Confederation was the process by which the federal Dominion of Canada was formed beginning 1 July 1867 from the provinces, colonies, and territories of British North America.Confederation for Kids is a website designed for students ages 9 to 13 to help them discover Canadian Confederation, who was responsible, what happened and why. Background information, the key people concerned with Confederation, and a large number of photographs are included. The teacher section provides many suggested activities with downloadable handouts.
It could be used as a starting point for high school students but the information is somewhat basic and would best be utilized in Elementary schools.
I am not too familiar with the elemenraty curriculum, but I think it is useable in two areas at varying grade levels.
Specifically Grade 8 Social Studies in the unit on The History of Canadian Government Structure.
The unit that it would be best for is in the Grade 5 Unit 2: Heritage section. That unit specifically deals with historical topics such as - Building a Nation: Immigration, the Canadian Pacific Railway, the Treaties, the Wars and Confederation.
In the Unit 2: Heritage section on Confederation students learn about the understanding that confederation occurred in response to a number of situations including:
- British and French immigrants
- wars between France and Britain;
- demand for a more democratic government; and
- threat of absorption by the U.S.A. Confederation marked the beginning of European style
- federal and regional governments and boundaries were established.
- reasons why Confederation was deemed necessary;
- the events and the process;
- major players;
- the short and long term effects on people; and
- how Confederation changed Canada
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This website has 9 different hand outs and activities and also includes assessment materials for the teacher.
Activity #1 is a great research project for groups of students.
Activity #1 - Building a Nation: How Did Canada Start?
Research Team I
When did the Dominion of Canada come into being?
Which colonies joined the federation? How were they reorganized in 1867?
What is the difference between a province and a territory?
When and how have new provinces or territories been created?
Which ones joined Confederation as full partners?
Research Team II
Why was this new country Canada formed?
Do you think these same reasons exist for today's Canada?
Are there new reasons for the existence of the country called Canada today?
Research Team III
Where and when did the three important meetings (Conferences) leading to the creation of Canada take place?
Why is the term "Fathers of Confederation" confusing? Who did these men represent?
Who was not (directly) represented at the Conferences in 1864-1866 (and later)? Why were they excluded?
Which groups do you think should be represented at a meeting to discuss today's Canada?
Research Team IV
What assets (strengths) did each of the new groups/regions bring to the newly formed country?
Are these the same strengths that are valued/important in today's Canada?
Research Team V
What document was produced by the delegates at the three Conferences?
What were the major points of this constitutional legislation?
Is this document still in use in today's Canada?
What types of documents were used to define the boundaries and status of new provinces (Manitoba, Alberta, Saskatchewan) or when other colonies joined Confederation?
Research Team VI
Can you locate maps to show the territory of Canada from 1886 to the present?
What are the major differences between Canada's provincial and national borders in 1867, 1870, 1882, 1898, 1905, 1912, 1927, 1949 and today?
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