1

Class - Causes of WWI

Grade: 11
Subject: Social Studies:
Unit: Nationalism Causes of WWI
Lesson Duration: 75 minutes
MO:
(a.) Know how to learn: to gain knowledge, understanding or skills through experience, study,
and interaction with others;
(b.) Think critically: conceptualize, apply, analyze, synthesize, and evaluate to construct
knowledge;
(c.) Identify and solve complex problems;
(d.) Manage information: access, interpret, evaluate and use information effectively, efficiently,
and ethically;
(e.) Innovate: create, generate, and apply new ideas or concepts;
(f.) Create opportunities through play, imagination, reflection, negotiation, and competition,
with an entrepreneurial spirit;
(h.) Demonstrate good communication skills and the ability to work cooperatively with others;

OUTCOMES FROM ALBERTA PROGRAM OF STUDIES

General Learning Outcomes:
Should nations pursue national interest?
Specific Learning Outcomes:
S.1 - develop skills of critical thinking and creative thinking:
S.2 - develop skills of historical thinking:
S.4 - demonstrate skills of decision making and problem solving:
S.5 - demonstrate skills of cooperation, conflict resolution and consensus building:
S.7 - apply the research process:
S.8 - demonstrate skills of oral, written and visual literacy::
2.1 - appreciate that nations and states pursue national interest
2.6 - examine how the pursuit of national interest shapes foreign policy (First World
War peace settlements, the interwar period)
2.8 - analyze nationalism and ultranationalism during times of conflict (causes of the
First and Second World Wars, examples of nationalism and ultranationalism from the
First and Second World Wars, internments in Canada, conscription crises)
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Students will:
Understand the 5 main causes of WWI
Organize sequentially what they believe was the most important event in starting
WWI
ASSESSMENTS
Observations: Key Questions:
Observe classroom discussion 1) What were the 4 main causes of WWI?
Observe student participation and 2) Why is nationalism so important to the
discussion while they are in pairs causes of WWI?
 2

Monitor classroom- walk around

and stand at opposite ends of the
room to check for attentiveness
and engagement
Written/Performance Assessments:
French Revolution Timeline

LEARNING RESOURCES CONSULTED
Resource #1: Understanding Nationalism textbook
Resource #2: Kagan Cooperative Learning Strategies
Resource #3: https://www.thoughtco.com/causes-that-led-to-world-war-i-105515
Resource #4: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XRcg_t2oJkc
Resource #5: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_7pu1R6sCrs
MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT
Textbook
Smartboard
Paper
Phone
PROCEDURE
Introduction (5 min.):
Hook/Attention Grabber:
Quick review of Arctic Sovereignty, what are the 4 main issues, and what are the
different national interests Canada has in the Arctic
Assessment of Prior Knowledge:

Expectations for Learning and Behaviour:

Students will be expected to participate in all discussions and activities while being
respectful of others opinions/beliefs/values.
Students will be expected to participate in the research activity using their cell
phones without abusing the privilege of technology.
Advance Organizer/Agenda:
Current Events
Recap and review concepts we went over last two days related to Arctic Sovereignty
With a partner have students write down as many things as they can related to WWI.
Even if they are unsure have them write as much as possible down.
Introduce activity for the day. Students will research in partners the 5 main causes of
WWI
Brain break show video of riddles. Students will stand on one leg until they know the
answer then they can stand properly. Ensure they dont shout out the answer till the
end.
End of day have one student A and one student B have them summarize events that
weve talked about so far. What were the 5 main causes of WWI?
Differentiation:

Transition to Body:
 3

Body (45 min.):

Learning Activity #1: Recap and Review Arctic Sovereignty
What are the 3 main national interests? Economic prosperity, security, and beliefs
and values
What were the 4 main issues related to Canadian Arctic Sovereignty? Natural
resources, shipping lanes, Northwest Passage, and global warming.
What are two ways you need to demonstrate that territory is yours? Military presence
and people living in the area.
Countries involved? Canada, Russia, Norway, Denmark, U.S,
What are some Canadian National Interests? Remind them it was from the last slide
yesterday. Should include, Aboriginal Land Claims, Canadian military bases, natural
resource development, international transportation, and environmental protection
Learning Activity #2: WWI Introduction
In pairs, have students jot down notes and ideas for everything they know about
WWI.
5 minutes to write as much as possible in point form. Even if they are unsure just
keep writing down ideas.
Learning Activity #3: WWI Causes
Students will work together to find the 5 main causes of WWI using their cell phones.
They will have to have the following: Tell what each cause was and what does that
mean? For instance, what are defense treaties and alliances
1 important fact about each cause
After they have the 5 main causes written down and the information filled out, they
will order them in what they think was the most important to least important. Number
1 is the most important cause and 5 is the least important.
Learning Activity #4: Brain break
Show students 4 min video with brain riddles.
Students will stand on one foot and only put two feet down when they have solved
the puzzle. No shouting out till the end.
Learning Activity #5: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XRcg_t2oJkc WWI video causes
Ensure students have the acronym MAIN written down. Militarism, alliances,
imperialism, and nationalism.
Learning Activity #6: Exit slip activity
Students will pair up with partner
One student will be A and other will be B
Theyll stand up taking turns with the person beside them. One will list off one cause
of WWI and summarize the importance of it. Then other person will stand up and the
other will sit down. Keep going until all the main causes have been stated.

Closure (2 min.):
Feedback From Students:

Transition To Next Lesson:

Explain that tomorrow more time will be allotted to finish activity if needed.