We plan to have students examine a number of topical issues in order to build a comparative understanding of the systems within our of two countries. Over the course of a few weeks students will work in cross-border teams to research and build a collaborative presentation highlighting their findings. We have also discussed the possibility of conducting cross-border debates using Skype.

Our goals:

(what we’d like our students to gain from this collaboration)

• Students will demonstrate understanding of the impact of political and economic systems on the quality of life of citizens
• Students will explore the similarities and differences that exist between the political and economic systems of our countries
• Students will build a deeper, more authentic understanding of the values inherent in both countries
• Students will deepen their understanding of their own system by explaining and defending their country’s system of government

Timeline:

While we have some ideas about how me might structure this project, we’d like to involve other teachers in the planning. We’re hoping to find an interested teacher(s) in the next few weeks. We imagine all the teachers involved building the project together online (perhaps using Skype, google docs, wikis, etc)

We’d like to have the students participate in this project at the end of October into the beginning of November. We imagine the students collaborating over a couple weeks – but again, this is somewhat flexible.

Our grade 9 students participated in a similar one-off skype chat last year – and we’re looking forward to expanding the study this year. You can read about last year by clicking here.

If you are interested in this collaboration, please comment below or contact Neil Stephenson (neil.s@calgaryscienceschool [dot] com). Also, feel free to comment below with any questions or suggestions you have about this project.