A Real Companion and Friend:
The diary of William Lyon Mackenzie King

Educational Resources

Grades 6-8 (Grade 6 to Secondary 2 in Québec)

5 Days as the Prime Minister of Canada

Download Freeware

[PDF 39 KB] [RTF 335 KB]

Diary Writing Project

The Setting:

1. It's the year 2020.
2. You are the Prime Minister of Canada.
3. Because Canada developed a new and improved Canadarm, you were asked to join other country leaders in space for the inauguration of the International Space Station.
4. This is a first. Just like Mackenzie King's first flight, this trip is not a common occurrence.

Extra ingredients:

• Using a spidergram, brainstorm to get ideas.
• Write in the first person: "I was asked to give a speech..." Remember that you need to present the trip from a day-to-day perspective.
• Include your actions, thoughts, feelings, words and observations as the Prime Minister. What do you hear, feel, taste and smell. Remember to refer to the five senses.
• Show your feelings. How do we look and act when we are feeling:
  • afraid (e.g., our heart pounds fast);
  • excited (e.g., our hands tremble, our knees knock);
  • nervous (e.g., we breathe quickly);
  • happy (e.g., we smile, we laugh);
  • tired (e.g., our eyes close);
  • angry (e.g., we stand very still, we are tense).

Inauguration of the International Space Station—Agenda for the Prime Minister of Canada

[PDF 39 KB] [RTF 346 KB]

Day 1

• Prepare for the trip.
• Get information from the Canadian Space Agency.
• Leave home and say goodbye to family members and friends.
• Meet the press to comment on the trip.
• Fly to the NASA launch facility.
• Get instruction from NASA specialists.
• Stay overnight at the launch facilities.

Day 2

• Prepare for launch.
• Meet the astronauts and pilot of the Space Shuttle.
• Get equipment.
• Launch.
• Zero gravity - you are in space!
• Board the International Space Station.
• Meet the crew.
• Organize meals and sleeping arrangements.

Day 3

• Take official tour of the International Space Station.
• Watch the Canadarm in action.
• Take a turn at controlling the Canadarm.
• Prepare for the official inauguration ceremony. It will be transmitted via satellite around the world.
• Give a speech.
• Attend an official dinner.

Day 4

• Prepare to return to Earth.
• Attend farewell ceremony with crew.
• Return to Earth.
• Undergo health tests administered by a NASA specialist.

Day 5

• Return home.
• Meet the press to comment on your trip.
• Meet with friends.