Biography of a Historical Canadian

There are many historical Canadians who have helped shape Canada into the magnificent
country that it is today!

Your task:
a) In groups of 2, research one of the historical Canadians listed below, using the books provided in
class as well as educational websites. Keep track of your resources, as you will need to include
them on your last slide (bibliography). You must answer the questions listed below and may
include others which we have come up with in class. You will prepare a short presentation (5
minutes maximum) about your important person, using Google Slides and upload it to Google
Classroom. Your group will then present it, making sure that both members are involved.

b) Each group member will write a paragraph about their historical Canadian. You will use the
research you collected from books/educational websites, as well as the information included in
your presentation to answer the questions listed below.

Historical/Important Canadians:

Jacques Cartier Sir John A. MacDonald Julie Payette

Jean Chrétien Louis Riel Rosemary Brown
Sir Frederick Banting Norman Bethune Wayne Gretzky
Joseph Brant Alexander Graham Bell David Suzuki
Samuel De Champlain Emily Murphy Birute Galdikas
Josiah Henson Nellie McClung Emily Stowe
Henry Hudson Maurice Ruddick

Questions that must be answered:

- Full name
- Birth and death dates and places
- Where did this person grow up? (early years)
- Did he/she get married? To who?
- Did he/she have children?
- Two important qualities about this person
- Where did he/she go to school (education)? What was his/her profession (job)?
- What did this person accomplish? Did he/she win any awards?
- Interesting events (milestones) that occurred in his/her life (5)
- Did this person face any challenges?
- Why is he/she important to Canada?

*Include a bibliography of sources (texts and websites)

Biography of an Important Canadian: Media Assignment Rubric

 Level 4 Level 3 Level 2 Level 1
Exceeds Meets Approaching Needs
Expectations Expectations Expectations Improvement
Reading

Demonstrates understanding of texts/websites by

summarizing and explaining important ideas with
details (details can be as jots in the presentation
and/or spoken orally to add to the presentation)

Ideas and information gathered are relevant,

appropriate, and adequate for the purpose of a
biography

Content is accurate and specific

Writing

Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of the

requirements of a biography

Information is logically organized and easy to follow

Uses appropriate writing conventions (i.e. spelling,

punctuation, and grammar)

Bibliography is included and cites a variety of

sources (must include texts and websites)

Media

Arrangement of information is visually appealing

(i.e. font, background, layout) and easy to follow

Visual aids (i.e. pictures, maps, graphics) are used to

enhance the presentation.

Oral

Student speaks in a clear and coherent manner, with

appropriate volume.

Establishes eye contact with audience members

The speaker is well prepared. Practice is evident and

notes are not relied on.

Social Studies

Describes the Canadian’s life, family, and qualities.

Describes the role of the Canadian in shaping

Canada.

Summarizes and makes connections about a

Canadian who has made a difference in the history
and growth of Canada

Biography of an Important Canadian: Written Paragraph Rubric

 Level 4 Level 3 Level 2 Level 1
Exceeds Meets Approaching Needs
Expectations Expectations Expectations Improvement
Reading

Demonstrates understanding of texts/websites by

summarizing and explaining important ideas with
details

Ideas and information gathered are relevant,

appropriate, and adequate for the purpose of a
biography

Content is accurate and specific

Writing

Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of the

requirements of a biography

Information is relevant, logically organized, and easy

to follow

Uses appropriate writing conventions (i.e. spelling,

punctuation, and grammar)

Social Studies

Describes the Canadian’s life, family, and qualities.

Describes the role of the Canadian in shaping

Canada.

Summarizes and makes connections about a

Canadian who has made a difference in the history
and growth of Canada