• learn about the significant periods or topics in fur trade history, researching one event or era in-depth and creating a videotaped “Heritage Moment” about it;
• locate information and make notes using a variety of sources about their chosen topic and have them create a dramatic scene and narration based on their research;
• be videotaped performing their own and other classmates’ dramatic scenes in appropriate settings and costumes, and will combine these with recorded narration and complementary pictures that they have selected;
• acquire a greater interest in Canadian history by actively portraying significant moments from our past.

Students acquire many skills during the research, rehearsal and videotaping phases of the project. They have the opportunity to work independently and to make their own choices but also to work cooperatively in small groups of three.

Following the overview, each student selects an era of particular interest and is grouped according to the era/topic chosen (groups of three to four).

Activity #1 – Each group is given a box of resources to provide further background on the topic chosen. A leader is designated for each group to keep the resources intact and to help each group member progress as required. Students begin to read about their topic.

Activity #2 – After students have read some background information, they generate a list of sub-topics that interest them.

Activity #3 – Students meet within their groups to compare their lists of sub-topics and each student selects a sub-topic to research in depth and to create a scene around. Students read about their particular sub-topic and refer group members to information found relating to their sub-topics.

Activity #4 – Students record significant information in “jot note” form. (Students have learned this particular skill during previous resource-based units). Students must accumulate approximately 30 items of information about their sub-topic.

Activity #5 – As students near the end of their research, we teach them how to develop and write a script for a video. Students study sample scripts from previous student videos and compare these to the actual video vignettes. They practice writing video scripts for familiar folktales (e.g., <em>Three Little Pigs</em>). Students learn and use proper video terminology.

Activity #6 – Using the criteria of appropriateness, feasibility and significance, students identify a particular fact or event from their job notes that will make an interesting and dramatic scene. They discuss their choices with their group members and teachers. Each student writes a script that includes important information, dramatic action, interesting and explanatory dialogue, involves all three group members and lasts no longer than a minute.

Activity #7 – Students write narration to introduce or conclude their scenes and gather pictures, maps, etc. to illustrate their narrations, designating when each is to be used. Students locate sound effects (tapes, CDs) and music to enhance their dramatic scenes and/or narrations.

Activity #8 – Students memorize dialogue for each scene and rehearse with group members. With the teachers, they gather props and costumes and locate appropriate settings for their scenes.

Activity #9 – Teachers need to make arrangements with parents and various sites to take the students for videotaping. Students go on location in their groups, in costume, to dramatize their scenes and be videotaped. (We use a basic camcorder and an external microphone attached to a lengthy cable and transformer. Other possibilities may be to have a local cable channel or video or film students from a high school or college do the actual filming). Other tips include:

• use a tripod for stability;
• charge your battery beforehand, and take an extra one if possible;
• place the microphone as close as possible to the students mouths, camouflaging it in clothing, props, etcetera – poor sound is the worst problem that we have encountered;
• use a small chalkboard to designate scene titles and take numbers (e.g., Voyageurs – Take 6)
• don’t rewind after mistakes, just continue on;
• allow lots of lead in and lead out time to aid editing;
• cue students with a hand signal;
• TAKE A VIDEOTAPE!!!

Activity #10 – Students practice reading their narrations fluently and expressively and then record their narrations on audiotape. (A sound booth provides better sound quality if this is available).

Activity #11 – Students view their takes and select their best ones. We then edit the videos combining dramatic episodes and narrations and adding sound effects and music as well as titles using Avid MCX press software. (If editing is not possible, plan your film in proper sequence and rehearse to perfection prior to videotaping).

Activity #12 – We conclude our unit with a “World Premiere” where the student video is shown on a large screen for the students’ families and other guests and we celebrate with a large cake and autographs. Student’s work is displayed and they are able to order copies of the video for a nominal cost. The students are very excited about the final product, and their parents are always extremely proud of their children’s efforts and accomplishments.

1. student portfolio activities
2. research and jot notes
3. scripts
4. written narrations and accompanying illustrations
5. rehearsal and preparation
6. performance during videotaping and narrations
7. other (meeting deadlines, contributions, attitude, initiative, helping others, demonstrated curiosity or analysis of information acquired)

• For the overview, we use kits, videos and historical materials from the school library including: We Are Canadians, Early Canada, Heritage Minutes videotape, the Canadiana Scrapbook series, Discovery of Canada and Opening of the Canadian West; students need portfolios for activities.
• For student research, resources also come from the school library and include works such as the Junior Encyclopedia of Canada, the All Canadians series, Great Canadian Lives, 100 Great Canadians, as well as books, magazines, videos, and kits relating to the individual topics chosen by the students. Students may locate additional materials at local libraries, museums, etc.
• Camcorder, tripod, external microphone, cable and transformer, videotapes, small chalkboard, brush and chalk, duct tape (unlimited uses!)
• Costumes and props appropriate for scenes (try Value Village, museums, historic societies, and the students' families)
• FurTradeStories.ca can provide inspiration for costumes, sets, and locations with its image collection. Journals, maps, diaries, audio files and other documents can provide solid background research for character and plot development.