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Lesson Plan
Title
Then and Now: Art or Fact
Audience
Elementary School Grades 4 - 7
Overview
Demonstrate an understanding of the evolution of Parliamentary Institutions
Objective
It is expected that the students will:
- familiarize themselves with some symbols and traditions used within Parliamentary procedure and institutions;
- develop their research and creative production skills;
- engage in Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS)
Activities and Methods
- display of artifacts, models and symbols used in our Parliament (Mace, Bar of the House, Coat of Arms, Tricorn Hat)
- in groups of two or three, students will hypothesize about what each artifact is
- come back as a group and debrief
- have them research the artifacts in depth
Preparation (by teacher and by students)
Teacher Preparation:
- worksheets 1 - 3 for students (attached)
- variety of sources for students to do research (Discover Your Legislature CD-ROM at www.leg.bc.ca, Discover Your British Columbia poster, local MLA office – information available at the website, picture of the artifacts)
Student Preparation:
- students will need worksheets at each artifact station
- access to computer with Internet
Duration of activity
Lesson 1
- 5 minutes at each station for small groups to hypothesize the artifact
- Whole group discussion of their ideas for 15 minutes
Lesson 2
- Research an artifact by identifying the research sources
- As a class, write a play based on one artifact
Extension Activities:
- Compare the artifacts
- Make a model mace
- Investigate traditions & symbols used in the government of a country that is not a western made model of democracy (i.e.: Communism, Dictatorship, Monarchy)
- Create a crossword puzzle
Learning Outcomes
- Describe the structure and function of the B.C. Legislature
- Locate and record information from a variety of sources from primary, archaeological and historical evidence, print, non-print and electronic sources
- Organize information into a presentation
- Describe how ancient systems of laws and government have contributed to current Canadian political and legal systems
Materials and Resources
Evaluation of Activity
Submitted By
Barbara Berndt, Parkcrest Elementary School, Kamloops
John O’Flynn, Mulgrave School, West Vancouver
Coleen Fraser, Nusatsum Elementary School, Hagensborg
Pummy Kaur, A.J. McLellan School, Surrey
Jessye Labaj, Ridgeview Elementary School, West Vancouver
NOTE: The ideas and opinions expressed in this classroom activity belong to their authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia. The Public Education and Outreach office only edits for clarity.
Appendix – Handouts
Worksheet 1
Describe the historical story behind the Mace or the Bar of the House.
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Worksheet 2
Pick two of the artifacts and, using a Venn diagram, show how they are the same and how they are different.
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Worksheet 3
Use one or more of the following forms to show the history of any artifact:
- poem
- drawing
- journal
- cartoon
- story
Choose the item you feel is most important/powerful and defend your choice. |
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Student Self-Evaluation
Name: |
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1. I researched thoroughly |
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2. I used a variety of resources |
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3. I learned a lot |
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4. I worked hard |
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5. I had fun while learning |
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The best part about studying this was. |
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I could have got more out of this experience if I had. |
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Peer Evaluation
One thing I liked.
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One Suggestion I have.
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Memory Recall Quiz
Directions
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From the words below, choose the best item to fit in each of the boxes below. |
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- Bar of the House
- Coat of Arms
- Mace
- Royal Assent
- Tricorn Hat and Black Silk Robe
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An ornamented club symbolizing the authority of the House and the Speaker. When it is in place, the House is authorized to meet. |
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A barrier across the entrance to the Chamber that cannot be crossed by anyone who is not invited by the Speaker of the House. |
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This ceremonial dress is the clothing of the Speaker of the House. |
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A symbol of our colonial origins and our geographic location. |
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The Queen's official approval to a law passed by Parliament, as given in B.C. by the Lieutenant Governor. |
Pictures of Artifacts
Tricorn Hat
Mace
Lieutenant Governor
Coat of Arms
Bar of the House
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