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Lesson 2: Global Events in Canada’s History: The Irish Potato Famine of the 1840s

Through the story of the Irish Potato Famine, students will see the historical links between events in other parts of the world and their effects on Canadian society. They will explore how the Canadian government, politicians, policy makers, and communities must respond to protect the health and safety of Canadians. 

Synopsis
Using the Canada Gazette and additional sources, students will examine the main events and challenges of the Irish Potato Famine. They will explore the role of government, at that time, in protecting the health and safety of Canadians. Using their research, they will write “memos” to various “Ministers” suggesting a plan of action for a particular government department in dealing with this challenge. 

Expected Outcomes
Students will:
•	describe problems that international events create for Canadian lawmakers and propose solutions
•	locate, summarize, analyze and synthesize information from various sources
•	understand connections between international events and Canadian history
•	locate and analyze information from the Canada Gazette
•	select, evaluate and summarize information
•	work effectively in groups

Activities
2.1	The Challenge Ahead
2.2	Collecting the Facts
2.3	Memo to the Minister - Part 1
2.4	Memo to the Minister - Part 2
2.5	Facing the Scrum!

Materials
Handout 2.1 The Challenge Ahead
Handout 2.2 Collecting the Facts
Handout 2.4 Secret Memo to the Minister
Handout 2.5 Facing the Scrum!
Rubric 2.1 Research Skills
Rubric 2.2 Memo Assessment and Group Work Self-Assessment
Sites listed in Activity Resources section