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The Canadian Flag - Evaluating Its Effectiveness

Handout 2.1

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Task: Decide whether or not the Canadian flag is an effective symbol of the Canadian identity.

Step One: Develop a question that will focus your inquiry:

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To Get You Started - Three focus questions are provided. Choose the one which will best guide your inquiry into whether or not the Canadian flag is an effective symbol of the Canadian identity. Use your choice or create one for your own inquiry:

1. Do all Canadians recognize and accept the Canadian flag as a symbol of the Canadian identity?
2. Is the Canadian Flag an effective symbol of the Canadian identity?
3. Is the Canadian Flag the best symbol to represent the Canadian identity?

Step Two: Develop criteria to help you make your decision.

To Get You Started - Below is a list of criteria that might be considered for making a decision about the effectiveness of the Canadian flag in promoting the Canadian identity. Add to this list and then choose the three or four you think will best help you evaluate the flag's effectiveness as a symbol of the Canadian identity. Change or combine criteria if needed or desired.

• Acceptance by Canadians
• Recognition by Canadians
• Uniquely Canadian
• Recognition by people around the world
• Reflection of who all Canadians are
• Cost effectiveness

Step Three - Use the chart below. It will provide a space for each of your criteria, a space for evidence about the criteria and a space for a ranking system that will help you make your decision.

Decision Making Organizer - Effectiveness of the Canadian Flag

Ranking System: 0 - negative factor......4 - excellent, positive factor

Step Four: Collect evidence that will help you to decide whether or not the Canadian flag is a positive or negative for the criteria you have chosen.

To Get You Started - Some examples of supporting evidence are listed below. Which criteria could they support? Add any of the relevant samples and other evidence for each criteria you have chosen.

• Canadian astronauts wear the Canadian flag on their space suits when they fly into space.
• Terry Fox wore the Canadian flag on his t-shirt during his historic run across Canada.
• The maple leaf is not unique to Canada -- it is also not found in all provinces and territories.
• The design was chosen in a democratic process by representatives of the Canadian government
• Flags across the country are lowered to half mast as a sign of National mourning
• Flags are sometimes burned to protest Government actions

Step Five: State your decision. Answer your inquiry question based on your findings. Back up your decision with the evidence you have used:

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Step Six: Reflect upon your decision. Are you comfortable with it? If not, what criteria would you change? What new evidence would you consider? If needed go back and make any necessary changes.

Step Seven: Take Action. Submit your problem solving process for evaluation.

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