Activity 1 - A Lesson in History

Aim

To provide students with a general overview of Canada’s role in the Italian Campaign during the Second World War, therefore enabling students to engage and participate in more specific activities.

Specific Learning Outcomes

Students will be expected to:

• Demonstrate a general understanding of the history of Canada’s involvement in the Italian Campaign by answering questions through written response.

Target Audience

This activity is suitable for grades 7 to 12, ages 12 to 18.

Sequence and Anticipated Time Frame

• Background: 10 minutes
• Activity: 40 minutes
• Discussion: 10 minutes

Required Class Materials

• Veterans Affairs Canada - Canada Remembers the Italian Campaign Historical Sheet;
• Class set of labelled maps of Italy;
• Smartboard, screen, whiteboard, or other means of broadcasting and sharing ideas with the class;
• Map or atlas.

Suggested Reference Materials

Veterans Affairs Canada - Canada and the Second World War.

Background: 10 minutes

Provide some background information on the Second World War by asking some general questions of the group regarding the causes of war, the various combatants, and the scope of the war on the land, on the sea, and in the air up until February 1945. The Suggested Reference Materials indicated above will help you provide details and address gaps in the group’s overall knowledge.

After a general overview of the Second World War has been given, engage the students in the lesson by asking them some more personalized questions, such as:

• Has anyone ever travelled to Europe? To Italy?
• Can anyone find Italy on the map/globe?
• Can anyone name any cities in Italy?
• Can anyone name any surrounding countries or cities?
• Does anyone know that Canada played a major role in the Allied struggle to liberate Italy during the Second World War?
• Does anyone know someone who participated in the Second World War or, more specifically, in the Italian Campaign?
• Why do you think Canada took part in this campaign?
• Do you know which other countries took part in the Italian Campaign and who were Canada’s allies?

Jeopardy Game Activity: 40 minutes

Group the class in pairs and distribute the Canada Remembers the Italian Campaign Historical Sheets and the labelled maps of Italy (one per student). In their assigned pairs, have students read the information sheet together, using the map as a reference. Invite students to highlight any key information such as dates, places, people, battles, etc. Allow time for students to review the key information they have highlighted throughout the Information Sheet.

Divide the class into four groups. Have each group line up side by side, with the team members lining up one behind the other. Ask various questions based on the Information Sheet the students have just read. The student at the front of each group’s line will have the opportunity to respond to the first question. The first student to raise their hand (or blow a whistle; ring a bell; buzz in, etc.) will get a chance to answer. If the student answers correctly, their team wins a point. If the student fails to answer the question correctly, the three other opponents at the front of the line have a chance to answer by being the first to raise their. Each “player” receives only one chance to answer and if the correct answer is not given by any of the students, you will provide the correct answer (just like Jeopardy). Those at the front of the line now move to the back, and the next student from each group has a chance to answer the next question, and so on until all the questions have been answered. A prize may be given to the team with the most points at the end of the game.

Use the questions and answers for this activity.

Closing: 10 minutes

Hold a short discussion based on today's activity and allow the students to express their thoughts and feelings about the Italian Campaign.

Follow-up Activity

• Have students answer the following question in a two or three paragraph response or in an online discussion board or chat room:

  There were almost 26,000 casualties in the Italian Campaign, nearly 6,000 of which were fatal. These men and women died fighting for peace and freedom and the rights of all humanity. Do you agree that no price is too high to pay when it comes to fighting for peace and freedom? Why?

• Have students make a glossary of new words, terms, or phrases they have heard throughout today's reading, trivia game, and discussion. Students may search for the word meanings in dictionaries and encyclopedias, or invite them to search the Internet, especially the Veterans Affairs Canada website. (Students may wish to add to their glossary throughout the whole unit, as new words, terms, or phrases are mentioned.)