Unit Plan for the Next Couple of Weeks

Dear Parents and Guardians,

During the next couple of weeks, we will be exploring the relationships between social position and occupations, and cultural identity. We will focus on cultural identity, comparing our own personal identities to cultures around the world. We will have class discussions on home life, recreational activities, immigration and stereotypes in relation to a variety of different cultures. I encourage you to ask your child about what he or she is learning about cultural identity and to share with them whatever experiences you have had with these themes.

This unit will consist of conducting research, discussing current events, writing, developing oral and poster presentations, and creating personal reflections. We will host a final wrap-up celebration showcasing the students’ projects on Friday February 13^th from 1:40- 2:40pm. We hope you can attend.

If you are available to assist with any of the activities, please contact me at 519-276-7748 or rebeccaj2727@gmail.com.

For more information about this unit and upcoming homework assignments, please visit my blog at http://teachingsocialstudiesrj.blogspot.ca. For more information about cultural identity in general, please visit the Canadian Heritage website at http://www.pch.gc.ca/eng/1363203445747 . 

Sincerely,

Rebecca Johnson

Curriculum Strands and Overall Expectations

Strands:
B. Natural Resources Around the Word: Use and Sustainability 

Overall Expectations:

B1. Application: analyse aspects of the extraction/harvesting and use of natural resources in different regions of the world, and assess ways of preserving these resources 

B2. Inquiry: use the geographic inquiry process to investigate issues related to the impact of the extraction/harvesting and/or use of natural resources around the world from a geographic perspective 

B3. Understanding Geographic Context: demonstrate an understanding of the sources and use of different types of natural resources and of some of the effects of the extraction/harvesting and use of these resources 

• Students will be able to analyze how different regions around the world use natural resources
• Students will be able to assess ways of preserving natural resources around the world 
• Students will be able to determine the social impact that natural resources have on a region.
• Students will be able to explain how the occupations (i.e. harvesting, farmers, miner etc.) available in a region contribute to cultural identity
• Students will be able to recognize and explain the relationship between natural resources, cultural trends and environmental impact.