Portfolio Post #9 -Field Trip

Here is the outline of a field trip to the Museum of Archaeology and History in Montreal. From this exercise I learned how complex it is to plan a field trip with all the logistical considerations as well as ensuring that effective learning takes place. I made some modifications to the pre- and post-trip activities from the first time that I worked on this; adding an activity for students who may have missed the trip.

Grade 7 – Pointe-à-Callière, Montreal

Rationale:

Students will have a greater appreciation for the cultural differences that have shaped Canada by immersing themselves in the French culture of Montreal. This experience will allow them to take a different perspective on historical events, and to understand the complex motivations behind settlement in New France and British North America. Students will be given the opportunity to engage with real historical artefacts in an authentic archaeological setting which will help them to explore historical inquiry in a new way. Overall, this trip will bring hands-on learning and a cultural experience together to create a relevant and authentic learning experience.

Learning Outcomes:

Using evidence and understanding of the historical context to answer questions of why people acted the way they did

Students will explore diverse perspectives on historical events, places, or situations

Expectations:

-Explain why people came to live in New France and describe the impact of European immigration on First Nation settlements

-Identify and explain examples of conflict and cooperation between the French and First Nation people, and between the French and English fur traders

-Outline the background and causes of key events of the period and describe their effects

-Compare the attractions and drawbacks for French Canadians in choosing life on a farm versus life in the church or in the woods

Pre-Activities:

Diary entry of a French settler, English fur trader, or First Nation person – This will help students to situate themselves in the perspective of the past and to have them reflect on the relations between different cultural groups at the time.

MysteryQuest using Canadian Mysteries website : http://www.mysteryquests.ca/quests/18/indexen.html

During Activities:

Archaeo-adventure (offered by museum)

·         As a team, they will conduct a dig on a site actually studied by archaeologists;

·         use real archaeologists’ tools and apply the scientific method in archaeology;

·         unearth various objects and identify them in the laboratory, by comparing them with real historic artifacts;

·         match the objects with different periods of occupation of the site;

·         share their findings with the group.

Post trip de-briefing & reflections:

As a class, we will discuss what we learned at the museum and how it relates to what we have studied in class. Everyone will be given the chance to share what was most impactful to them.

Students will complete a reflection about their thoughts on the field trip and what they learned, either in the form of a journal entry, blog post, or video diary.

Students who missed the trip can complete an activity based on this one found from www.historica.ca

Research the problems that the early explorers and settlers faced in New France. List the problems on a chart. Beside each, explain how the problem was solved. What contributions did Aboriginal people or their lore play in the solutions? Provide examples of artifacts that were useful to the early settlers.

Post trip activities:

Create an artefact & explain its significance

Create a diorama of a French settlement with labels

Concerns & issues:

A teacher may need to ensure that the museum and activities are accessible to students with physical disabilities or limitations.

A teacher would also need to be aware of any student conflicts which may have the opportunity to be amplified in a new, less supervised setting. In this case, a teacher would need to be careful about creating student groups and assigning appropriate volunteer supervisors. The supervisors would need to keep watch for bullying and having specific consequences planned beforehand as it is an unfamiliar environment with no administrative support should a situation get out of hand.

Cost: Tickets for entry are $7 per student, and $20 per adult.