News From the Nest: Spotlight on Learning-Sports Inquiry Project
Spotlight On Learning
Presented by: Mr. Andrew Lawrence
Subject: English First Peoples 11
Title: Sports Inquiry Project
Driving Question: After reflecting on the novel Indian Horse by Richard Wagamese, what is a sporting event that can be linked to a larger social issue and what is the significance of the event as it unfolded?
TEACHER DESCRIPTION and / or REFLECTION:
In English First Peoples 11 students worked in groups to create an inquiry project with the guiding question: what is a sporting event that can be linked to a larger social issue and what is the significance of the event as it unfolded? Students were asked to explore the background of the event, the social issue, a reflection on why they chose the event, and relate it to the First People’s Principles of Learning. This project related to the novel they were reading, Indian Horse by Richard Wagamese, as the main character, Saul, faces discrimination while playing hockey. Because students were able to choose a sporting event that interested them, the students were very engaged and created some fantastic presentations. We saw many topics such as Muhammad Ali and the Vietnam War, Colin Kaepernick, Simone Biles, the Superbowl, the 2011 Vancouver Riot, and Munich 1972 (Reflection on the Munich project included below). Overall, I was very impressed with the work done by these groups of students and the hard work they put into it.
STUDENT REFLECTIONS:
The 1972 Munich Olympics terrorist attack inquiry project, while surprising, taught me a lot about its impact on the world and influences on security around the world. While it was my first time hearing about this tragic event, I was able to learn about the political motivations behind the attack and the eye opening impact it had on global security measures and international cooperation. It was shocking to me that such a terrible attack could take place during an event that is supposed to advertise unity and how the German police responded to it. Overall, this inquiry project allowed me to learn more about historical events while also teaching me about the causes, consequences, and impact of terrorist attacks.