Design Challenge 22: Developing Historical Empathy

The study of a country’s history and evolution requires more than the memorization of dates, names and facts. Historians need to develop a deep understanding of the confounding circumstances of events, including people, places, cultures, politics, and many other factors. Coming to know why things happened the way they did is as important as knowing what happened and when. As Jill Lepore said, “The study of our history requires investigation, imagination, empathy and respect,” (The Whites of Their Eyes: The Tea Party’s Revolution and the Battle over American History, 2010).

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social issues, belonging, social injustice, social justice, aboriginal issues, adst, english language arts, physical and health education, social studies

Design Challenge 20: Displaced Students

The population boom, immigration, and rural families continuing to move into urban centres have taxed the capacity of schools to accommodate students in their immediate area. Not so many years ago, children walked or rode their bikes to their neighbourhood schools. However, increasingly urban centres are building large community schools to accommodate students being bussed or driven from multiple neighbourhoods. As a result, more and more students feel alienated and isolated, like strangers in their schools. A challenge becomes how to create initial and ongoing experiences for new students so they can increasingly feel welcomed; build relationships with their fellow students, teachers, and staff; find their place; and gradually become active members of their school communities.

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belonging, society empowerment, youth empowerment, social issues, adst, english language arts, physical and health education

Design Challenge 18: Defining the Components of Society Using Artist Trading Cards

Society is typically defined as a group of people living together in the same geographical and social territory. Historically, the word society comes from the Latin word societas, which means friend or ally. This connection suggests many societies were formed for protection and strength. In Canada, we pride ourselves in creating a multicultural society built through immigration.

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belonging, society, youth empowerment, society empowerment, adst, arts education, english language arts, physical and health education