Understanding
Our Heritage This
inquiry based project looked closely at the history of the community and
people of Millarville from the perspective of the land. It was a full
year focus for the grade 2 & 3 students as they followed a process
of inquiry that evolved as much as it was directed. The places it led
and the things that were learned were not always anticipated. The work was not about a "product"
but about a way of "thinking" about history, learning historical
facts, details, and concepts which became the stepping stones to a deeper
understanding of historical patterns and community.
The sidebar throughout this
website shows the blue route of "Our Discovery" and the parallel
route of "Voice of the Land". "Our Discovery" outlines
the background knowledge students acquired through field trips, guest
speakers, research, websites and technology. In "Voice of the Land"
the students uncover the relationships between the land and the human
inhabitants. Students made connections between
"our community" and "the world". Their discussions
reflected an awareness of issues of change to the environment, first nations
people, colonialism and consumerism. Students interpreted history
in a participatory way and through their experience were able to develop
new perspectives and understanding. |