Introduction
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Preparation:
Become familiar with the websites that will be used for research in the lesson. Use a website such as “The Royal Canadian Navy in St. John” to gather historical information on the connection between the province of New Brunswick and the Canadian Navy.
For background information on the formation of the Canadian Navy visit the Canadian Geographic website and go to the Navy Centennial section.
Locate a short summary of the events leading to the outbreak of the Second World War as well as a document on the early years of the conflict. Pay particular attention to the German efforts to boycott Britain by using the Wolf Packs (U-Boats) during the Battle of the Atlantic.
With Students:
1.Begin by inquiring:
Why would New Brunswick be geographically and strategically important to Canada in the formation of the Canadian Navy?
What economic benefits would come to New Brunswick due to the naval presence?
2. Distribute copies of “Student Activity #1: Brainstorming” and instruct students (either individually or in groups) to complete the web.
3. Discuss:
What made New Brunswick an important location for the Canadian Navy both before and at the start of the Second World War?
Why would many young New Brunswickers want to join the Canadian Navy at the start of the Second World War?
What economic benefits flowed to New Brunswick both during and after the Second World War because of the naval presence?
During the discussion, students have the opportunity to
Demonstrate an awareness of the historical significance of the Second World War.
Identify the dangers faced by young sailors involved in getting the necessary resources from North America to Europe.
Formulate conclusions about the role played by New Brunswick during this time.
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1.Respond to questions.
2. Complete the brainstorming web. This information is the starting point for the lesson.
3. Participate in a discussion of the geographic factors that made New Brunswick an important location to the Canadian Navy in the past.
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Lesson Development
| 1. Distribute “Student Activity #2: HMCS Brunswicker – the Stone Frigate” for students to complete.
2. Discuss the strategic location of New Brunswick and how this was a determining factor for the Canadian Navy to locate themselves in Saint John. Explore the concept of a Naval Reserve. Discuss the historical period of the Second World War and the impact it had on military and civilian life in the province.
3. Distribute “Student Activity #3: The Battle of the Atlantic”. Provide background information about the North Atlantic Convoy System.
Ask: Why do you think so many young people would risk their lives during the Battle of the Atlantic? How did the people who “served” at home by waiting for their loved ones feel?
4. Instruct students to present their written responses to the class.
5. Distribute “Student Activity #4: Ships of Yesterday and Today” for students to complete. Assist with completion as required.
Initiate a class discussion to check for understanding:
of how modern technology has changed the tasks performed by a member of the Canadian Navy.
of similarities between life at sea for today’s sailors and their wartime counterparts.
6. Pass out “Student Activity #5: The Navy Today” for completion. Direct students to:
give examples of the duties and missions of the modern Canadian Navy.
discuss if and how the Canadian Navy will continue to be important in the future.
Ask:
Will we still need the Canadian Navy 50 years from now? 100 years from now? How will the Canadian Navy of the future be different from today’s Navy?
7. Distribute “Student Activity #6: Building a Navy” for students to complete. Instruct students to write about the economic benefits of shipbuilding. Inform students that a debate on their findings will follow.
| 1. Complete Activity #2. Use the website to obtain information on the historical role played by New Brunswick in the development of a Canadian Navy, particularly the Naval Reserve.
2. Participate in class discussion.
3. Complete Activity #3 and participate in the class discussion.
4. Share written responses with the class.
5. Complete Activity #4 using the website links provided for the necessary information. Participate in class discussion to check for understanding.
6. Complete Activity #5. Present findings to the class and discuss conclusions.
7. Complete Activity #6.
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