GENERAL REFERENCES - SOCIAL STUDIES 8 - 11:

Index: Geographic References Historical Sources Economic Resources Media Resources Canadian Government sites On-line Libraries - virtual libraries and online encyclopedia and almanacs Peace Education

Geographic References: This section includes general collections of maps and statistics of geographic data. They are presented with the Canadian references first and then global sources. The list is arranged alphabetically within sections and does not reflect any form of hierarchical arrangement. Atlases - Canadian Sources: Canadian Communities Atlas - This extensive site includes community atlases, geography sources with sections on economic, physical and human geography and links to 1000s of educational, geographical and social studies related web sites. Nationa Resources Canada: Discovering Canada Through Maps http://atlas.nrcan.gc.ca/site/english/index.html In 2006 The Atlas of Canada is celebrating 100 years of mapping Canada’s geography and history. The Atlas belongs to all Canadians and reflects the incredible social, environmental and economic diversity of our country. As Canada’s premiere online mapping resource, the Atlas offers a wealth of resources for everyone. Celebrate this milestone with us by exploring our maps and participate with us by attending one of the many events listed below. Over the course of the year this section will be kept up-to-date with all the most current information. Atlases - Global Sources: Atlapedia online - This site contains world maps as well as a full country listing with statistics for countries of the world. It is easy to use and maps can be increased in size. Geography World - Maps and Globes - This is a detailed list of ninety links to map collections of various kinds including EarthRISE maps showing political, topographic and space photos; country maps, city net, atlases of the world, world thematic map browser to customize maps by theme and region, map collection of the Library of Congress, national geographic maps and map machine as well as the map collections from Harvard University and the University of Texas. This is the most extensive mapping site available. World Geography and Country Information: CIA World Factbook - Alphabetical listing for each country in the world. Detailed information on demographics maps geography, climate, economy, history, government, and transnational issues. Written in an organized and clear manner. Country at a glance (updated 1997) - This is a teacher site listing current affairs resources available from the United Nations. Bibliographies contain listings for electronic products, microfiche and print.

Global Sources: Best of History Web Sites http://www.besthistorysites.net/index.shtml The U.S. based Best of History Web Sites describe itself as "an award-winning portal that contains annotated links to over 1000 history web sites as well links to hundreds of quality K-12 history lesson plans, history teacher guides, history activities, history games, history quizzes, and more." Center for History and New Media http://chnm.gmu.edu/ Since 1994, the Center for History and New Media at George Mason University has used digital media and computer technology to democratize history—to incorporate multiple voices, reach diverse audiences, and encourage popular participation in presenting and preserving the past. We sponsor more than two dozen digital history projects and offer free tools and resources for teachers and historians. Some of those projects include, the French Revolution, the Western Civilization Webproject and the Mozilla Digital Memory Bank. Famous Trials http://www.law.umkc.edu/faculty/projects/ftrials/ftrials.htm This site focuses on famous trials through out history.  Although most of the trials are American there are a number of world importance relevant to both gr. 8 and 9 such as Joan of Arc, Martin Luther, Thomas More, and Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette. They also have a little Cancon with a site on Louis Riel but there are lots of print resources around on his trial. Learning Curve http://www.learningcurve.gov.uk/ In Great Britain the junior high school curriculum emphasizes social history and historical thinking more than ours does. If you wish students to explore a theme like crime and punishment since 1066 or examine the Doomsday book, visit the Learning Curve site. There are case studies, lesson ideas, games, and on-line activities. Making Sense of Evidence http://historymatters.gmu.edu/browse/makesense/ This section helps students and teachers make effective use of primary sources. "Making Sense of Documents" provide strategies for analyzing online primary materials, with interactive exercises and a guide to traditional and online sources. "Scholars in Action" segments show how scholars puzzle out the meaning of different kinds of primary sources, allowing you to try to make sense of a document yourself then providing audio clips in which leading scholars interpret the document and discuss strategies for overall analysis. NowPublic http://www.nowpublic.com This site was originally noted by Teacher Librarian Judith Comfort from Dr Charles Best Secondary School in Coquitlam. Called "NowPublic", this Vancouver-based company uses something called a "participatory news network" or "citizen journalists" (as NowPublic calls them) to cover news events around world. In other words, anyone, anywhere can sign up for a free account and become a reporter. Apparently, a lot of people want to "news hounds" because the company is reported to be one of the fastest growing news organizations on the planet with thousands of reporters in more then 140 countries. When I visited the site there were stories from as close to home as Vancouver and as far away as Iraq and Australia. While there are some restrictions on what can be posted as well as a 'Code of Conduct' which reporters are supposed to follow, the staff at NowPublic makes it very clear that they will not be held responsible for the validity or authenticity of any content on their site. NowMedia is just one more example of a growing shift in how we access and consume information. Thanks to the 'Net and Web 2.0 tools, the field is being leveled and traditional information providers are being marginalized or bypassed. Whether its Wikipedia displacing the Encyclopedia Britannica or NowPublic supplanting CBC, information sources are changing and those changes will effect all of us in education in so many ways. World In The Balance http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/worldbalance/ The companion website to the NOVA TV series which aired on PBS. The series and this site examine the consequences of overpopulation. The site contains a wealth of information and resources, interactive student activities and a teachers's guide. History Sourcebooks - This is an immense site or resources on ancient, medieval and modern history. Considered to be one of the best on the web. Social Studies School Service - Women’s History Month - This site offers extensive links for students as well as materials for teachers. It includes biographies of women and the links section has excellent listing arranged by topics such as world history and global studies US history and government, countries and regions, general references including kids and teacher resources. This is an immense site but the best section is the links section. United Nations Web Site - This site provides information on peace and security, international law, humanitarian affairs, economic and social development and human rights. Current Events - US. State Department with information about programs and the White House Free the Children - Information, campaigns, projects with a spotlight on Craig Kielgurger. Corporate Watch - Information on sweatshops, taskforce reports and interviews. Conference of Nongovernmental Organizations - CONGO provides information on the NGO participation in the United Nations System, offers a schedule of meetings and events and has a listing of possible contacts for learners who need further information or wish to become involved. David Suzuki Foundation - This site offers information on controversial issues, contact information, publications, projects and offers suggestions on ways to take action. Disaster Relief Agencies - This "umbrella" site provides ways to obtain information and contact a multitude of relief organizations, and has been organized alphabetically for easy reference. This site may be helpful with activities related to "getting involved". Official Website Locator for the United Nations System of Organizations - Learners researching the United Nations may find this site useful as it alphabetically lists the hundreds of United Nations Organizations and Agencies that carry out the directives of the United Nations. Oxfam Canada - This site provides current events information on global crises, information on its work and ways to get involved. International Committee of the Red Cross - The Red Cross site offers information on current global humanitarian operations, a history of the ICRC, publications, a photo gallery, related links and contact information. This site may be helpful with activities related to "getting involved". United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) - UNESCO provides much statistical information, publications, photos, documents and information regarding its global role. Amnesty International - Canadian Chapter - Amnesty International highlights areas where human rights are being violated, provides news releases and gives suggestions on how to become involved. Greenpeace Canada - Canadian Chapter - This environmental organization provides news releases on current activities, campaigns and information on ways to become involved in environmental issues in the community. Doctors Without Borders - This international organization offers information on areas of need in the world, special reports, press releases and contact information for those who wish to become involved. Carbon Footprint Calculator http://www.bp.com/carboncalculator.do?categoryId=9015635&contentId=7032696   The Webby Awards are given out each year for excellence in various web site content areas and design categories. The 2007 Webby Award winner in the "Lifestyle" category was British Petroleum with their web site: The Carbon footprint calculator. In keeping with the BCSSTA October conference theme of Global Warming, the BP site seemed like a good choice for this feature. As the web site points out, "The first step to lowering carbon emissions is to understand your carbon footprint" and this site does a good job of that in a very simple, straight forward manner. The site will not only help all of us to estimate our own carbon footprint but also show how different lifestyle choices, household features and new technologies affect the size of that footprint.

Economic References: EcEdWeb - This award winning site states that its mission is to provide support for economic education in all forms and at all levels. An excellent section on K-12 teaching resources as well as references at the university level for teacher information is available. EconEdLink - The National Council on Economic Education and MCI WorldCom have developed this economics resource that consists of three main sections: CyberTeach, Net NewsLine and EconomicsMinute. "CyberTeach" features Internet curriculum idea instructions on how to construct Internet-based economics lessons, sample lessons, and links to other economic resources. In "Net NewsLine", teachers can find lessons with video clips, quizzes and links to questions, and suggested classroom activities. A teacher’s guide that provides an outline of the lesson, lesson objectives accompanies each of these activities, and content standards covered. The Good News Bears Stock Market Project - The EduStock Simulation uses real-time accurate stock data (20 minutes delayed). Starting with 100,000 dollars you create your own portfolio. With it, you may buy and sell any stock on the NYSE, NASDAQ, or AMEX. With each transaction, you will not face a commissions charge, so that you are free to make as many trades as you like, in order to enhance the learning aspect of the simulation (Economics and Stock Market) The World Bank http://www.worldbank.org The World Bank is a vital source of financial and technical assistance to developing countries around the world. We are not a bank in the common sense. We are made up of two unique development institutions owned by 184 member countries—the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) and the International Development Association (IDA). Each institution plays a different but supportive role in our mission of global poverty reduction and the improvement of living standards. The IBRD focuses on middle income and creditworthy poor countries, while IDA focuses on the poorest countries in the world. Together we provide low-interest loans, interest-free credit and grants to developing countries for education, health, infrastructure, communications and many other purposes.

Media Resources: Newslinks - The enormous site contained what appeared to be actual newspapers from every Canadian newspaper and for any American state or other countries. Online newspapers include current stories and pictures and also links to national and worldwide news sites. There is also a quick reference/ research section, which is alphabetical, and hyperlink Fast Facts section includes almanacs, dictionaries, maps, electronic texts, encyclopedias, magazines, and libraries of data. Newspapers - Canadian Sources - Site includes national, provincial and small newspapers across Canada and Newslink Teacher’s Guide with student activities for daily news stories. Articles and activities for both students and teachers are included as will as links to other magazines, television and radio sources. CBC Newsworld Online - This site has up to date news from the world including business, sports, weather and interactive information. Search engine called Newbot.com located in site to find information.

Provincial Web Sites: British Columbia Teachers Federation - This site provides access to career information, educational and professional issues, events and activities, social justice, Teacher newsmagazine, lesson aids and information on other provincial specialist associations. BC Government Site - Provides access to over 50 government sites, people find, publication find and access to addresses. Integrated Resource Packages Information - Provides all the British Columbian IRPS for every subject area. Community Learning Network - Educational WWW Resources for K-12 Students and Teachers, Organized by Subject. BC School Trustees Association Greater Vancouver Regional District, Virtual Teacher's Library http://www.gvrd.bc.ca/education/resources-library.htm Greater Vancouver Regional District has created the Virtual Teacher's Library to support classroom teaching and learning. The site features downloadable activities, maps, posters, knowledge builders, and links to other useful websites.

Canadian Web Sites: Assembly of First Nations http://www.afn.ca The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) is the national representative organization of the First Nations in Canada. There are over 630 First Nation's communities in Canada. The AFN Secretariat is designed to present the views of the various First Nations through their leaders in areas such as Aboriginal and Treaty Rights, Economic Development, Education, Languages and Literacy, Health, Housing, Social Development, Justice, Taxation, Land Claims, and Environment Canada and the World http://canadainternational.gc.ca/Canada_And_The_World-en.asp Canada and the World is a web site established by the Government of Canada to provide Canadians with up-to-date information about Canada's international relations and global activities. Information regarding Canada's contributions to global peace, security, development, and environmental health, foreign policy and technological and educational cooperation initiatives is also presented via this site. Canada's Historic Places Initiative http://www.historicplaces.ca The Historic Places Initiative is one of the most significant developments in heritage conservation in Canada's history. It is an initiative led by the Government of Canada, in collaboration with provincial and territorial governments, to strengthen the culture of conservation in Canada. Working together, the Government of Canada and the provinces and territories have developed two tools to help conserve our historic places – the Canadian Register of Historic Places and the Standards and Guidelines for the Conservation of Historic Places in Canada. The Learning Centre: Collections Canada http://www.collectionscanada.ca/education/008-3000-e.html The Learning Centre team is pleased to announce that the site has been updated with several new resources.  Our "Toolkit" section has been updated with five new toolkit topics on:   "Analytical Writing", "News Reporting", "Primary Sources That Emote the Value and Significance of Using Personal Accounts in Your Research", "Explorations in "Un-framing" Art" and "Oral Interviews: Preparing, Conducting and Reporting".  These toolkits are useful guides that help teachers and students who use original, often historical  documents in their schoolwork. l Government of Canada - Site outlines governments programs and services and supports study in history, geography and world events. Statistics Canada - Site is full of information about Canada, which is, of course in statistical form and also includes teachers’ kits, activities and lesson plans. Some of the categories are daily news, census, education resources, employment opportunities, Canadian statistics, Year 2000, and Canada quiz. There are education resources and teacher activities for each category. The teacher activities are interactive, and there are even some statistics projects that your students can take part in; these projects are being conducted Canada wide. The Prime Ministers of Canada: Intimate Portraits of the Nation's LeadersView visuals, learn about their lives, and hear opinions about their achievements. CBC Archives - A thousand of CBC's most famous radio and television clips. Well indexed with a 'For Teachers' section. Includes speeches such as Churchill's 'Chicken' speech of WWII, for example. Elections Canada - Offers a range of useful and informative tools that will help you plan your activities relating to Canadian citizenship. Exploration of the Fur Trade and Hudson's Bay Company - Offers a history, personalities, stories and a timeline of Canada and the fur trade. The Memory Project - Canadian stories of passages to Canada, peace and war, and heroes and heroism. Virtual Museum of Canada - Canadian exhibits, images gallery, fun and games section, and teachers' centre. Canada in the Making - Offers high school and university students knowledge about key Canadian government acts and treaties. Electronic text versions, maps, glossary, activities section, essays, biographies, lesson plans, etc., available for students and educators. CBC Program - Canada: A People's History. Access to information, games, and resources for educators of all grades. National Archives of Canada - Learn more about Canada through the visual collections at this site. Canada's Digital Collections - 400 web sites related to Canada's history, geography, science, technology, and culture. Includes curriculum units, classroom activities, quizzes and games. National Library of Canada - Collections on Canadian topics, including music, history, and literature. Kids' Stop - Learn more about the Aboriginal people in Canada. Parks Canada - Visually explore Canada's heritage sites through their 3D tours and digital image collection. Federal Government - Links in French and English to programs and services, publications and forms and contact addresses. Statistics Canada - Site offers statistics (obviously!) on Canada's economy, land, people and government, discussion papers, educational resources and links to other related sites. The Alberta Teachers' Association Social Studies' Council - This is an excellent site for teachers to explore curriculum, student, aboriginal, government and Canadian teacher organizations links. Canada's National History Society - The Beaver, Canada's History Magazine, including information on the Pierre Berton Award, and related web links. National Library of Canada - Canadian information by subject, government information and links to other Canadian Library web sites. Library of Parliament Public Information Office: Ottawa - Information on parliamentary business, senators and members, reference material and parliamentary programs.

On-Line Libraries: This list outlines enormous on-line information reference sources including virtual libraries, on-line encyclopedias and almanacs. Electronic Library - Site includes television. and radio transcripts, magazines, books and newspapers. Materials include description of reading grade level. There is a cost for this site but it is available for a free 30-day trial period. Encyclopedia.com - Encyclopedia includes 17,000 short articles from the Concise Columbia Encyclopedia. InfoPlease.com - Site includes daily almanacs, special features, maps, travel guides, banking & commerce, and weather. Links to encyclopedias and dictionaries are also included. Internet Public Library - Site includes youth sites arranged by subject as well as Teachers’ Corner with Our World section for geography and culture. A listing of educational Internet sites is also available. This is considered to be one of the best virtual libraries. Reference refdesk.com - This site is a reference guide to the internet containing a dictionary, thesaurus, access to over 250 search engines, and links to thousands of other sites, arranged in easy to use categories. Hyperlinks to reference tools are arranged alphabetically and site also includes subject index with links to magazines and radio. Research-It - This site has dictionary and language tools as well as maps. The financial tool site is excellent for converting currency and for stock market information. This would be useful for economic studies.

Peace Education: Cultivating Peace : http://www.cultivatingpeace.ca The goal of the Cultivating Peace initiative is to create classroom-ready resources for schools across Canada that will assist teachers and community leaders to educate for change. The programs created through this initiative will encourage youth to respect diversity, think globally, value human rights, recognize injustice and respond to conflict with methods other than violence. These resources will engage children and youth in the search for a culture of peace in their homes, their schools, their neighbourhoods and their global community.