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In this article the author discusses the importance of separating myth from history for social studies teachers. It argues that there has been resurgence in our schools to heighten the historical consciousness of our students. According the article many teachers have been able to provide the time and focus for students to become increasingly proficient at, and increasingly committed to, the difficult work of looking at the past critically. Since history is part of our core curriculum, schools actually have had the time to develop thoughtful and subtle complexity in students' historical thinking. One of the most important parts of the article talks about what the goal of teaching history in our schools should be and the importance of history in knowledge-making.

Found this blog which gives a link to the Ultimate Canadian History Site and a valuable critique of its usefulness and short comings. The Ultimate Canadian History Site offers unique ways to get students interested in Canadian history such as; sing along with a song entitled "Louis Louis Riel. The website also offers history quizzes that allow to students to find out which historical figures they are most like, and mini projects which are meant to encourage students to think about what it means to be Canadian. These history related class activities don't allow a simple little answer that we can all memorize before we move on to our next social studies lesson. Instead, it leads to more question and critical thinking. The link could be valuable when trying to reach students who need to be drawn in by media or funny curriculum related 'hooks'.

This journal article describes the benefits of utilizing children's literature in teaching history and geography. With the TECs in the process of learning about how to plan a unit which incorporates a topic in multiple subject areas, I feel that this article will give us additional ideas of how to teach historical events in new and creative ways. Whether using picture books or children's novels, literature brings history to life and can give students a better understanding of real-life situations in which the characters can give better insights of their thoughts and decision making process.

On October 2, 2011, journalist Tim Alamenciak posted an intriguing article to readers of the Toronto Star regarding the environmental changes occurring within our world. This article is tremendously intriguing as it increases individual's awareness on the detrimental and harmful effects happening to our environment. According to a study published in the Nature, in the beginning of the year, the loss of the ozone over the Arctic has reached unprecedented levels never seen before in the northern hemisphere. Three researchers from Environmental Canada and one from University of Toronto commented on this occurrence by stating an unusually long period of low temperatures and powerful wind patterns played a tremendous factor in damaging the ozone layer. Ultimately, persistent cold weather created the perfect conditions to destroy ozone levels. Sitting fifteen to thirty-five kilometres above the Earth's surface, the Stratospheric ozone layer acts like a giant shield that blocks harmful ultraviolent rays that cause skin cancer to humans as well as damages all plant and animal life. Therefore, when the ozone layer gradually begins to deplete, this will have a devastating effect on our world. Man-made chemicals known as Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are gases used in the manufacturing of aerosols and refrigerators. Scientists have regarded these chemicals as key identifiers for destroying the ozone in the stratosphere. Individuals must become more cognisant of how these harmful chemicals negatively impact our world. By fostering responsibility, community service, and nurturing at a young age, children can apply these values and employ them for future action.

Who will be # 7, 000, 000, 000? This article discusses different population trends. It is also an awakening for the world as the population increases so to will our energy, food prices and environmental stresses. Not to mention the amount of people who already undernourished. These reasons are very important and should be discussed in social studies classes' world wide. Our schools should be educating our children about demographics and the effects it has on the many social and environmental factors.