Lesson Plan. History and Mystery in the House. Title. Audience. Overview. Objectives. Grade 5

Transcription

1 Lesson Plan Title History and Mystery in the House Audience Grade 5 Overview To clarify the history of objects and traditions involved in the parliamentary process. Objectives To introduce the study/exploration of the parliamentary process. To become familiar with the traditions and symbols in the parliamentary process. To "hook" students into being interested in parliamentary democracy. To instil a passion for parliamentary democracy through the stories and traditions of the BC Legislative Assembly. History and Mystery in the House Page 1

2 Activities and Methods Students will play an interactive Jeopardy style game to learn about the symbols and traditions of the parliamentary process in the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia. After an initial introduction and instruction of various symbols/traditions associated with parliamentary democracy and the Legislative Assembly, either the teacher can create a Jeopardy style game that students can play or have the students themselves create Jeopardy style questions which other students can interact with and answer; particularly if an interactive whiteboard is used. An example of such a game is attached as Appendix A. Extension Ideas: o Field trip to the Legislative Assembly Preparation (by teacher and by students) The teacher introduces the study of parliamentary democracy and the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia by providing viewing Discover Your Legislature at and reviewing the background information and stories about the objects and traditions of the Legislative Assembly. Pictures of the objectives and traditions will/should be used when introducing the background information about each. The teacher then introduces and reviews the background information and stories in a Jeopardy style game format that they have developed, as a model for further student research and work on these symbols of parliamentary democracy, or as a review of the background information the teacher has given the students. A web link to the game, class set of computers and/or a computer and projector or interactive whiteboard (Smart Board) will be needed. Duration of Activity 1 2 periods History and Mystery in the House Page 2

3 Learning Outcomes describe levels, responsibilities, and the election of government in Canada apply critical thinking skills including hypothesizing, comparing, imagining, inferring, identifying patterns, and summarizing to a range of problems and issues create a presentation on a selected topic gather a body of information from a variety of primary and secondary sources identify key events and factors in the development of BC use a variety of information technology tools, applications, and production processes apply problem-solving skills to meet an information need practise using a variety of information technology tools demonstrate a willingness to manage resources and information Materials & Resources Web link to game as Appendix A Glossary of Images and Symbols as Appendix B Class set of computers and/or a computer and projector Evaluation of Activity Check for oral understanding Class game using pictures and definitions History and Mystery in the House Page 3

4 Submitted By: Liska Rodger, Airport Elementary School, School District #71 (Comox Valley) Caroline Parrish, Queneesh Elementary School, School District #71 (Comox Valley) Ian Hargreaves, Miracle Beach Elementary School, School District #71 (Comox Valley) Tammy Sullivan, Eugene Joseph School, Tl'azte'en Nation Timothy Van Hemert, Langley Christian School, Langley NOTE: The ideas and opinions expressed in this classroom activity belong to their authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia. The Public Education and Outreach office only edits for clarity. History and Mystery in the House Page 4

5 Appendix A Jeopardy Style PowerPoint Game Click image to download PowerPoint 2007 file (3.3 MB). History and Mystery in the House Appendix A: Jeopardy style PowerPoint Game Page A 1

6 Appendix B Glossary of Images & Symbols Bar of the House a brass bar across the entrance to the Chamber that cannot be crossed by anyone who is not a Member of the Legislative Assembly. The establishment of the bar relates to King Charles I and Speaker Lenthall. On 4 January 1642, Charles I entered the House of Commons to arrest five Members of Parliament for high treason. Speaker Lenthall asserted the priviliges of the Commons, stating may it please your Majesty, I have neither eyes to see nor tongue to speak in this place but as the House is pleased to direct of me, whose servant I am. And I humbly beg your Majesty's pardon that I can not give any answer but this. Bowing in the direction of the Throne where the cross would have been located when Parliament in England was first held in a church Brass Bell still used to officially end Question Period each afternoon Clerks' Table Clerks could read and write at a time when most Members could not. Coat of Arms students should note the differences between the two examples that can be found in the Legislative Assembly, the reason for the two and the meaning of the imagery in the BC Coat of Arms. History and Mystery in the House Appendix B: Glossary of Images & Symbols Page B 2

7 Hourglass originally used for timing Question Period or the length of time each Member may speak in the House Mace discuss placement of the mace (i.e. crown always faces the governments side), the mace as a symbol of the House s authority, and placement of the mace when the Speaker is not in the House Placement of the press gallery placed behind the Speaker s chair so that members of the press can write notes without being seen by the Speaker of the House Prayers Early on, members of the English Parliament met in a church, providing the historical roots for this tradition. Robes black silk robes worn by the Speaker, Deputy Speaker, Assistant Deputy Speaker and Clerks have links to the courts and the legal history of the House Sergeant-at-Arms a permanent officer of the Legislative Assembly. The Sergeant-At-Arms is responsible for security of the legislative precinct as well as the administration and support of functions relating to the Legislature. Speaker being "dragged" to the Throne In the beginning, the Speaker was responsible for carrying the monarch s messages to Parliament. Over time the role of the Speaker evolved into making representations on behalf of Parliament to the king or queen. Sometimes these demands displeased the monarch, and as many as nine British Speakers met a violent death. In a nod to this dangerous period, Speakers elected today pretend to be reluctant to take the Speaker s Chair and must be dragged by their colleagues to the front of the Legislative Chamber. History and Mystery in the House Appendix B: Glossary of Images & Symbols Page B 3

8 Speaker's Procession the entrance of the Speaker into the Chamber at the start of each sitting. The Speaker is in ceremonial dress, including a tricorn hat and black silk robe. She follows the Sergeantat-Arms, who carries the mace (the symbol of the Speaker s authority in the House). The Clerk of the House and Assistant Clerk follow the Speaker. Speech from the Throne The speech read by the Lieutenant Governor at the start of each new parliamentary session. The speech explains the reasons for summoning the Legislative Assembly and provides a broad outline of the government s proposed legislation for the session. Throne Speaker's chair Tricorn Hat only worn by the Speaker when in the House Two and a half sword lengths distance between the two rows of desks in the House History and Mystery in the House Appendix B: Glossary of Images & Symbols Page B 4