Teacher's Guide for FACES ^® The Cordilla Region of Canada

February 2004

Teacher Guide prepared by: Betty Lou Askin, a retired elementary school teacher and principal in Ontario. Currently, she is providing Science and Social Studies workshops for teachers as well as continuing her writing of literature for children.

"The Toughest Sled Dog Race in the World"

Vocabulary:

mushing * terrain * grueling * densely * huskies * malamutes * veterinarian * checkpoints * massage therapist * acupuncturist * glucosamine * embodies

1. Prior Knowledge - Ask the students to share their knowledge of dog sled racing.
2. On a map, show the route of the race.
3. Have the students respond to the following:
   • What is the Yukon Quest?
   • Describe the terrain.
   • Why are the dogs the heroes of the race?
   • How are the dogs treated during the cross-country trip?
   • Explain how Michelle Phillips cares for her team of dogs.
   • Why does a musher feel so connected with a dog team?
   • Explain the last sentence of the story.

"Canoes, Camels, and Cabooses"

1. Why was it difficult for a gold miner to travel in the year 1896?
2. For what purpose did the early First Nations use their canoes?
3. How are the waterways used today?
4. For what reason(s) did the students of Lillooet schools use the train instead of a bus?
5. What risks were involved when traveling on the narrow trails?

"A Tale of Three Rivers"

1. What mystery needed to be solved?
2. What task did Pond give to Alexander Mackenzie?
3. List three problems that Alexander Mackenzie faced.
4. What was wrong when they reached the mouth of the river?
5. Why was Alexander Mackenzie knighted?
6. Describe David Thompson's exploration of the Columbia River.
7. Why did Fraser contribute to early mapping?
8. How is a hot spring found?
9. How did Canada's first national park get established?
10. What is the purpose of a national reserve?

"The Adams River Sockeye Salmon"

1. Why do salmon leave the Pacific Ocean?
2. What happens every four years to the salmon?
3. What causes this reaction in the salmon?
4. What percentage of salmon reach their destination?
5. What physical change happens to the male? to the female?
6. Why have the U.S. and Canada made an agreement concerning salmon?
7. Creative Writing: Tell the story of a sockeye salmon.

"Busking Through Canada"

1. Describe ways in which buskers help a community.
2. When did busking begin?
3. Make a list of the different types of buskers.
4. What does living "hand-to-mouth" mean?
5. What contributes to the downside of busking?
6. Explain why people might have two opposing opinions about buskers.
7. Creative Writing: Pretend that you are a busker and tell your story.

"Bill Reid: Artist and Visionary"

1. Explain the difference between arts and handcrafts.
2. Explain the meaning of The Raven and the First Man.
3. Search for other Haida mythologies.
4. Write a paragraph about Bill Reid's early life.
5. How did he become an artist?
6. Why is Bill Reid an important artist?

"The Haida Fishermen and Craftsmen"

1. Why are the Haida famous?
2. Name items that the Haida made from real cedar.
3. What is a potlatch?
4. Explain one reason why the Haida traditions were not continued.
5. Why is there a return to the Haida culture?

"Inspired by the Yukon"

1. Make a list of jobs that Jack London held up to his 19th birthday.
2. Why did London change his life at age 19?
3. Why did the Northwest Mounted Police insist that a person have 1-year supplies?
4. Why would a trip at that time be grueling?
5. Suggest one reason why there was no unclaimed gold left.
6. How does scurvy affect a person?
7. How does writing change London's life?
8. Why is the title suitable for this story?
9. What famous people lived on Writer's Row?
10. Why would the Yukon inspire writers?
11. Creative Writing: Pretend that you went to the Yukon as a person looking to find gold. Tell about your hardships and your experience.

"The Value of a Tree in British Columbia"

1. Why does logging play an important role in British Columbia's economy?
2. Explain why silviculture is important.
3. Make a list that shows why trees are so important.
4. Why are reindeer and caribou facing extinction?
5. Describe the interesting trees of British Columbia.
6. Science Connection: Use the classroom or a building to gauge the circumference and height of the large trees of British Columbia.

"The Princess and the Mountain Dweller"

1. Did Maada's grandmother do the right thing? Why?
2. Why did Mouse Woman help the princesses?
3. Who is Mountain Dweller waiting for?
4. Why did Mountain Dweller warn Maada not to go behind the screen?
5. Maada said that she would not cower, why?
6. How does Mountain Dweller help Maada's family?
7. Creative Writing: Write your own version of the tale.

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Updated: 7/20/08 08:06 am
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