Highlights
Our engaging Introduction to History activity is the first station of the Hands-On History program. This station will focus on helping students visualize the length of time various cultural groups, such as the Mi’kmaq, Acadians, African Nova Scotians, and Gaels have inhabited Nova Scotia. By working with a physical timeline that models Nova Scotia’s history over the past 15 000 years, students will enhance their knowledge of these cultural groups and engage in discussions comparing the history of their province with other historical concepts they are familiar with.
Curriculum Outcome Links
Grade Five Specific Learning Outcomes (Social Studies):
- Learners will investigate how we learn about the past, with a focus on Acadians, African Nova Scotians, Gaels, Mi’kmaq, and additional cultures.
Activities
5 Minutes: Welcome and Introduction
This station begins with an introduction to the timeline and a quick overview of the history and presence of various cultural groups in Nova Scotia, such as the Mi’kmaq, Acadians, Gaels, and African Nova Scotians.
10-15 Minutes: Timeline Contributions
Students will be asked to add other historical concepts to the timeline. They will complete a series of ‘Think, Pair, Share'-style activities to choose the concepts to be added. Students will then work together as a group with the program facilitator to place their ideas on the timeline.
5 Minutes: Closing Discussion
Students will discuss what they notice about the timeline and what they’ve learned about the history of Nova Scotia. Then, they will be given a quick overview of the other stations they will be participating in, divided into smaller groups, and sent to their next activity.