I really like the idea of using a photo of a Paralympian. All Olympians have to overcome challenges and dedicate their lives to sport and it is important we recognize and honour them. The fact that Olympians can represent entire counties is amazing and I hope these athletes take pride in participating in the Paralympics. How much we value sacrifice and competing can say a lot about where were live and how we value identity. 

 

Photo 2:

 

I think every Calgarian can recognize the Sattledome. It has become part of our city and people have mixed feelings towards it. As you identified, developing the Sattledome has been polarizing in our city and it seems as though every year we are in talks about building a new stadium. City members have varying opinions on if a new stadium would be good for the city of Calgary. At its heart, the issues presented could be related to how the city of Calgary make decisions and, as you pointed pout, would be a great opportunity for grade 6 students to explore.

 

Photo 3:

I really like this photo. It shows nature in an important light and how it relates to the values of our city. In social studies we learn about how cities are built around major water ways and why access to water is integral to development. Many cities have major rivers that run through them and how a city treats its water supply should be important to their citizens. I like how you identified the importance of conservation in this regard. 

 

Photo 4:

This is a really awesome photo! I like how the sky looks, especially with the empty grandstand and the truck. In Alberta there are many different identities that are represented. Agriculture is a huge part of Alberta and many people in the province make their living through agriculture. Likewise, the grandstand is a large part of our identity in the city of Calgary. 

 

Great photos, looking forward to working together!

- Jason

 

Photo 1:

 

Cam, I love the choice of photo and the explanation behind it. I think it's really important to provide examples to students of people who have overcome obstacles when the odds don't seem to be in their favour. I think it's important to acknowledge out athletes that perform on the National stage and I don't think the Para Olympics receive enough recognition or coverage in comparison to the Olympics. As you mentioned, I think this picture aids in Canadian Identity and the resiliency of their nature. A cool unit could have to do with resilient Canadians. I also like your ties to the Kindergarten curriculum. That's super cool that you know an Olympian - I cannot imagine the dedication it would take!

 

Photo 2:

 

I love how you used an iconic building to Calgary as an opening to conversations about Municipal and Provincial Government and the political spheres of decision making.  Additionally, I think this photo could tie into the identity of Calgarians quite nicely as the building is in the shape of a saddle. Calgary prides itself on its Western heritage and I think this photo could delve into the unique history and story.  This could tie into the Grade 4.2 Social Studies curriculum of "The Stories, Histories and People of Alberta" 

 

Photo 3: 

 

I love this photo! Over the past couple years I have spawned a growing appreciation of the beauty Calgary has to offer. I really like how you made the connection to FMNI. I think the wholesome learning model proposed by FMNI communities can be incorporated into our classrooms, simply, by taking our students outside of the classroom into the surrounding nature and beauty of the city. I also like your link to the 2013 Flood; Calgarians really came together--with strangers and family--to help support each other in times of need. 

 

Photo 4:

 

When my partner moved to Alberta from Ontario, he was overwhelmed by the number of trucks that you see driving around Calgary and surrounding area. I love the clouds in this photo. A big part of Albertan identity--for me, anyhow--are the Albertan skies. While travelling the world you may get to view tropical sunsets and views, but Albertan skies are like no other. I think this picture ties into our identity as Albertans, but we could also use this photo to talk about "what's missing" from Albertan identity adn our identity in Calgary specifically. I think tying in conversations and discussion of Treaty 7 could be extremely impactful and meaningful conversation that needs to be had in classrooms. As someone who grew up having no concept of the "shadier" parts of Canada's history, I think it's important to shed a light where we may not always like to look. 

I'm really looking forward to working together with you on this project and I think you have alot of great ideas to bring to the table =)

Chelsey