We will review proper interview etiquette/resume expectations but I do not have time to go in to depth with this (as you all know we have missed lots of class time already) but if you have specific questions regarding any of this-please see me at flex:)

Psych 11/12-Spring Break

Work on your experiments!!  PLEASE meet at least once over the break to do your experiment, you will only be given 1-2 classes to work on the written portion IN CLASS when you return and it will be due at the end of that week!  The presentation portion will likely be due the following Monday/Tuesday-so be ready:)!

Have a wonderful Spring Break!!

SS11-Spring Break

Hello All!  Well......between job action and a gas leak-we are not where I thought we would be at this point-but that is okay, we will do what we can:)  I have opted to not assign anything for homework over Spring Break as I believe the operative word in 'Spring Break' is BREAK.  However, if you have missed days this week at all, this is what you need to have finished:

-final assessment: timeline for the 1920s and 1930s
- cue cards for the 1930s
- notes from Ch. 5 (up to pg. 138)
- 2 historical reflections: a) Is war ever justified? (our essential question for this unit)
                                     b) How do you think Canada reacts to the outbreak of WWII? (predictions based on what you know about Canadian society/government so far)

**Have a wonderful Spring Break!!:)  Remember, only 3 weeks left until you are off on work experience!  It is not a bad idea, if you do not have one yet to make sure you have a current resume ready to go for when you get back.

SS11-Mar. 1

Well.....tonight, sorry but you have homework :(  You know I don't like homework but with all the time that we are expected to lose in the next couple of days-I think we need it.  Tomorrow, be ready for a review of the 1930s and a brief intro. to WWII (yeah, my fav!!)  You will also be receiving your 'final assessment' for the Interwar Years (that is the 1920s-1930s) that you may begin to work on in class.....be ready to work and ask questions:)

Homework:
Cornell Notes p.106-115 in the text, workbook (last 2-3 pages of the unit)-bring it COMPLETED for tomorrow!

Psych 11/12-Mar. 1

Be ready to work on your 'Psychology Experiments' tomorrow!!

SS11-Feb. 28

Today we reviewed the causes of the Great Depression in groups.  In this activity you should have become aware of my expectations of you in an answer......always, ANSWER the questions, give supporting detail and tell me the SIGNIFICANCE!  Working in groups is something that is a skill and one that if excelled at will create more success for you in life.  I assessed your performance in groups today and tomorrow we will review what 'effective' group work looks like.  I also had you work on/complete a journal entry from the persepctive of a woman in the 1930s.  I am looking for your clear understanding of the 'perspective', supporting examples/details and 'why' it is important to you (significance).  I also handed back your first 'essays' of the semester-we will review essay criteria/expectations later this week. 

For tomorrow:
- your presentation on 1920s images is due-EVERYONE presents first block.
-pg. 100 in text, questions #1-3
-journal entry from a woman's perspective in the 1930s (at LEAST 1/2 page)

Psych 11/12-Feb. 28

Today we explored the use of animals in experimentation.  Is it right?  WHEN is it right?  Who should make that decision?  You got in to groups and brainstormed some great ideas about 'ethical principles' that should be followed when using animals in experimentation.  We will pick up this idea first thing tomorrow.  After that, we will review the 'Scientific Method' and how it is used in experiment reports.  I am also hoping to introduce to you your 'summative project' for this unit--your own Psychological experiment and show you some examples.........

See you then:)

SS11-Feb. 27

We have finished our exploration in to the 'Roaring 20s' and have been introduced to the 'Dirty 30s.'  After today you SHOULD know the basics of economic vocabulary (please see Exercise #9).  Although it is complicated, it is important that you understand what led to the stock market crash of 1929 and ultimately the Great Depression.  Here are a few videos for your viewing pleasure:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YM8yxBL21Pk- this is the intro we watched in class
http://video.google.ca/videoplay?docid=7233622324068640582&ei=Iyr2SsvYOYeWqAP8wdHVDw&hl=en#- This is a US version but it helps in the understanding of Canada and the Depression because it is difficult to seperate our situation from what happens with our neighbours in the South.

For tomorrow: Please read pg. 94-104 in text, p. 76-83 in the Workbook (up to Bennet's New Deal).  We will discuss and be using these concepts in a class activity.

Psych 11/12-Feb. 27

Hello All:)!  Today we looked at 'Ethics and Experimentation'-based on our knowledge of Milgram's Experiment http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BcvSNg0HZwk.  You will need to be 'well acquainted' with these ideas in order to launch your OWN psychological experiment.  It is not a bad idea to start brainstorming what kinds of topics/ideas interest you.

For tomorrow: Be prepared to discuss the use of animals in experimentation.  Where do you stand on the issue?  In what circumstances do you think is the use of animals warranted?

SS11-Feb. 20

Today was assessment day:)!!  Now my work really begins.....I will get your essays back to you as soon as I can-we will go over them as a class.  For tomorrow-bring your cue cards for Ch.2 and your timeline with the feedback I gave you-we will be reviewing them!!  Also, bring your text/workbook as we will be introduced to the 'Roaring 20s'.  I encourage you to get a glimpse of the 'roaring 20s' online before you come to class tomorrow.  See you then:)!

Psych 11/12-Feb. 20

Today we researched the 'fathers of Psychology' and what they mean to the field.  Ensure that you have a good idea about their contributions to the field and what made them remarkable (always interesting to FURTHER research these theorists on your own).  Tomorrow-be ready to sit on the floor!  We will be doing an exercise that requires no desks/chairs, but you will still need a pen/paper.  See you tomorrow:)!

SS11-FYI

Hi All!  As I know you are ALL going to study today.......I am having SERIOUS issues uploading anything on to my website-so I apologize.  If you have any questions about anything, please email me:)

SS11-Feb. 17

We were a whirlwind of info. today!!  We ended WWI-finally!  However, THAT means, summative assessment time.....we took a class vote and you voted for an 'assessment in the test format'....crazy......
SO I gave you the 'long answer'/multi-paragraph question options to take home to ponder.  **Look at the website by Saturday, I will post PowerPoints/Exercises if you need!  Also, for your viewing pleasure, check out these clips on the 'End of War'
Part1 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6YJfOZkriyk

Part 2 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-7YCcZUXmw

Choose one:

1)Discuss the ways in which Canada, as a nation, matured as a result of the First World War
2)Explain the factors which made the First World War different from previous wars, and as a result, became known as the first modern war.

**You will be required to provide a brainstorm/outline (pre-plan) for your answer, you may bring it in with you if you wish on Monday.  Once you are finished the multi-paragraph answer, we will do the rest of the test.

Due dates:

-Cue Cards for Ch.2 (you would think that completing these would GREATLY enhance your chance of success on the test, so......but if you don't complete them-Tuesday, Feb.21)

-Portfolio-this is an ongoing process and should be 'worked on' whenever you have a free moment in class.  Your first one will likely be due the beginning of March (before Spring Break). 

Psych 11/12-Feb. 17

Today we worked on our Autobiography projects-they are DUE on Wed. Feb. 22.  On Monday we will be having a portfolio work day and perhaps starting our new unit on 'How do we know what is right?'  Have a great weekend!

SS11-I'm Back.......Feb. 16

First, thank-you to those who wished me a Happy Birthday, NO THANKS to those of you who guessed I was older than I am.....(I will remember that.....)

As for class, we are in a bit of a 'catch-up' mode right now because I was away so long-so buckle in and get ready to work your tail off!  Today we reviewed the 'Home Front' and Women's role in the War and how it helped/did not help their liberation.  We also discussed the Portfolio process and what that looks like.  We ended with 'how WWI ended'-most specifically, Wilson's 14 pts. and the Treaty of Versailles.  Try and complete the question sheet I gave you on this topic as much as possible for tomorrow as we do not have a lot of time to work on it in class (can use in your portfolio). 

Tomorrow: we will end WWI, get introduced to our first 'summative assessment' AND get time to work on portfolios.........busy day!  Be ready:)  Nice to see you again today:)

ALL-Feb. 13

Hi All,

I am still very sick-will not be there tomorrow.  Psych 11/12-you are working on your autobiography assignment, print off the criteria at home before you get to class.

SS11-I am not sure how far you got on Thursday....Exercises 8-11 should be done.  You need to know Canadians role in the 4 major battles-you will do an exercise on Monday with that.  You will also be exploring the 'war at sea/air' as well.  I will try and post tomorrow-please check.

SS11-Feb. 8

Today we completed our first 'assessment for learning' task and created a descriptive timeline on the events leading up to WWI.  Feedback on those should be coming your way shortly:)......

We also discussed Canada's response to WWI and some predictions about Canada's ultimate role (see your reflective journal).

For tomorrow: You NEED to bring your parents email address to me (just one, and preferably the one that checks it often).  You will also be receiving your learning outcomes for the WWI unit and a 'mini portfolio lesson.'

Psych 11/12-Feb. 8

Today we investigated the work of Brene Brown and Neil Paricha-please see website if you would like to watch their 'talks' again.  What connections can we make between these two speakers?  Please feel free to comment below (keeping in mind participation is 'key' to success in this class:)........

For Monday (I know, I don't get to see your wonderful faces until Monday:(  You will receive the criteria for your Autobiography project (criteria is already posted on website for you eager-beavers:) and you will get time to work on this in class-should be FUN!

SS11-Feb. 7

Today we reviewed the 'big reasons' why WWI broke out.  We also did a 'mini timeline' of events that led up to WWI (which you will be able to use for your 'assessment for learning tomorrow) so bring it to class!  For the second half of class, we played a game-that is right, in SS11 we played a game:)!  We got in to our 'country groups' and TRIED to STOP the outbreak of WWI!  After much yelling, negotiating and promises we determined that there were too many factors working against us and WWI still broke out.  However, do not feel bad, the game was meant to show you all the factors that politicians at the time were trying to work within and how the factors during that time made peace very difficult.  Great job!  The only way it could have been better was if we did it outside in the sunshine (I'll work on that).  For tomorrow, review the events that led up to WWI for your 'assessment for learning'-remember this is meant as a tool for learning, not a judgement of ability.  See you tomorrow:)!

Psych 11/12-Feb. 7

Today's class we looked to our relationships as a clue in to 'who we are'.  We got in to groups and brainstormed what a 'close, trusting or great relationship' looked like.  There was some agreement however it was interesting to see that the word 'vulnerable' never arrived in any of our groups.  It is interesting because when we consulted the 'experts' (Brene Brown) on her research behind human connection she claims that "vulnerability is the key to human connection."  We are going to try and 'unravel' Brene's talk from TED talks more tomorrow but I would like you to come prepared tomorrow with a personal reflection on your thoughts/reactions to her talk.

SS11/12-Feb. 6

Today, we reviewed/worked on what is expected of you when you complete your 'cue cards' for every unit.  You are expected to be completed your first set on the Pre-War unit by tomorrow at the beginning of class.  You also received your 'Study Guide for WWI', complete with the Vocabulary words for your next Cue Card Assignment (remember-I advise you do 5 a night, then you won't panic at the end to complete them).

WWI-We looked at the background to the breakout of WWI-Why did it happen?  I showed you a PowerPoint and you used your textbooks as our 'base knowledge.'  From there I broke you in to groups and gave you a 'real-life scenario' that utilizes the 4 main reasons for WWI (Nationalism, Militarism, Alliances and Imperialism).  You needed to create a creative ending in your group for the real-life scenario and compare it to WWI.

For tomorrow--be READY for more WWI.  We will look at the 4 reasons a little more in detail and formulate a timeline of events for the lead up to war. 

Psych 11/12-Feb. 6

Today was a 'work day' and you are expected to have your comprehensive letter 'About You' (see criteria from class) finished by the beginning of class tomorrow!  For tomorrow, we are going to start looking to those around you and to your future aspirations in an effort to gain a better understanding of 'who you are.'

SS11-Feb. 3

TODAY......We investigated how the history of our nation STILL has an impact on us as citizens today.  The example we looked at was the residential schooling system and how its damage carries on(see website if you missed video).  We also did our first 'Historical Reflection' (again, see website).  We finished up this Chapter with some more notes on the Economy and Resources in Canada.  Then we investigated some answers to Laurier's quote in 1904, "Let me tell you, my fellow countrymen, that the twentieth century shall be the century of Canada and Canadian development."  What evidence have we seen thus far in our learning that would agree/disagree with Laurier's prediction? (feel free to comment below)

For Monday: BRING your cue cards-we will have some time to complete them.  Also....bring your textbook (due to our limited number I have only signed them out to those who would like them, first come, first serve......)

Psych 11/12-Feb.3

Today we did our share session on 'our favourite songs'.....awesome choices!  As we begin to discover exactly 'who we are' it is important to investigate many different avenues.  Music seems to connect with people and plays an important part in almost everyone's life.  It can commemorate a relationship, a feeling or a memory.  Why do you think music is such a powerful force? (feel free to comment below)

BTW: Monday-bring your 'letter brainstorms'

SS11-Feb. 2

WHOA!!  Had our first debate today-I can tell this group is passionate about their beliefs!  I love to use debate as a tool to enhance learning so this was a GREAT start!  We ended today's class talking about the injustices that many immigrants faced but most specifically, Aboriginal people in Canada during this time.  Tomorrow we will see how residential schools affected the lives of the Aboriginal people and hopefully gain a better understanding of how what we do in the past DOES have an affect on the future......We are ending our 'Pre-War' unit (by the end of tomorrow) so we will be discussing/taking some last notes and I will give you time to work on your 'Cue Card Assignment.'  I am also hoping to give you an introduction on how the 'portfolio' system in my class works!  See you tomorrow!

To bring tomorrow:
-textbook (if you have one)
-cue cards (and something to 'wrap' them together in, ex: elastic band, binder clip, etc)
-Reflections Journal.....(remember a notebook that is SEPERATE from your binder)

SS11-Feb. 1

Most of you brought personal artifacts that demonstrated your own 'Canadian Identity'-great work!  After sharing and writing about the artifacts we did a poll (using our cell phones) and had a discussion about 'Will America's influence over Canada increase or decrease over time?'  There were some great points and interesting insights about what our future holds......

Then-off to the 'good stuff'-the HISTORY!  We touched on Canada and what it means to be 'Canadian' today but what about in the early part of the 20th century (1896-1914)?  We talked about what society looked like, how Laurier ran things, French-English relations, the role of Britain, and immigration (please see PowerPoint on website as a reference or Ch. 1 in Counterpoints).  As we ended, I asked you to read pg. 10-11 in your text, it talked about some of the 'wrongs/injustices' that Canada has done in the past (ex: head tax, residential schools, Komagata Maru).  Tomorrow we will start there-a discussion question!

Should we (Canada) try to 'rights' the wrongs of past generations?  Please prepare a brief written response to this BEFORE class so we can begin right away!!

Psych 11/12-Feb.1

Today-we explored our own personal artifacts and how they are important in our lives.  We also did some exercises where you worked with a partner and they helped you to determine the true significance in your item.  We are using these same skills on Friday so you need to be prepared!  Please bring:
- a different personal artifact
- your favourite song (bring a device with your song loaded on to it)  Refer back to the criteria that I gave you in class........(hint: this song needs to have meaning to you-either today or in the past).
**also, bring your own set of headphones-seriously, anyone else find sharing headphones kinda 'yucky?'
Excited to hear your songs on Friday!!!!  (P.S.-check my blog again before Friday as I MAY be sharing what my daughter's favourite song is.....it is pretty cute!)

One more thing.........make sure you have your 'brainstorm' for your letter assignment completed by Friday.  We will be working on this assignment next week:)

SS11-Jan. 31

Today you presented your 'Canadian Rants' and they were AWESOME!!  Please keep these in your book as they are great evidence for your portfolio:)  Mr. Derbyshire came in today and chatted with you about Work Experience and what your options are.  I really encourage all of you to take some time and think about where you would like to be placed for your work experience and let me/Mr. Derbyshire know what you are thinking asap (the sooner we can get in touch with possible employers the better!).

We have been exploring the idea about, What it means to be Canadian? You have discovered 'assumptions' about Canadians and investigated your own theories about what it means to be Canadian.  Before you left class today, I asked you to hand-in your paragraph from Exercsie #1/Question #4.  I will provide you feedback on this task. Exercise #2 (the role of America upon Canadian culture) is due at the beginning of class tomorrow so make sure it is completed (minus question #4) as we are using it as a discussion point for class.

Glimpse into tomorrow:
- What is Canada's role in world affairs during the 20th century?  We will start from the beginning
(1896-1911)
As promised.......secret task: Bring to class a personal artifact that you believe to be an example of your Canadian identity.  Also........bring a seperate notebook for 'Historical Reflections' that we will use to compile your thoughts/reflections on historical events throughout the semester.

Psych 11/12-Jan.31

Today we did some more activities in order to 'get to know eachother' better!  You worked in groups and you filled out a questionnaire so we could all learn some more about one another.  For tomorrow, please bring a personal artifact from home (anything that is important to you) and bring it to class.  This will help us to answer our essential question for this unit: What makes us who we are?  Cheers!

SS11 First Day!

Well, I am very excited about all my classes this semester!  We had some great discussion and did some great intro. activities today.  Please make sure that you keep your 'Canadian Identity' photocopies as we will work with them tomorrow.  You will also be expected to present your 'Canadian Rant' to our class tomorrow (we will have some class time to work on them) so bring music or video that you would like to help 'add some spice' to your presentation.  Mr. Derbyshire is coming in from Career Ed. to answer any of your questions regarding work experience, so be ready:)!  Homework: you NEED to go to my website: mrssamson.webnode.com and
1) Print off Course Outline
2) Write down one thing you discovered about me
3) Ask a question (FAQ) that you would like me to answer

Psych 11/12 First Day!

Well, I am very excited about all my classes this semester!  We had some great discussion and did some great intro. activities today.  For tomorrow you NEED to go to my website: mrssamson.webnode.com and
1) Print off Course Outline
2) Write down one thing you discovered about me
3) Ask a question (FAQ) that you would like me to answer