Get Ready For The Capital

Ready Get for the Capital An Activity Resource for Students and Teachers Before You Go — What You Need to Know . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Activity One — On the Map. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Activity Two — Head for the Hill Game . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Activity Three — You’re the Travel Agent . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Activity Four — Capital Scavenger Hunt . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Before You Go What You Need to Know What’s Inside This Resource? Get Ready for the Capital is the perfect tool to excite your students about their upcoming visit. Do one of the self-contained activities, or all four of them — they are designed to better prepare your students for what they’re going to see and do in Canada’s Capital. Activity sheets for your students are supplied — all you need to do is photocopy them. Look for the optional ’Expand It’ sections if you’d like to take the activities further, or incorporate them into the visit itself.

Get your students ready for the trip of a lifetime!

Visiting Canada’s Capital?

At the end of this package, you’ll find a resource list to enhance your trip and to further these activities.

Brought to You by the National Capital Commission The National Capital Commission (NCC), a Crown corporation created by Parliament, is dedicated to making the Capital accessible to all Canadians. The NCC endeavours to enrich and support the learning of young Canadians through various activities, including this resource package. Visit the on-line teacher resources at canadascapital.gc.ca/education for more information.

2 Before You Go

Capitals in Context Before your class jumps into any of the activities in this resource, consider: Do the students know what a capital is? Do they know why they are visiting Canada’s Capital? Discussing these essential questions provides context and enriches the student experience.

Essential Questions for Students What is a capital? Discuss differences between provincial and national capitals, using local examples, if appropriate. Expand discussion beyond the political aspects of a capital — touch on international obligations, and a capital’s responsibility to represent all its constituents.

What features are important for a capital to have? Capitals around the world have similar institutions — legislative buildings, national/ regional museums, embassies or foreign representatives, monuments, performing arts centres and government offices, to name but a few. A capital needs places for people to gather, to debate and to remember. Discuss the features students expect to see in any capital.

How do capitals represent their citizens? Capital cities have the very important job of showcasing the achievements of their citizens, in addition to hosting representatives. Do students feel that they are represented in their national and regional capitals?

3 Before You Go

Activity One On the Map Duration: 75 minutes

What You Need to Know

Purpose

Ontario Curriculum Connections: Grade 6 to 10 (Social Studies, History, Geography and Civics) Quebec Curriculum Connections: Cycle Three (Democracy in Society, History of Quebec and Canada); Secondary One to Four (Geography of Quebec and Canada, History of Quebec and Canada)

Students will discover the Capital’s diverse wealth of national treasures through a mapping activity. They will also consider features of a world-class capital city — memorials, monuments, museums and natural landscapes.

What You’ll Need  A map of Canada’s Capital Region big enough to post on the classroom wall. For a free map, contact the National Capital Commission’s group reservation line at 1-800-461-8020.

 Computer access or adequate brochures, up-to-date guidebooks or other tourism materials for students to research the location of various landmarks.

 Copies of the “On the Map” activity sheet (students can work in pairs).

4 On the Map

What to Do  Ask your students what a national capital is. Prompt students for answers with questions such as, What things does a national capital do? and What buildings or institutions do you think a national capital should have? Write the students’ answers on a whiteboard. Other questions for further exploration: Where would important visitors stay? Would the prime minister live at the Parliament Buildings? If you were hosting a friend from another country and took them on a trip to your national capital, what would you want the capital to have for them to see?

 Brainstorm for a few minutes, touching on areas of democracy, internationalism, monuments, commemoration, celebrations, culture and heritage.

 Distribute an “On the Map” activity sheet to each pair. Note the four categories on the map: Commemorations and Monuments; Justice and Democracy; Culture and Heritage; and Science and Technology. Divide the student pairs into teams and assign each pair a category to research.

 Using maps or the websites listed, each pair must assign a location on the map

to each of the four institutions and monuments named in their assigned category. Make sure students write down why each location is important.

 Once the students have completed their maps, ask for a team representative

to briefly describe their institutions and monuments to the class. Invite the team representative to look at a map of Canada’s Capital Region to check their answers. Students can fully complete their maps by noting the answers given by students researching other categories.

Expand It! Ask students to create a “missing” monument or institution that they think is absent from Canada’s Capital Region. They can draw their new creation, or write about its possible significance and location.

If you’ve already done Activity Four in this resource, have students locate various Capital Scavenger Hunt items on their maps.

Invite students to help build the class itinerary using information on the map.

When your class visits Canada’s Capital Region, draw attention to the decisions city planners made — how a large gathering area is located in front of the Parliament Buildings, the use of a ceremonial route (Confederation Boulevard) and the prominent locations of national buildings.

5 On the Map

Answer Key 1: L

2: F

3: E

4: O

5: C

6: B

7: I

8: P

9: M

10: A

11: D

12: K

13: J

14: H

15: N

16: G

Useful Websites Tip: print these useful pages if you don’t have access to a computer in the classroom.

For monuments and commemorations: canadascapital.gc.ca/capitalmonuments

For culture and heritage: canadascapital.gc.ca/museums

For democracy and justice: gc.ca, under “Departments and Agencies,” or the “Official Residences” section of canadascapital.gc.ca/attractions Parliament of Canada – www.parl.gc.ca/education Supreme Court of Canada – scc-csc.gc.ca

For science and technology: sciencetech.technomuses.ca

6 On the Map

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A: Reconciliation — The Peacekeeping Monument B: The National War Memorial and Tomb of the Unknown Soldier C: Terry Fox statue D: Samuel de Champlain statue Democracy and Justice E: F: G: H:

Parliament Buildings Supreme Court of Canada Rideau Hall Prime minister’s residence

Culture and Heritage



I: National Arts Centre J: Canadian Museum of Civilization K: National Gallery of Canada L: Canadian War Museum



Science and Technology



M: Canada Science and Technology Museum N: Canada Aviation Museum O: Canada Agriculture Museum P: Canadian Museum of Nature

9

Activity Two Head for the Hill Game Duration: flexible — 30 to 75 minutes

What You Need to Know

Purpose

Ontario Curriculum Connections: Grade 6 to 10 (Social Studies, History, and Geography) Quebec Curriculum Connections: Cycle Three (Democracy in Society, History of Quebec and Canada); Secondary One to Four (Geography of Quebec and Canada, History of Quebec and Canada)

Using a board game, students will answer questions relating to Canada’s Capital Region, while identifying landmarks and locations of national monuments, institutions and events. They will make connections between the natural heritage of the region, its history and unique aspects of its national treasures. This activity is especially suited for students of English as a Second Language.

What You’ll Need  One copy of the game for each group of three students.

 One copy of “Quizmaster’s Questions” for each group of three students.  One die for each group of three students.

 Game markers for students — use small coins such as pennies and dimes.

8 Head for the Hill Game

What to Do  Divide your students into groups of three.

 Each group must assign a Quizmaster, who does not play the game, but will administer the questions.

 The other two students each select a coin as their playing piece.

 Students start at the Parliament Buildings. The first one to return wins. Students roll the die to see who goes first. That student rolls again and moves his or her marker around the board. If the player lands on a question mark, the Quizmaster reads a question from the list. If the player answers correctly, he or she may roll again. If not, it is the next player’s turn to roll.

 The students can switch roles until everyone has had a chance to be Quizmaster.

Expand It!  Use this activity in conjunction with Activity One to create a sense of the region’s geography.

 Have students research additional questions to add to the Quizmaster’s questions. Give the additional questions to another set of players, and play the game again.

9 Head for the Hill Game

Head for the Hill

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10. What is the largest park in Canada’s Capital Region,

Quizmaster’s Questions Answers in italics

1. Sing the first two lines of “O Canada.” Answer: O Canada! Our home and native land! True patriot love in all thy sons command.

2. Where in the Capital can you hold a gold bar worth $200,000? Answer: At the Royal Canadian Mint on Sussex Drive

3. The Capital has hosted Olympic events. True or false? Answer: True. (During the Montréal Olympics in 1976, some soccer matches were played in Ottawa.)

4. Name a famous actor or singer who comes from Canada’s Capital Region. Answer: Alanis Morissette, Paul Anka, and Daniel Lanois. Bryan Adams went to high school in Ottawa, as did actors Brendan Fraser and Matthew Perry. Dan Aykroyd is from Ottawa, as is game-show host Alex Trebek. Tom Cruise lived in Ottawa when he was a child!

5. What was Ottawa’s original name? Answer: Ottawa was originally called Bytown. (It was named after Colonel John By, the builder of the Rideau Canal.)

6. What was the only part of the Parliament Buildings to survive the fire of 1916? Answer: The Library of Parliament

7. Which animal has a special sanctuary on Parliament Hill? Answer: Cats. (Although sometimes raccoons raid the cat food.)

8. During the Winterlude festivities held in February, you can skate right up to concession stands on the Rideau Canal Skateway. True or false? Answer: True. (There’s even a café where the serving counter is made entirely of ice!)

9. Many people are honoured with a statue on Parliament Hill: name one. Answers include: Sir George-Étienne Cartier, Sir John A. Macdonald, Sir Louis-Hippolyte Lafontaine, Lester B. Pearson, Queen Victoria, George Brown, Alexander Mackenzie, Thomas D’Arcy McGee, Robert Baldwin, Queen Elizabeth, Persons Case women (the Famous Five: Henrietta Muir Edward, Emily Murphy, Louise McKinney, Nellie McClung and Irene Parlby), William Lyon Mackenzie King, Sir Wilfrid Laurier, John Diefenbaker and Sir Robert Borden.

only ten minutes from downtown? Answer: Gatineau Park

11. What is the name of the tallest tower in the Parliament Buildings? Answer: The Peace Tower

12. What is the official address of the prime minister? Answer: 24 Sussex Drive

13. What is the name of the home of the Leader of the Official Opposition: Laurier House, Rideau Hall, or Stornoway? Answer: Stornoway

14. There is no difference between an embassy and a High Commission. True or false? Answer: False. (A High Commission is the official presence of a Commonwealth country, such as the British High Commission, and non-Commonwealth countries have embassies.)

15. During the summer months, soldiers and military bands march daily to Parliament Hill. Is this ceremony called Reviewing the Colours, Changing the Guard, or the Musical Ride? Answer: Changing the Guard

16. Ottawa-Gatineau is not in the right climate zone to produce maple syrup. True or false? Answer: False. (Some of the best maple syrup in the world comes from around Canada’s Capital Region.)

17. Where does the largest Remembrance Day commemoration happen in the Capital? Answer: At the National War Memorial in Confederation Square

18. During which war did the soldier who is buried in the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier die? Answer: The Canadian soldier who is buried in the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier died in the vicinity of Vimy Ridge during the First World War.

19. Does the Canadian Postal Museum collect letters? Answer: No. (The Canadian Postal Museum collects stamps, post boxes, uniforms and other historical material. The Library and Archives Canada collects letters.)

20. Who chose Ottawa as Canada’s Capital in 1857? Answer: Queen Victoria

21. Name one of the four other cities considered for the Capital, before Ottawa was selected. Answer: Toronto, Montréal, Quebec City and Kingston

22. Name three prime ministers from the 20th century. Answer: Wilfrid Laurier, Robert Borden, Arthur Meighen, William Lyon Mackenzie King, Richard Bennett, Louis St-Laurent, John Diefenbaker, Lester Pearson, Pierre Trudeau, Joe Clark, John Turner, Brian Mulroney, Kim Campbell, and Jean Chrétien all served during the 20th century (Paul Martin was elected in 2003).

23. Name the region’s three major rivers.

31. Where can you see exhibitions about bread and tractors: the Canadian Museum of Civilization, the Canada Aviation Museum or the Canada Agriculture Museum? Answer: The Canada Agriculture Museum (on the Central Experimental Farm)

32. The National Gallery of Canada has a Teen Council that advises on programs for young people. True or false? Answer: True. (The Teen Council helps to arrange artist talks and workshops on issues that involve youth.)

Answer: The Ottawa, the Rideau, and the Gatineau

33. Who were the first people in the region: the Inuit, the 24. In Canada’s Capital Region, what natural feature forms the boundary between Quebec and Ontario? Answer: The Ottawa River

25. French explorers were interested in the Ottawa River because they were looking for gold. True or false? Answer: False. (French explorers were interested in furs.)

26. The name ‘rideau’ features prominently in the Capital — Rideau Hall, the Rideau River, and the Rideau Canal. Where does the name come from? Answer: Samuel de Champlain saw the waterfall where the Rideau River met the Ottawa River and thought it looked like a curtain. (Rideau means curtain in French.)

Haida, the Algonquin or the Métis? Answer: The Algonquin people are the original people of the region.

34. Which one of the following would you NOT see at the Canadian Museum of Civilization: an IMAX® movie, a totem pole, dinosaur bones or Maurice Richard’s hockey jersey? Answer: Dinosaur bones. (These can be found at the Canadian Museum of Nature, not the Museum of Civilization).

35. Which national museum features train engines, a crazy kitchen and an exhibition on Canadian innovations? Answer: Canada Science and Technology Museum

36. The population of Canada’s Capital Region is: 50,000, 27. How many universities does Canada’s Capital Region have? Answer: Four. (University of Ottawa, St. Paul University, Université du Québec en Outaouais, and Carleton University.)

28. What is the colour of the robes worn by judges of the Supreme Court of Canada during hearings: red, black or blue? Answer: Black (Ceremonial red robes are worn on special occasions and in the Senate at the opening of each new session of Parliament.)

29. During the summer months, a giant sound and light show projects images on the Parliament Buildings. True or false? Answer: True. (The free “Sound and Light Show” lights up the Parliament Buildings with moving images highlighting the spirit of the country, while music and spoken words play on a huge sound system.)

30. Dots and dashes punched into the exterior wall spell out the letters ‘C,’ ‘W,’ and ‘M’ in Morse code at what national museum? Answer: The Canadian War Museum

500,000, 1 million or 1.5 million? Answer: Approximately 1 million people call the region home.

37. What percentage of the Capital’s population speaks both English and French: 10%, 25% or 44%? Answer: Almost half (44%) the people of the area consider themselves bilingual in English and French.

38. Which lake is NOT in Gatineau Park: Meech Lake, Pink Lake or Lake Ontario? Answer: Lake Ontario is not in Gatineau Park.

39. The Order of Canada is presented by which leader — the prime minister, the governor general or the Speaker of the House? Answer: The Order of Canada recognizes the lifetime achievements of great Canadians, and they are given out by the governor general at Rideau Hall.

40. Pastries sprinkled with sugar, cheese or salt are sold on the frozen Rideau Canal. Are they called tennis racquets, poutine, s’mores or beavertails? Answer: BeaverTails™

41. Which direction is the Terry Fox statue on Wellington Street facing? Answer: Fox is facing west, the direction he was running when he ended his Marathon of Hope.

Activity Three You’re the Travel Agent Duration: 75 minutes

What You Need to Know

Ontario Curriculum Connections: Grade 6 to 10 (Social Studies, Media Studies, History, and Civics — Aboriginal People, Canadian International Relations, Canadian History) Quebec Curriculum Connections: Cycle Three (Democracy in Society, History of Quebec and Canada); Secondary One to Four (History of Quebec and Canada, Media Education)

Purpose

During this activity, students will create different possible visit itineraries by acting as “travel agents” to famous “clients.” Students will explore world-class events and festivals, unique institutions and awesome gathering places in Canada’s Capital Region.

What You’ll Need  Internet or library access, or adequate brochures, up-to-date guidebooks or other tourism materials.

 Optional: use the “Clients” sheet provided to assign clients.  Copies of the activity sheet, one for each student.

13 You’re the Travel Agent

What to Do  Review with your students some of the sites that they will be visiting while they are in Canada’s Capital Region. Ask if there are other sites they’d like to visit and note them down.

 Explain that different visitors have different requirements, depending on who they are, when they’re visiting and why they’re travelling. Tell the students that they are going to be travel agents for a famous client and will need to plan a trip of a lifetime to Canada’s Capital Region. An activity sheet will help them make decisions.

 Divide your students into small groups (three to four students per group). Assign

each group a client from the attached sheet. Alternatively, students could suggest their own clients. Make sure students know who their client is before starting!

 Students work through the sheet. If they are stuck for places for their client

to visit, suggest they use the hot spots listed at the bottom of their sheets. The activity is most useful when students pay particular attention to providing reasons for their decisions.

 Students use the brochures or the Internet to research their destinations and to find out what’s current at the hot spot, such as which exhibitions are on at the Canadian Museum of Civilization.

 Use the “Answer Key” to provide your students with suggestions or additional guidance.

 Encourage your students to use their imaginations as well as their research skills — they may come up with a very creative itinerary!

 Have the students pitch their itinerary to the class, justifying their choices and making the trip sound as exciting as possible.

Expand It!  Find out if your students have any new suggestions for places to go or things to see during their trip. If the students are persuasive and it’s possible, add the new venues to your itinerary!

 During your trip, draw student attention to signs of official visits, especially

on Parliament Hill and around embassies. Posters, protesters and the banners on Confederation Boulevard are all indicators of activity in Canada’s Capital Region.

14 You’re the Travel Agent

Useful Websites Media Websites Government newsroom: news.gc.ca

The Hill Times, parliamentary newspaper with a good links page: thehilltimes.ca

The Parliamentary Press Gallery has a good links page: gallery-tribune.ca

Major Attractions and Monuments canadascapital.gc.ca/attractions/

Parliamentary information: www.parl.gc.ca

Answer Key Note: these are suggestions only. Encourage students to be creative and to back up their answers!

Wayne Gretzky Mr. Gretzky might visit several hockey-related monuments and exhibits in Canada’s Capital Region: the Maurice Richard statue in Jacques-Cartier Park; the Lace Up exhibit at the Canadian Museum of Civilization; Scotiabank Place (home of the Ottawa Senators); or the largest ice rink in the world, the Rideau Canal Skateway. If he’s in town during Winterlude, he might drop the puck at an outdoor hockey game!

British Royal Family The governor general would likely host British royalty, with visits to the British High Commission and Parliament. Members of the Royal Family would be invited to open events, exhibitions and new buildings. Younger royals might be interested in local skiing or other outdoor recreation.

15 You’re the Travel Agent

Answer Key continued Your favourite musician or musical group Many musicians call Canada’s Capital Region their home, and visiting musicians have plenty of places to perform, from the Corel Centre to smaller venues in the ByWard Market and Gatineau. The Canadian Museum of Civilization has a huge musical instrument collection, the Library and Archives Canada has a recording collection, and the National Arts Centre is the premier venue for many types of music. Downtown Ottawa becomes the site of a large number of outdoor concerts during Canada Day, Winterlude, the Canadian Tulip Festival, Ottawa Bluesfest and the Ottawa International Jazz Festival.

United Nation’s Secretary-General The United Nation’s Secretary-General would likely visit the Canadian Tribute to Human Rights monument, Rideau Hall, the Peacekeeping Monument, the Monument to Canadian Aid Workers and the Parliament Buildings. There might be certain exhibitions that would interest the Secretary-General, such as those at the new Canadian War Museum. Meetings might be scheduled at Foreign Affairs Canada (Pearson Building).

The Dalai Lama The Dalai Lama would likely keep a low profile, but might have meetings with the prime minister and the governor general. He would probably be the guest of honour at a dinner hosted by the Tibetan community. He might lead a public meditation in a natural setting, such as Gatineau Park, or in a large venue like Scotiabank Place. He might attend meetings at Foreign Affairs Canada (Pearson Building), and visit the Canadian Tribute to Human Rights Monument.

Jacques Villeneuve, racecar driver Jacques Villeneuve might visit the Canada Science and Technology Museum and explore the latest scientific breakthroughs, such as those in speed technology at the National Research Council, and might also enjoy some outdoor recreation in Gatineau Park. He would likely stay at a hotel like the Château Laurier. Students might want to create a racing event to highlight the visit.

16 You’re the Travel Agent

Answer Key continued Julie Payette, Chief Astronaut, Canadian Space Agency Julie Payette would want to visit the Canada Science and Technology Museum, which has a large section devoted to space. Other places of interest might be the National Research Council, where leading-edge scientific research is conducted, and the displays at the Canada Aviation Museum. She might also be interested in seeing historical technological wonders, such as the locks on the Rideau Canal.

The Royal Family of the Netherlands The Royal Family of the Netherlands would definitely attend the Canadian Tulip Festival and would likely be invited to have a central role in the proceedings. They would visit Commissioners Park and Major’s Hill Park to view the tulips. They would go to the Parliament Buildings, visit the governor general, and also have a dinner at the Royal Netherlands Embassy. They probably would visit the Canadian War Museum and the Canadian Museum of Civilization.

A time-travelling Samuel de Champlain The students can have fun with this client! Samuel de Champlain will want to see everything! Students can schedule a visit to see the Champlain statue, the Canada Hall in the Canadian Museum of Civilization, Parliament (where Champlain could meet the prime minister), an interview with the CBC on Sparks Street, a visit to the Rideau Falls (which he named), and probably a state dinner at the French Embassy.

A Canadian Veteran A Canadian war veteran would likely want to visit the Canadian War Museum, and attend Remembrance Day ceremonies at the National War Memorial. He or she might want to visit Library and Archives Canada to look up military records, see the Peacekeeping Monument, or visit the Canada Aviation Museum for its collection of military aircraft, and the RCMP stables.

17 You’re the Travel Agent

Clients Client: Wayne Gretzky Reason for visit: opening an exhibition on skating at the Canadian Museum of Civilization in winter

Client: British Royal Family Reason for visit: the Queen is unveiling a statue on Parliament Hill in fall

Client: Jacques Villeneuve, racecar driver Reason for visit: receiving the Order of Canada in spring

Client: Julie Payette, Chief Astronaut, Canadian Space Agency Reason for visit: giving a speech at the University of Ottawa in fall

Client: your favourite musician or musical group

Client: the Royal Family of the Netherlands

Reason for visit: playing a concert at Winterlude’s Snowbowl

Reason for visit: part of a Canadian tour in spring

Client: United Nations Secretary-General

Client: a time-travelling Samuel de Champlain

Reason for visit: attending an international peacekeeping conference in spring

Reason for visit: a summer visit to see how Canada has evolved since the early 1600s

Client: the Dalai Lama

Client: a Canadian veteran

Reason for visit: visiting the prime minister in summer

Reason for visit: attend Remembrance Day ceremonies in November

18 You’re the Travel Agent

You’re

the Travel Agent

name

Your clients have two days in Canada’s Capital Region. Plan a trip of a lifetime that they will want to discuss with their family and friends. Find out what’s going on during their visit, guess what interests them and make sure they have time to do everything they need to do! Use your creativity and put your research skills to the test.

Who is your client? What is the reason for your client’s visit?

What time of year is the visit?

Hot Spots Plan four memorable stops

Some of these might interest your client! Visit canadascapital.gc.ca/attractions to find out more about many of these hot spots.

for your client. Use the Hot Spots list to the right, or think up your own. Remember to research the hot spot — find out what is current or in season. Try to match your client’s interests and needs to the itinerary.

Places and things to visit

Stop one:

Reason for stop:

Stop two:

Reason for stop:

Stop three:

Reason for stop:

Stop four:

Reason for stop:

Canada Agriculture Museum Canada Aviation Museum Canada Science and Technology Museum Canadian Children’s Museum Canadian Museum of Civilization Canadian Museum of Contemporary Photography Canadian Museum of Nature Canadian Tribute to Human Rights Monument Canadian War Museum Capital Pathway (walking/biking/ recreational trails) Department of Foreign Affairs Canada Embassies and High Commissions Gatineau Park Monument to Canadian Aid Workers National Arts Centre National Gallery of Canada National Research Council National War Memorial Mackenzie King Estate Parliament Buildings Peacekeeping Monument Rideau Canal Rideau Hall Royal Canadian Mint Samuel de Champlain statue Scotiabank Place (home of the Ottawa Senators) Supreme Court of Canada Terry Fox statue 24 Sussex Drive (prime minister’s residence)

Events Canada Day celebrations (July 1) Canadian Tulip Festival (May) Ottawa International Animation Festival (October) Ottawa International Bluesfest (July) Ottawa International Jazz Festival (June) Winterlude festivities (February)

Activity Four Capital Scavenger Hunt Duration: 75 minutes

What You Need to Know

Ontario Curriculum Connections: Grade 6 to 10 (Social Studies, History, Geography and Civics — Aboriginal People and Early European Culture, Canadian International Relations, Canadian History, Patterns in Human Geography, Canadian Geography) Quebec Curriculum Connections: Cycle Three (Democracy in Society, History of Quebec and Canada); Secondary One to Four (Geography of Quebec and Canada, History of Quebec and Canada)

Purpose

Working in teams, your class will hunt for information on the Internet. They will discover some of the things that make the Capital great – fascinating historical facts, wacky trivia and information about national landmarks. Together, they will create an accurate picture of Canada’s Capital Region through the seasons and across time.

What You’ll Need  Copies of the “Capital Scavenger Hunt” sheets, one for each student. Note: there are four different sheets, one for each season. Make sure you have an even mix so that your class is effectively divided into four different teams.

 Internet access (students can work solo, or in pairs).  A whiteboard.

21 Capital Scavenger Hunt

What to Do Introduce the activity. Tell your students that in order to prepare for their trip, they will need to find out more about Canada’s Capital Region. They are going to go on a scavenger hunt.

Give each student a “Capital Scavenger Hunt” sheet, ensuring there is an even

mix of the four seasons. Ask them to read the questions and use the suggested websites for guidance.

Allow time at the end for students to get into their teams (those who worked on the same hunt) and self-evaluate. Did they answer all the questions? Was there any discrepancy between answers?

In teams, have students record their answers in point form on a whiteboard and present their findings to the rest of the class.

When all the students are finished presenting, the class votes on which season they would prefer to visit Canada’s Capital Region, based on the information provided. Note: although every effort is made to ensure the websites listed are up-to-date, the Internet changes frequently. You may want to verify links beforehand, or challenge your students to use a search function to find information, if they are having trouble.

Expand It! Post a map of Canada’s Capital Region in a prominent place in your classroom. Ask students to put a mark (a pin, or a dot sticker) on the location of their clues (example: a pin on the locks at the junction of the Rideau Canal and the Ottawa River). As you and your students prepare for your trip, continue to refer to the map and add new markers.

Teams collect visuals related to their season (through the Internet, magazines and publications). Students then create seasonal posters for display in the classroom, designed to entice visitors to Canada’s Capital Region.

Bring the “Capital Scavenger Hunt” sheets with you on your trip! Students can

find locations and items related to their clues during the visit and check them off. See which team can collect all the clues!

22 Capital Scavenger Hunt

Answer Key Summer: Bring on the Heat 1. Prior to October 27, 1982, Canada Day was known as Dominion Day. 2. Colonel John By was an officer with the Royal Engineers, sent to the Ottawa area to build an alternate transportation route from Kingston to cities on the St. Lawrence River such as Montréal, and from there to the Atlantic. The canal he built is still in operation. The earliest name for Ottawa is Bytown. 3. The sac contains 26 white marble eggs. 4. On Canada’s Official Day of Mourning (September 14, 2001) following the attacks on the World Trade Centre and Pentagon in the United States, 100,000 people crowded Parliament Hill to observe three minutes of silence. 5. A First Nations campsite was located on the site of the Canadian Museum of Civilization. Earth from this location was used in building the East and West Blocks of the Parliament Buildings in the 19th century.

Winter: Lace Up! 1. At almost eight kilometres, the world’s largest skating rink is the Rideau Canal Skateway. Canada’s oldest outdoor skating rink is on the grounds of Rideau Hall, the governor general’s residence. 2. The Winterlude mascots are the Ice Hog Family. 3. On February 3, 1916, a fire swept through the Centre Block of the Parliament Buildings, destroying almost all of it — except for the Library, which still stands today. Politicians passed many pieces of legislation in the Victoria Memorial Museum Building, now the home of the Canadian Museum of Nature. 4. This lighthouse was painted with a checkerboard pattern to distinguish it from other lighthouses, and to ensure that the tower stood out against the often snow-covered landscape. 5. False. The Algonquin people showed French explorers how to use birchbark canoes and snowshoes, not skis.

23 Capital Scavenger Hunt

Answer Key continued Spring: More than Tulips 1. The birth of Dutch Royal Princess Margriet, to Princess Juliana (later Queen of the Netherlands), in Ottawa during the Second World War marked the beginning of a special relationship between the two countries that continued with the Canadian Forces’ participation in the Liberation of the Netherlands. The Dutch people and the Royal family gave a gift of tulip bulbs to Canada. Every May, Canada’s Capital Region celebrates with the Canadian Tulip Festival, a lasting reminder of the friendship. 2. The second flagstaff, to the east, flies a flag when the court is in session and the public can observe proceedings. Usually, the Supreme Court does not sit in summer. 3. True. The National Art Centre’s (NAC) Southam Theatre, which is one of the largest stages in the country, has special box seating for visiting dignitaries, including royalty. 4. School children name the RCMP’s new foals. Each year’s batch of foals receives a name beginning with the same letter, and the letters run alphabetically through the years. 5. The Central Experimental Farm was established in 1886.

Fall: Back to Business 1. The Fall Rhapsody happens every autumn. 2. Nelson Mandela visited the governor general at Rideau Hall. Like many foreign dignitaries, he planted a tree on the grounds. 3. The water in the fountain is replaced by a non-toxic glycol, which prevents it from freezing. 4. True. There is a sanctuary for stray cats on the Parliament Buildings’ grounds. 5. It is customary for the prime minister and the governor general to lay wreaths at the National War Memorial in Confederation Square, Ottawa.

24 Capital Scavenger Hunt

Bring on the

Heat

name

Every first of July, thousands of people celebrate Canada Day on Parliament Hill. Prior to 1982, what was Canada Day known as?

1

help! Try Canadian Heritage’s website at: canadianheritage.gc.ca/progs/cpsc-ccsp/jfa-ha/canada_e.cfm

The Capital’s Bytown Days are celebrated in late summer. Who was Colonel John By and what did he build?

2

help! Type the word ‘Bytown’ into your favourite search engine.

3

Louise Bourgeois’ gargantuan bronze sculpture representing a spider, entitled Maman, has made herself at home on the Plaza of the National Gallery of Canada. What is contained in the sac under the spider’s belly?

To date, what is the largest crowd that has ever assembled on Parliament Hill? When, why, and how many people gathered?

4

help! Try dfait-maeci.gc.ca/canada-magazine/issue14/menu-en.asp for details and photos.

5 National Aboriginal Day is celebrated on the first day of summer, and the Canadian Museum of Civilization, designed by Métis architect Douglas Cardinal, hosts many events. What was originally on the museum site and what happened to it?

help! Click on civilization.ca/cmc/archeo/kichisibi/regions/eotthull.htm to find out more about this archeological site.

Capital Scavenger Hunt

help! Take a look at national.gallery.ca

Lace

up !

name

The world’s largest ice rink and Canada’s oldest outdoor rink can both be found in the Capital. What is the name of the largest rink, and the location of the oldest?

1

help! Try canadascapital.gc.ca and gg.ca for more information. What kind of animal is a Winterlude mascot?

help! Visit canadascapital.gc.ca/winterlude to find out more about Winterlude!

2

That’s

5 crazy! The first Aboriginal peoples of the Ottawa Valley, the Algonquin, showed French explorers how to use skis.

True o or False o

? 3 Canadian politicians haven’t always held Parliament in the Parliament Buildings. In the winter of 1916, what event caused politicians to meet in a museum?

4

Technology Park is the grounds of the Canada Science and Technology Museum. It contains many large artifacts, including the Cape North lighthouse. Why is the lighthouse painted with a checkerboard pattern?

help! Try sciencetech.technomuses.ca/english/visitus/pdf/technopark_eng.pdf

Find out more about the Aboriginal peoples of the region at: canadascapital.gc.ca/ history

Capital Scavenger Hunt

help! Try nature.ca/reno/hstry/tnants_e.cfm for more details.

help!

More than

Tulips

name

What does the birth of a princess have to do with more than a million tulips flowering at the Canadian Tulip Festival?

1 help!

Find out more at canadascapital.gc.ca/tulips

The Supreme Court of Canada, located in Ottawa on Wellington Street, has two flagpoles outside. One flies the Canadian flag daily. When does the other flag fly?

help! Take a look at scc-csc.gc.ca/AboutCourt/building/index_e.asp for more information.

2 That’s

3 crazy! The National Arts Centre, which opened on June 2, 1969, has a special box seat reserved for visiting V.I.P.s and royalty.

True o or False o

? 4

help!

The RCMP’s famous Musical Ride, based at their Ottawa stables, starts performances in May of each year. How are RCMP horses named?

help! Visit rcmp-grc.gc.ca and click ‘About the RCMP,’ then ‘Musical Ride’ and ‘Ask the Rider.’

5 Technology Park is the grounds of the Canada Science and Technology Museum. It contains many large artifacts, including the Cape North lighthouse. Why is the lighthouse painted with a checkerboard pattern?

help! Try sciencetech.technomuses.ca/english/visitus/pdf/technopark_eng.pdf

Capital Scavenger Hunt

Visit nac-cna.ca/en/ allaboutthenac/ rentalsandfacilities to find out more about Canada’s premier bilingual arts theatre.

Back to 1

business

name

What celebration is held during the turning of the leaves in Gatineau Park?

Capital Scavenger Hunt

help! Visit canadascapital.gc.ca/events. What did Nelson Mandela plant during his visit to Canada in September 1998?

help! The South African leader is one of many foreign dignitaries who make a stop at Rideau Hall. You can visit at gg.ca/visitus/pdf/kit/04_e.pdf

2 That’s

crazy! There is a sanctuary for stray cats on Parliament Hill.

True o or False o

? 3 Every fall, what replaces water in the Centennial Flame fountain on Parliament Hill?

4

help! Go to parliamenthill. gc.ca/text/exploregrounds

help! Except for two weeks of maintenance, the flame burns all day, every day. Find out

_e.html

more at parliamenthill.gc.ca/text/explorecentennial_e.html.

On Remembrance Day, where do both the prime minister and the governor general usually lay memorial wreaths?

help! Try typing the words “Remembrance Day” and “Ottawa” in your favourite search engine.

5

Resources for Teachers The National Capital Commission distributes many free publications, including Discover the Hill, a walking route of Parliament Hill with information on landmarks, and Street smART: A Guide to Art on the Streets of Canada’s Capital Region, a walking route of public art along Confederation Boulevard. The teacher’s section of the NCC’s website features up-to-date information. Visit canadascapital.gc.ca, or phone 1-800-465-1867 for details (TTY: 1-866-661-3530). For a free map of Canada’s Capital Region, call the NCC’s reservation centre at 1-800-461-8020. Parliament also distributes materials free of charge, such as the brochure At Work in the House of Commons. Call 1-866-599-4999 for details, or visit www.parl.gc.ca.

Other places to obtain information about your upcoming visit: Canada Agriculture Museum: agriculture.technomuses.ca, or 1-866-442-4416 Canada Aviation Museum: aviation.technomuses.ca, or 1-800-463-2038 Canada Science and Technology Museum: sciencetech.technomuses.ca, or 1-866-442-4416 Canadian Museum of Civilization: civilization.ca, or 1-800-555-5621 Canadian Museum of Nature: nature.ca, or 1-800-263-4433 Canadian War Museum: warmuseum.ca, or 1-800-555-5621 National Gallery of Canada: national.gallery.ca, or 1-800-319-2787 Rideau Hall: gg.ca, or 613-991-ggca (4422)

About the Capital CBC Archives: a vast wealth of stories about all things Canadian, including the Capital (archives.cbc.ca)

29 Teacher Resources