Lynn Derry

"Do students have a clearer understanding of world geography and Canada's trading partners when given practical, hands on experiences?"

This paper deals with practical, hands on experiences for grade six students in Social Studies. The students have many opportunities to be involved in creative problem solving and group work. The students are guided through a unit that deals with Canada's trading partners and where these countries are situated In the world. Students are working with maps and concrete items such as clothing, automobiles, sporting goods, electronics, groceries, and running shoes. A variety of activities were used such as videotape, learning logs, interviews, and completed projects.

The culminating activity for the grade six classes at my school is a three day trip to Vancouven Our first stop is the "Fort of Vancouver" and I was looking at a way to make this more meaningful for the students. As the students had 'studied' trade, it proved to be very worthwhile. Many other topics for discussion were also explored, but due to the end of term, time ran out.

I am anxious to pursue this area of study and develop this unit with next year's class. Free trade, Pacific Rim, and East Coast vs. West Coast patterns are just a few of the possibilities to enrich this topic.

The students thoroughly enjoyed the topic and it was just unfortunate that time was a factor. I would certainly reiterate what most classroom teachers all ready know, and that is, give the students practical, hands on experiences and it will certainly enrich their learning.