Connie is a long-time educator from The Pas, Manitoba. She taught high school history and geography on the adjacent Opaskwayak Cree Nation for 22 years, leaving in 2014 to focus her time on pedagogical writing. She has been involved in the creation of student learning materials and curricula at the provincial, national, and international level, and has contributed to a number of textbooks, teacher support guides, and school publications. She co-authored the grade 11 Canadian history textbook used in Manitoba schools. She co-wrote and designed Manitoba’s Treaty Education Initiative and continues to train the province’s teachers and school leaders. Further to teaching, teacher-training, and writing, Connie is vice-president of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society, is chair of the Geographical Names Board of Canada, and is a member of University College of the North’s governing council.

 Connie has written for the Globe and Mail, Canada’s History, Canadian Geographic, and the Canadian Encyclopedia. She has received numerous awards including the 2014 Governor General’s Award for Excellence in Teaching Canadian History and the 2017 Manitoba Metis Federation’s Distinguished Leader in Education. She lives in the Carrot Valley, west of The Pas, with her husband and two daughters.

Friday, October 27

8:30am - 9:00am

Sobey Building

Registration

9:00am - 9:45am

Loyola Conference Hall

Keynote

Wahkohtowin: Connecting Students to Place

Connie Wyatt Anderson

10:00am - 11:00am

Capacity: 30

Session A

A1: The Monstrous Classroom

Dr. Lindsay Macumber, Assistant Professor, Department for the Study of Religion, Saint Mary's University

The word monster derives from the latin monstrare (“show” or “reveal”) and monere (“warn” or portend”). In this presentation, we discuss three ways that monsters can be brought into the classroom to excavate complex social issues in dialogue with popular culture and horror. First, we discuss monstrous bodies are sites upon which cultural fears, anxieties, and desires are projected. Next, we explore the construction and policing of otherness (gendered, sexual, racial, etc.), as monstrous. Finally, we explore the promise of monsters as sites of liberation and subversion of norms in patriarchal white supremacist, cisnormative, heteronormative, patriarchal society. 

BIO: Dr. Macumber is an Assistant Professor in the Department for the Study of Religion at Saint Mary’s University. Her research interests include theodicy, religion and popular culture, Holocaust representation, mythology, and gender. Her most recent publications explore connections between mythology and popular film. Some recurring courses she has offered at Saint Mary's University include, Violence, Myth and Story, God and Evil, Religion and Contemporary Culture, and the Jewish Religious Tradition.

For over a decade, the Saint Mary’s University Faculty of Arts has partnered with the Social Studies Teachers Association to provide conference workshops and connect with educators. We are grateful to professors like Dr. Macumber for sharing their learning with us.

Applicable for teachers of all grade levels.

10:00am - 11:00am

Capacity: 30

Session A

A2: Failure in Troubled Times: Cultivating Critical Thinking, Agency, and Hope through the Sociological Imagination

Dr. Elisabeth Rondinelli, Department of Sociology, Saint Mary’s University & Dr. Katherine Pendakis, Social/Cultural Studies, Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador, Grenfell Campus

Teachers have to navigate students’ sense of failure all the time. This can take the form of walking them through struggles in the present - a grade they weren’t expecting or a broken friendship that they confide in us about. But it can also involve walking them through the uncertainties of the future - in a time when there is a growing awareness that traditional ways of organizing society have failed to solve our most pressing global problems, like economic inequality and climate change. What are we, as teachers, to do with these different scales of failure - one that can feel so personal and the other, so very big? In this workshop, we talk about how to harness our students’ sense of failure to enhance critical thinking and collective agency. We will discuss and apply the ‘sociological imagination,’ a useful tool for teaching students how to understand failure from the perspective of their own life experiences as well as from the perspective of the shared conditions that shape these experiences. We will facilitate activities that explore ways of using students’ sense of failure as a productive and hopeful point of departure for helping them understand the complex world that they stand to inherit.

Dr. Elisabeth Rondinelli & Dr. Katherine Pendakis

Dr. Rondinelli is a assistant professor in the Department of Sociology at Saint Mary’s . She researches youth culture, education, and how young people live in diverse societies. 

Dr. Pendakis, teaches at Memorial University of Newfoundland, Grenfell Campus. She is a cultural sociologist with a keen interest in how people make sense of, and remember, moments of significant social change and conflict.

For over a decade, the Saint Mary’s University Faculty of Arts has partnered with the Social Studies Teachers Association to provide conference workshops and connect with educators. We are grateful to professors like Dr. Rondinelli and Dr. Pendakis for sharing their learning with us.

Applicable for teachers of all grade levels.

10:00am - 11:00am

Capacity: 30

Session A

A3: Using the category of “space” as a lens for experiential learning: Lessons learned from a field course examining ancient spaces in Rome

Dr. Margaret Y. MacDonald, Professor, Department for the Study of Religion

Scholars increasingly use the category of “space” to understand historical developments, especially with respect to how it might shed light on the lives of marginalized groups who were largely excluded from historical records. This scholarly approach can also shape teaching which takes place in the context of field experiences. In this session, I will share how a focus on “space” helped me to bring to life the experiences people in ancient Rome for a group of students who travelled to Rome in May 2023. We will consider the interpretation of a range of evidence from various archaeological sites and ancient shrines and places, including art, monuments, domestic domains, and catacombs. We will explore how students were invited to think in new ways especially about the lives of women, slaves, and peoples of lower social status by examining a variety of spaces associated with work, worship, family life and death. The session will end with a discussion of why in this age of access to so much online materials, students found this experiential exploration of space to be so transformative.

BIO: Dr. MacDonald is a Professor in the Department for the Study of Religion at Saint Mary’s University. Her primary field of study is Early Christianity and the New Testament. Dr. MacDonald is also interested in women and Christianity, family and religion, gender and religion, and Childhood and religion. As former Dean of Arts, Dr. MacDonald is a champion of the relationship between SMU and the SSTA. 

For over a decade, the Saint Mary’s University Faculty of Arts has partnered with the Social Studies Teachers Association to provide conference workshops and connect with educators. We are grateful to professors like Dr. MacDonald, who was Dean of Arts from 2014-2020, for sharing her support and learning.

Applicable for teachers of all grade levels.

10:00am - 11:00am

Capacity: 30

Session A

A4: Canada and Korea: Engaging Canadian Teachers with the Korean War and Beyond

Laura McCarron,  Social Studies Educators Network of Canada

Delve into the shared histories of Canada and the Korean War. This workshop introduces innovative inquiries tailored for Canadian classrooms, exploring the war's significance through both primary and secondary sources. These compelling questions guide students to formative tasks, with extension ideas to inspire action. Topics range from the war's impact on French Canadians to the possibilities of peace in Korea. Beyond that, the lessons are designed to springboard students (and teachers) into further discussions about Korean Canadians, the role of Korea in Canada today, including that 2023 is not only the 70th anniversary of the Korean War but also the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and Canada. This workshop is made possible through a collaborative initiative of the Social Studies Educators Network of Canada and the Academy of Korean Studies.

Applicable for teachers of Grades 4-12

The Social Studies Educators Network of Canada – Réseau pour l’enseignement des sciences sociales du Canada (SSENC/RESSC) was founded in 2019 to advocate and build capacity for high-quality social studies education by facilitating networking between educators and engaging with partners across Canada. It includes teacher representatives from all Canadian provinces and territories, including the SSTA.

Les ressources présentées dans cet atelier sont également disponibles en français.

10:00am - 11:00am

Capacity: 30

Session A

A5: Graphic Novel Resource - "Dusty Dreams and Troubled Waters"

Anona Siwik

Learn about a new resource from the Dept. of Education Book Bureau. "Dusty Dreams and Troubled Waters" is a graphic novel suitable for middle school. It follows Wally's journey in the Navy aboard HMCS Sackville during WWII. Join two teachers, author Brian Bowman, and illustrator Susan Tooke to explore its classroom applications. A representative from the Canadian Naval Memorial Trust will share information about the HMCS Sackville, Canada’s oldest warship and last Corvette which still docks ion Halifax Harbour.

Suitable for Middle School and High School teachers

Anona Siwik is a Social Studies and Music teacher from Annapolis West Education Centre. She brings a passion for education and a dedication to bringing relevant, engaging resources into the classroom. With a focus on interactive and impactful teaching tools, Anona has successfully integrated various resources into her curriculum, including the "Dusty Dreams and Troubled Waters" graphic novel.

The SSTA believes in the value of teachers sharing their classroom experiences and best practices with other teachers. We wish to acknowledge this contribution from one of your colleagues. Thanks, Anona!

10:00am - 11:00am

Capacity: 30

Session A

A6: Your Guide to Middle & High School Financial Literacy

Zachary Rowe, EVERFI

Financial literacy is pivotal for students to navigate the complexities of today's economic landscape. In this workshop, educators will immerse themselves in a myriad of both hands-on and digital financial literacy activities. By the end of the session, attendees will not only feel equipped to tackle this crucial topic with their students but will also identify its relevance within their school community. Explore diverse resources and gain the confidence to seamlessly weave these activities into a broader curriculum.

Suitable for teachers of Grade 4-12

Zachary Rowe, serving as the Regional Director for EVERFI, is an advocate for comprehensive financial education. With a rich background in financial literacy and a strong belief in the power of hands-on and gamified learning, Zachary introduces educators to tools that make complex financial concepts relatable and engaging for middle and high school students. Through his work at EVERFI, he empowers educators with resources that are not only free but also innovative, ensuring that students are prepared to make informed financial decisions in the future.

Les ressources présentées dans cet atelier sont également disponibles en français.

10:00am - 11:00am

Capacity: 30

Session A

A7: Picture This: Using Picture Books in your classroom

Alan Dick

Looking for a novel way to challenge and to engage your students? Picture books may be used in a variety of ways in your classroom for grades 7 to 12. In this session, an experienced secondary classroom teacher will review multiple ways that a text may be used to introduce a topic or a concept, to carry out formative assessment, be the prompt for deeper research, or even just provide a welcome break from routine. Some of the texts used in the session will include Trout Are Made ofTrees, Planting the Trees of Kenya, and A Brave Soldier. The specific examples presented in the session will be drawn from Global Geography 12, IB History, IB Environmental Systems and Societies, Science 10, Global History 12, and Canadian History 11.

Alan Dick is a teacher and department head with King’s-Edgehill School in Windsor where he teaches History, Geography, and Environmental Studies courses following the Nova Scotian and the International Baccalaureate Programme curriculums. Outside the classroom, he leads outdoor recreation activities and varsity sports at the school. He has presented sessions over the years for the SSTA and the AST in Nova Scotia as well as being a workshop leader and presenter for the Department of Education and at local universities. When not teaching he may be found in a canoe or volunteering with the local ground search and rescue team.

The SSTA believes in the value of teachers sharing their classroom experiences and best practices with other teachers. We wish to acknowledge this contribution from one of your colleagues. Thanks, Alan!

10:00am - 11:00am

Capacity: 30

Session A

A8: Africentic Learning Resources for your Classroom from DBDLI

Description: The Delmore “Buddy” Daye Learning Institute (DBDLI) is committed to excellence in Africentric education and research. Based on Africentric principles, the DBDLI’s activities are centered on connecting with and serving African Nova Scotian communities and students. The DBDLI identifies and addresses the gaps and educational equity issues through research, publishing and developing educational resources. This workshop will review the Africentric resource materials developed by the DBDLI and discuss their use to further the learning outcomes for all students.

Presenters: DBDLI Education Staff

Suitable for teaches of all grades

10:30am - 12:30pm

Capacity: 25

Session AB

This workshop is a “double” session. If you sign up for it, you do not need to sign up for other morning workshops.

AB1: Guiding Student Reflections on War

Fanny Dagenais-Dion, Canadian Red Cross

With crises in regions like Sudan, Afghanistan, and Ukraine, many students grapple with feelings of powerlessness. Humanitarian education can be a beacon, aiding youths in processing these violent global events and advocating for change. This session will introduce free multimedia classroom activities, diving into the principles of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and related issues such as war crimes, forced migration, and more. Dive deep into resources that foster critical thinking and compassion in students.

Applicable for teachers of grade 8-12

Fanny Dagenais-Dion, serving as the International Humanitarian Law Coordinator, Eastern Canada for the Canadian Red Cross, plays a pivotal role in humanitarian education. Fanny's work centers on equipping educators with tools to nurture informed and compassionate students. Amidst a world plagued with conflict, she ensures that students are provided a platform to reflect, understand, and advocate. Under her guidance, teachers have successfully integrated invaluable resources into diverse subjects, offering students a holistic understanding of the world's intricacies.

10:30am - 12:30pm

Capacity: 25

Session AB

This workshop is a “double” session. If you sign up for it, you do not need to sign up for other morning workshops.

AB2: Teaching the Holocaust for Grade 6 Students

Marc-Olivier Cloutier & Edna LeVine

How do we introduce young learners to the enormity of the Holocaust? Partnering with the Atlantic Jewish Council, this workshop offers an array of resources tailored for grade 5-6 educators, including read-aloud memoirs, online exhibits, and poignant activities. The Holocaust Survivor Memoirs Program by the Azrieli Foundation provides a treasure trove of firsthand accounts, humanizing the statistics and instilling a profound understanding in students.

Applicable for teachers of grades 5,6,7,& 8

Marc-Olivier Cloutier, as the Manager of education initiatives at The Azrieli Foundation, dedicates his efforts towards educating younger generations about the Holocaust. Through innovative programs, he ensures that the memories of Holocaust survivors who made Canada their home are preserved and shared. Complementing these endeavors, Edna LeVine brings additional expertise, both collaborating to present a mosaic of personal accounts that illuminate the horrors of the Holocaust, aiming to educate and prevent history from repeating itself.

Les ressources présentées dans cet atelier sont également disponibles en français.

10:30am - 12:30pm

Capacity: 25

Session AB

This workshop is a “double” session. If you sign up for it, you do not need to sign up for other morning workshops.

AB3: In Your Own Voices- We Want to Hear from You!

Ashlee Beattie, Canadian War Museum

Dive deep into the oral histories preserved by the Canadian War Museum's initiative, "In Their Own Voices" (ITOV). This two-fold initiative aims to both collect and preserve oral histories and make them accessible to Canadians through various platforms. The workshop offers a sneak peek into the ITOV Web Module, set for launch in fall 2024. This online platform emphasizes the reflections of veterans post-service, interweaving accounts of their families and how service shaped their lives. The Education Zone within the Web Module is crafted to support educators. Join this workshop to preview the content and have your voice heard, influencing the resources developed for educational purposes.

Applicable for teachers of grades 7-12

Ashlee Beattie is a Learning Specialist at the Canadian War Museum with over 15 years' experience in learning, interpretation and volunteer services within the context of an institution devoted to collecting and presenting war and conflict. She fosters respectful stewardship of lived experiences by applying trauma-informed practices in all aspects of her work. An M.A. graduate from the University of Ottawa’s Theatre Department, she approaches audience engagement (on-site and virtually) at the intersection of historical narrative, identity, and performance. 

Les ressources présentées dans cet atelier sont également disponibles en français.

11:00am - 12:00pm

Loyola Conference Hall

Tour of Exhibits

11:30am - 12:30pm

Capacity: 30

Session B

B1: Helping Students Engage With Places of Memory

Dr. Jason Grek-Martin, Department of Geography and Environmental Studies (Faculty of Arts), Saint Mary’s University

Sociologist Maurice Halbwachs (1980, 139-140) famously asserted that “every collective memory unfolds within a spatial framework….we recapture the past only by understanding how it is, in effect, preserved by our physical surroundings.” As a historical-cultural geographer, places of memory (including museums, monuments, and heritage sites) feature prominently in my undergraduate course curricula.  My goal in these discussions is to focus less on the historical content conveyed by these sites (important as that is) and more on getting students to consider how the physical layout, narrative sequencing, and surrounding context of these sites promotes a connection with past peoples and events.  I also encourage students to consider the visitor experience at places of memory by assessing what ‘commemorative atmospheres’ are generated and how the embodied, multisensory experiences of visitors shape their perceptions of the past at these sites.  Finally, I invite students to engage with the politics of these sites by assessing who has created (and who has contested) these places of memory and for what purpose.  In this session, I want to invite a dialogue on how to engage students with these questions about the spatial frameworks shaping prominent places of memory, including some interesting examples here in Nova Scotia.

BIO: Dr. Grek-Martin is an Associate Professor in the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies at Saint Mary’s University. His current research explores the processes of place-making primarily in the context of travel and tourism to heritage sites with a dark past. Dr. Grek-Martin has presented several popular workshops over the years at the annual SSTA Conference.

For over a decade, the Saint Mary’s University Faculty of Arts has partnered with the Social Studies Teachers Association to provide conference workshops and connect with educators. We are grateful to professors like Dr. Grek-Martin for sharing his learning with us once again.

11:30am - 12:30pm

Capacity: 30

Session B

B2: Heritage Fair: A Place for Social Studies and Integrated Learning

Dr. Kirrily Freeman, Coordinator of the Nova Scotia Provincial Heritage Fair and Director of Outreach and Experiential Learning, Faculty of Arts

Heritage Fairs provide students in grades 4-9 with the space and opportunity to explore their interests and engage with their communities while developing research, writing, interpretation, and presentation skills. In this workshop, we’ll discuss the structure of the Heritage Fair program in Nova Scotia (school fairs, regionals fairs, provincial fair), the benefits for students, the resources available for teachers and families, and the connections with the social studies curriculum with an emphasis on integrated learning.

Applicable for teachers of grades 4-9

BIO: Dr. Freeman is the Director of Outreach and Experiential Learning for the Faculty of Arts and Professor of History at Saint Mary’s University. Dr. Freeman’s research focuses on the cultural history of Western Europe in the Twentieth Century. Her first book, Bronzes to Bullets tells the story of French statues and monuments that were melted down and shipped to Nazi munitions factories during the Second World War. Her most recent book, The Town of Vichy and the Politics of Identity, deals with the post-war history of the French town of Vichy and how it has managed the stigma of collaboration. She is currently working on a history of the Monuments, Fine Arts and Archives (MFA&A) program after The Second World War.

Dr. Freeman is also the Coordinator of the Nova Scotia Provincial Heritage Fair and a dedicated supporter of classroom teachers and students through her work with Heritage Fairs and the SSTA Conference.

For over a decade, the Saint Mary’s University Faculty of Arts has partnered with the Social Studies Teachers Association to provide conference workshops and connect with educators. We are grateful to professors like Dr. Freeman for sharing her learning with us once again.

11:30am - 12:30pm

Capacity: 30

Session B

B3: Engaging Youth and Community: The Loyalist Connections Podcast-Rescheduled to C10

11:30am - 12:30pm

Capacity: 12

AT212 (Wicked Problems Lab)

Session B

B4: Exploring Places with Google Earth: Transform Learning Experiences

Patricia Matsumoto, PhD.

This workshop aims to empower teachers by harnessing the potential of Google Earth to create meaningful and engaging learning experiences for their students. By leveraging interactive technologies and computer-based tools, teachers can bring books to real life and transform accessible content into active subjects that resonate with students and connect to their real-world experiences. Participants will learn how to integrate Google Earth into their curriculum, explore its features, create exercises, and discover various applications that promote critical thinking skills and active engagement.

Suitable for teachers of all grade levels. (this workshop is also repeated in the afternoon).

BIO: Dr. Matsumoto is a full-time research analyst at Saint Mary’s University Wicked Problems Lab. The Wicked Problems Lab was established in the summer of 2020 to act as a hub for teaching and research opportunities for the Saint Mary’s community. 

For over a decade, the Saint Mary’s University Faculty of Arts has partnered with the Social Studies Teachers Association to provide conference workshops and connect with educators. We are grateful to professors Dr. Matsumoto for sharing her learning with us.

11:30am - 12:30pm

Capacity: 30

Session B

B5: Exploring Money and Economics for Young Learners

Heather Montgomery

Join this workshop for a comprehensive look into the Bank of Canada Museum's educational resources tailored for elementary educators. Participants will be introduced to two standout lessons: "Money: Past, Present and Future" — an exploration of currency history in Canada pre and post-European contact, and "Trading Planets" — an engaging cooperative game that dives into the principles of trade and the significance of a common currency. Every attendee will walk away with a class set of necessary materials, available in both English and French.

Applicable for  teachers of grade 4-8 with topics such as social studies, citizenship education, and economics.

Heather Montgomery is an Education and Evaluation Specialist at the Bank of Canada Museum, where she has worked developing lesson plans, activities, and programs for the last 5 years. In the last 15 years she has worked in education at several community and national museums. She has a Bachelor of Journalism, a Masters in Archaeology, a Graduate Professional Certificate in Cultural Heritage Studies, and a personal passion for financial and economic literacy.

Les ressources présentées dans cet atelier sont également disponibles en français.

11:30am - 12:30pm

Capacity: 30

Session B

B6: X Marks the Spot: A Curated Cache of Curricular Gold

Sonya Tancock

Looking for that treasure map in the realm of Social Studies education? Dive into this session to unearth a rich collection of meticulously curated resources tailored for the "new" Citizenship 9 course. You won't just discover lesson plans but a treasure trove of websites loaded with lessons, slides, videos, games, and more. While tailored for Citizenship 9, the cache is beneficial for topics on governance, politics, rights, finance, and digital literacy.

Applicable for teachers of all grades.

Sonya Tancock, a dedicated teacher with the AVRCE, has been a beacon for fellow educators. Recognizing the challenges in resource discovery, she's meticulously mapped out a cache of invaluable tools tailored to enhance the teaching experience. In the past, she's illuminated topics like Gamification and digital tools. Sonya's expertise lies in both creating and sharing transformative resources, ensuring her peers are equipped with the best tools for impactful education.

The SSTA believes in the value of teachers sharing their classroom experiences and best practices with other teachers. We wish to acknowledge this contribution from one of your colleagues. Thanks, Sonya!

11:30am - 12:30pm

Capacity: 30

Session B

B7: Connecting your inquiry classroom with experts using "The Collaborative"

Wendy Driscoll

Inquiry-based learning fosters essential skills like critical thinking, creativity, and empathy. "The/La Collaborative" elevates this approach, bridging the gap between teachers and university experts to enrich the learning experience. It serves as a human textbook, connecting educators with academic researchers across diverse fields. Discover how you can seamlessly integrate these experts into your inquiry or project-based classroom. Hear firsthand experiences from educators and explore the potential to amplify your students' learning journeys. Maybe even start your collaborative request today!

Applicable for teachers of all grades.

Wendy Driscoll is a teacher and coach with the Halifax Regional Centre for Education. She has a passion for Social Studies, Citizenship Education, and Inquiry-based learning. Having been both President and Conference Chair for the SSTA, she is now the VP Professional Learning for our organization, as well as a founding member of the Social Studies Educators Network of Canada. Wendy is shortlisted for the 2023 Governor General’s History Award for Excellence in Teaching.

Les ressources présentées dans cet atelier sont également disponibles en français.

11:30am - 12:30pm

Capacity: 30

Session B

B8: The AI-Enhanced Classroom: Transforming Teaching Practice and Assessment

Tavis Bragg

Navigate the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the educational landscape. This workshop underscores three pivotal components: the philosophical foundations influencing AI in education, the sociological implications of data-driven assessments, and the strategic integration of AI tools to enhance and refine pedagogical techniques. Delve into how AI can be harnessed not just as a technological tool but as a sociological and philosophical instrument in redefining contemporary education.

Applicable for teachers of all grade levels.

Prof. Tavis Bragg, teaches in the Faculty of Science at Acadia University, Faculty of Education at MSVU, and as High School Social Studies Teacher at NKEC, AVRCE. As a trinity of social scientist, philosopher, and computer science educator, Tavis brings an eclectic and profound understanding of the dynamic interplay between technology, society, and human thought. Based on his diverse expertise, he is at the forefront of integrating AI in pedagogical frameworks, ensuring educators harness its potential in a holistic, ethical, and transformative manner.

12:30pm - 1:25pm

Loyola Conference Hall

Lunch

Lunch is a "Gourmet Boxed Lunch" catered by Aramark/SMU - a sandwich, drink, salad, fruit, and dessert. Participants will have a choice of a turkey or a grilled veggie sandwich. All lunches are individually wrapped for your safety, and quantity purposes. Gluten and dairy free lunches are available upon request (see below). If you have additional food requirements or allergies please order a lunch and then contact us directly at sstaconference@nstu.ca prior to October 15th and we will try to accommodate. 

The SSTA is committed to reducing food waste, which has been noted in past years. If you have other plans for lunch, feel free to opt out of the boxed lunch to reduce food waste. Your conference fee remains the same, but the SSTA will use any savings realized through food reduction for other conference enhancements. 

Session C

Maximum 30 participants in each, except where otherwise indicated.

1:30pm - 2:30pm

Capacity: 12

AT212 (Wicked Problems Lab)

Session C

C1: Exploring Places with Google Earth: Transform Learning Experiences

Patricia Matsumoto, PhD.

This workshop aims to empower teachers by harnessing the potential of Google Earth to create meaningful and engaging learning experiences for their students. By leveraging interactive technologies and computer-based tools, teachers can bring books to real life and transform accessible content into active subjects that resonate with students and connect to their real-world experiences. Participants will learn how to integrate Google Earth into their curriculum, explore its features, create exercises, and discover various applications that promote critical thinking skills and active engagement.

1:30pm - 2:30pm

Capacity: 30

Session C

C2: The Role of Urban Planning in Shaping Urban Spaces

Dr. Mat Novak, Department of Geography and Environmental Studies

This session explores the ways in which urban planning shapes various facets of the city, from transportation systems to housing availability. We will look at examples in Halifax to see how municipal legislation, notably land-use by-laws, determine how and where the city grows. Both positive and negative implications of planning will be discussed across a broad array of socio-economic, political, and environmental realms.

Applicable for teachers of all grade levels.

BIO: Dr. Novak is a Professor in the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies at Saint Mary’s University, and the Director of the Wicked Problems Lab. His research focuses on the development of the urban landscape, using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to map patterns and processes of urban change.

For over a decade, the Saint Mary’s University Faculty of Arts has partnered with the Social Studies Teachers Association to provide conference workshops and connect with educators. We are grateful to professors Dr. Novak for sharing his learning with us once again.

1:30pm - 2:30pm

Capacity: 30

Session C

C3: Teaching the Difficult History of Canadian Eugenics

Dr. Leslie Digdon

Throughout the mid-nineteenth to the twentieth century, eugenics emerged as a movement aimed at regulating human reproduction through governmental interventions. It was a global phenomenon proposing solutions to perceived social issues, often targeting vulnerable populations such as lower socio-economic classes, non-traditional families, and individuals of non-Western European descent. Canada, like many other countries, was not immune to the allure of eugenic ideology. Even after the horrors of German eugenic programs were exposed in the aftermath of WWII, eugenicist ideas shape(d) and remain(ed) embedded in aspects of science, medicine, and social and immigration policies. In 2021, the Canadian Standing Senate Committee on Human Rights released their summary report on forced and coerced sterilization of persons in Canada, a practice closely associated with eugenics. This practice continues to affect Indigenous women and other vulnerable groups disproportionately. While forced sterilization represents a widely recognizable application of eugenics, scholars now acknowledge that eugenics extends beyond this to influence contemporary debates surrounding (and policy affecting) immigration, and the rights of women, members of the 2SLGBTQ+ communities, and individuals with disabilities. To address the lasting impacts of eugenics, it is crucial to educate today's students about this difficult history. This session aims to explore available resources for teachers and discuss ways to integrate Canada's eugenic history into social studies curricula. By understanding this historical context, educators can contribute to changing patterns and fostering a more inclusive and equitable society.

BIO: Dr. Digdon is a cross-appointed Assistant professor in both the Division of Engineering and the Department of History. Her teaching areas include the history of science and technology, medicine, gender and the social history of North America and Europe.

For over a decade, the Saint Mary’s University Faculty of Arts has partnered with the Social Studies Teachers Association to provide conference workshops and connect with educators. We are grateful to professors Dr. Digdon for sharing her learning with us.

1:30pm - 2:30pm

Capacity: 30

Session C

C4: The problem with “cyber-safety”: The persistent shortcomings of educational responses to technology-facilitated harms

Dr. Alexa Dodge

Educational discussions of technology-facilitated harms tend to use cyber safety approaches that focus on scare tactics and victim blaming in an attempt to protect young people from harms in the digital age. This presentation will discuss the need to, instead, empower young people to imagine what a safer and more supportive response to tech-facilitated harms would look like. Through a case study of Nova Scotia’s CyberScan unit, this presentation will show that the current “cyber safety” approach to education used by some organizations is inadequate and even harmful. There will then be a chance to discuss emerging resources and research around creating safer digital spaces in ways that empower young people.

BIO: Dr. Dodge is an Associate Professor in the Department of Criminology at Saint Mary’s University. She is a critical criminologist and socio-legal scholar with research and teaching interests in the areas of digital criminology, technology-facilitated violence, among others.

For over a decade, the Saint Mary’s University Faculty of Arts has partnered with the Social Studies Teachers Association to provide conference workshops and connect with educators. We are grateful to professors Dr. Dodge for sharing her learning with us.

1:30pm - 2:30pm

Capacity: 30

Session C

C5: Veterans Affairs Canada Military History and Remembrance Resources

Alan Banman

Are you seeking free, top-tier educational materials on Canada’s profound military history? Veterans Affairs Canada offers bilingual resources spanning our country’s military contributions, celebrating the diverse members who have served. Our workshop will introduce a range of materials, from Veterans' Week youth items to extensive learning kits, historical documents, and lesson plans. Suited for teachers of all grades.

Alan Banman, an Education Officer with Veterans Affairs, collaborates in the mission of the department to bring these essential resources to educational institutions. Their joint effort ensures the legacy of those who served in uniform is preserved for future generations.

Les ressources présentées dans cet atelier sont également disponibles en français.

1:30pm - 2:30pm

Capacity: 30

Session C

C6: Citizenship 9 Service Learning Project: An Opportunity to Engage Students as Leaders in Building Healthy School Communities

Shali Manuel

This presentation will share case studies from two NS schools, which demonstrate how the Citizenship 9 Service Learning project can serve as an opportunity for students to play a leadership role in building a healthy school community.  The first case study comes from Central Colchester Jr High (CCJHS), in Onslow, where four Citizenship 9 classes worked collaboratively to assess the enablers and barriers to well-being within their school, and then worked in small groups to address priority areas identified through the assessment.  Over the past few years, some of the projects completed have included the following:  successfully applying for a grant to buy a special tent that could be used as an outdoor classroom; starting a smoothie program; advocating for cafeteria improvements; and doing an accessibility audit of the school.  The second case study comes from Bible Hill Jr High, just outside of Truro.  Two Gr. 9 Citizenship classes followed a similar process to CCJHS and ended up securing funding to build a mountain bike pump track at their school.  This presentation will review some of the tools and resources that Public Health has to support Citizenship 9 teachers and students to lead health projects within their schools.

Mostly appropriate for teachers of Citizenship 9, but all are welcome.

Shali Manuel is a Youth Engagement Coordinator with Public Health and the UpLift Partnership. She holds a BSc. in Health Education, and Master’s degree in Health Promotion and has spent the majority of her career working to support health and well-being among children and youth.  In her current role, she works with staff champions and students in CCRCE to identify opportunities to make their schools healthier and then supports them to bring their ideas to life!  She has particularly enjoyed working with Citizenship 9 students through their Service Learning projects and is looking forward to meeting more Citizenship 9 teachers from across Nova Scotia!

1:30pm - 2:30pm

Capacity: 30

Session C

C7: Black History- Using Archival Material to Teach about Enslavement

Robyn Brown

The need to incorporate African Nova Scotian history into our Social Studies classrooms has become essential but may teachers are unsure of where to start. This workshop aims to provide educators with a basic background on slavery in British North America, and then focus specifically on Nova Scotia, as well as provide educators with information on some of the primary source information related to slavery in the province and give educators ideas on how to incorporate primary source documents into their practice.

Robyn Brown has a M.Ed in French Second Language, à MA in History with a focus on Nova Scotia during the American Revolutionary period and is currently enrolled in a MA in Education (Curriculum Studies). Her current research interest are Black history in Canada, Holocaust education and gender in Social Studies curriculum. She teaches high school History in HRCE.

The SSTA believes in the value of teachers sharing their classroom experiences and best practices with other teachers. We wish to acknowledge this contribution from one of your colleagues. Thanks, Robyn!

1:30pm - 2:30pm

Capacity: 30

Session C

C8: Citizen Minutes: Using Documentary Film as a Catalyst for Civic Engagement

Emily Sheer

Citizen Minutes is a short documentary film collection commissioned by Hot Docs, that highlights ordinary Canadians doing extraordinary things to make their communities better places. This session will explore the goals and the aligned aims of Hot Docs and its partners that led to the creation of these films, and the predicted and actual outcomes of sharing these films in educational and community settings. Workshop participants will engage in a facilitated screening of a select films from the collection, including active participation in pre- and post-viewing activities developed to enhance student engagement and provoke action in their own communities. 

Applicable for teachers of grade 4-12

Emily Scheer is the Education and Youth Programs Manager at Hot Docs, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing and celebrating the art of documentary and home to North America’s largest documentary film festival. Emily directly oversees Docs For Schools – a series of free programs offered to help educators and students engage with current issues, raise critical questions and interact with new perspectives.

 1:30pm - 2:30pm

Capacity: 30

C9 - Mi’kmaw Traditional and Ecological Knowledge

Description:  Pattern recognition was learned through our Planets annual journey around the Sun. The Mi’kmaw have been here in this place since the last glaciers, seeing the patterns laid out over  13,000 times. The lessons we learned from the land are still taught today and although global warming has thrown the cycle off a bit; you can still observe these lessons as they are played out. Where to be and when to be there, was essential to our survival. Our traditional understanding of these annual events gives us a schedule to follow, to prepare, and to collect the gifts from the Creator.

Applicable for teachers of all grades.

Presenter: Gerald Gloade

BIO: Gerald Gloade is the Program Development Officer for the Mi'kmawey Debert Project as well as serving the community through the Confederacy of Mainland Mi’kmaq and the NS Department of Education Mi’kmaq liaison office. An artist, educator, storyteller, naturalist, Elder and visionary, his efforts have been integral to expanding cultural understanding and contributing to healing in Mi'kma'ki.

1:30pm - 2:30pm

Capacity: 30

Description: Loyalist Connections is a registered non-profit organization dedicated to highlighting and capturing, through an Africentric lens, the significance of the Black and African Nova Scotian experience and its legacy for Canadian history. Through historical research and discussions with special guests, our podcast, Loyalist Connections, explores the various Black migrations to Nova Scotia, the communities settled, noteworthy events, and influential figures in a history that spans over four hundred years. Loyalist Connections aims to promote and preserve the history and cultural contributions of Black and African Nova Scotians.

In this workshop, we will introduce participants to the Loyalist Connections podcast and reflect on how podcasting as a medium can help support the curriculum, engage youth, and share the experiences and contributions of African Nova Scotians to Canadian history, society, and culture.

Applicable for teachers of all grade levels.

Presenters: Shawn Smith and Laurice Gabriel-Downey

BIO: Shawn Smith and Laurice Gabriel-Downey are the hosts of the podcast Loyalist Connections. Historic Black settlements in Nova Scotia tell a long-neglected story and through studying them we can unlock invaluable, under-represented knowledge. These two friends want to better understand their Black Loyalist ancestors and what happened to the communities they settled.

This workshop is made possible through the connection to Saint Mary’s University Faculty of Arts and the Nova Scotia Heritage Fair.

3:30pm

Loyola Conference Hall

AGM

Friday, October 27

9:00am - 3:00pm

Fortress Louisbourg National Historic Site

Capacity: 20

Session Q

Q1: Fortress Louisbourg National Historic Site

Location for this workshop only –  Fortress Louisbourg National Historic Site, Louisbourg NS: 259 Pk Service Rd, Louisbourg, NS B1C 2L2

Description: Welcome to the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site. This fortified town brings you back to French colonial life between 1713 and 1758, as is the largest historical reconstruction in North America. This place was first the home to the Mi’kmaw people. In the 18th century, they were joined by the French alongside Basque, German, English, Irish, Scottish, and African people. Louisbourg was a major fishing centre and cosmopolitan town situated on the trade routes between North America and Europe.

This premiere Parks Canada site has some of the best resources in the country including our own dedicated Historian and Archaeologist. After becoming more familiar with the site through a guided tour, make your way to our Archaeology building to partake in an exercise in interpreting historical documents. While here you’ll have a chance to take a behind the scenes look at Louisbourg’s Archaeological collection! We will talk about exercises that teachers can use in class to teach about archaeology, and share resources that can help get students involved in archaeological projects, and talk about how to help students pursue archaeology as a career.

Register here as usual and you will be contacted with further details. Participants are responsible for their own transportation directly to the site and home. Lunch is provided.

Suitable for teachers of all grades.

Les ressources présentées dans cet atelier sont également disponibles en français.

9:00am - 3:00pm

Cole Harbour Heritage Farm Museum

Capacity: 20

Session Q

Q2: Cole Harbour Heritage Farm Museum

The Cole Harbour Rural Heritage Society & Heritage Farm Museum (coleharbourfarmmuseum.ca)

471 Poplar Drive, Cole Harbour

Description:

The Cole Harbour Heritage Farm is a community museum dedicated to preserving and interpreting Cole Harbour's agricultural past, and developing understanding of plants, animals and farming today. Everything from animals to archives make this unique farm museum in the city an invaluable resource for you and your students.

Along with a general visit to the farm museum, teachers will have the opportunity to participate in modules such as wool and fibre, foraging and food preservation, and the role of the Blacksmith (accompanied by a blacksmithing demonstration).

Register here as usual and you will be contacted with further details. Participants are responsible for their own transportation directly to the site and home (you do not need to come to SMU first).  Lunch is provided in the farm’s “Rose & Kettle” Tea Room. Participants are asked to dress comfortably and for the weather.

Suitable for teachers of all grades.

9:00am - 3:00pm

Cole Harbour Heritage Farm Museum

Capacity: 20

Session Q

Q3    Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic

Location for this workshop only – Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic, Lunenburg,  68 Bluenose Drive, Lunenburg, NS

Description
The Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic is dedicated to sharing and preserving our fishing heritage that in many ways is truly part of our identity. 
A day of activities and fun that will provide teachers with a host of new ideas and a take home package. The day includes 6 workshops: 1) Marine Wonders – learn about marine life  and play some marine Jinga; 2) Life Aboard a Fishing Schooner – step aboard the last salt banking schooner that fished from the port of Lunenburg; 3) Communication Before Technology – try out Morse Code, and learn how to communicate using a Storm Signal Tower and Navigational Flags.; 4) Bluenose, a Canadian Icon – discover the magic of the legend with some fun activities; 5) Disasters at Sea – learn about the hardships of the sea; and 6) Share Circle – a Mi’kmaq tradition that gives everyone a voice. 

Suitable for teachers of all grades.

Register here as usual and you will be contacted with further details. Participants are responsible for their own transportation directly to the site and home (you do not need to come to SMU first).  Lunch is provided at the “Old Fish Factory”
Note: Participants will be going on board the schooner Theresa E. Connor, the vessel remains at wharf side, but appropriate outdoor clothing is recommended.