Great Canadian Historical Figure Research Project
CHC2P-Mr. O’Rourke Due
This three-part, research based project is a major part of your overall mark in this course (10% OVERALL). There are three components- Written, Visual, and
Oral. This requires you to make use of all of your talents as a historian.
The Task: you are to research your selected Canadian historical figure and report on your findings in three forms.
1.
Written: You are to produce a 500 word essay (approx. two pages double spaced) on your person that explains why your person is a great Canadian
historical figure. You will need to use at least 4 different sources for your research. Each of your sources must be recorded and presented in an acceptable bibliographical form. Your essay must be typed, have an original title, be double-spaced and include a title page.
2.
Visual: You are to create a billboard that visually displays the greatness of
your Canadian figure. Your billboard must include a variety of different pictures, drawings, symbols, etc. that help define who your person is. You will want to include any or all of the accomplishments of your person. You must label all pictures in your collage, prominently display the name of your person, make good use of space, and organize your pictures effectively.
**Due on the day of your presentation**
3.
Oral: You will present your research to the class in a five-ten minute presentation and explain why your person is of historical significance to
Canada. You are to use your visual and written work to support your oral presentation. You are expected to show that you are knowledgeable and well informed about your Canadian figure. Your presentation must be organized, you must speak clearly, use cue cards rather than read, and display good posture while speaking.

Essay Outline
Here is an outline to get you started on your essay. You will need to be able to answer these questions in order to write a quality essay. This requires research.
Paragraph #1: Introduction
Your essay should start with a statement that determines the purpose of the paper (i.e. Jean Chretien is a great Canadian historical figure because…). You should have an idea through your research why the person is important already. It is here where you simply list some of these reasons, do not go into great detail on these reasons because you will do this later in the essay. Consider these things:
Contributions, Accomplishments, Impact & Legacy.
Paragraph #2: Biographical Information
Your first body paragraph is where you indicate any important background information about your figure. You should answer the following questions:
 What training, education, or experiences did they have in their lifetime that helped them become famous?
 What inspired them to pursue their career choice?
Paragraph #3: Accomplishments
Look to answer these questions:
 What have they done in their area of expertise (career) that is extraordinary?
 What awards have they received awards because of their contributions to society?
Paragraph #4: Impact
Look to answer these questions:
 how has society/culture been affected or changed as a result of your person?
 How have people benefited from the work of your person?
 Have they inspired other successful people or groups?
Paragraph #5: Legacy
Look to answer these questions:
 What has your person done that still influences people today?
 Are there buildings, monuments, scholarships, institutions that have been named after them? (Ex. Schools, stadiums, statues, parks, hospitals, etc.)
 What have other famous people said about your person?
**Remember that each of these themes should be a separate paragraph in your essay.

Conclusion:
You should begin your conclusion by restating your main argument (ex. Jean
Chretien is a great Canadian historical figure because…). The rest of your conclusion should summarize the main points of your essay. You can finish off your conclusion by adding any of your own insights or reactions to the topic.
Bibliography:
You must record the books or websites that you used in your research. There must be at least four different websites or books that you have used. This is the information that you should include.
BOOKAuthor’s Last name, First name. Title of book. City it was published in:
Publisher’s name, year of publication.
WEBSITE Author’s Last name, First name. “Title of Article”. Name of Website. Date article was posted/updated. <Web address>.
**for any other sources come see me.
**If any of the above information is not available, leave it out. But, you should try to include as much information as possible!

Politicians
Topic List: Great 20 th Century Canadian Historical Figures
 Mike Myers
 Pierre E. Trudeau
 Rene Levesque


Joni Mitchell
Celine Dion
 Brian Mulroney
 Jean Chretien


Shania Twain
Paul Anka
 Mackenzie King
 Wilfred Laurier
 Henri Bourassa


Oscar Peterson
Emily Carr
 Pierre Burton
 John Diefenbaker
 Lester B. Pearson


Tom Thomson
RUSH
 Robert Borden
 Loius St. Laurent
 J.S. Woodsworth


The Guess Who
Stompin’ Tom Connors
Inventors/Scientists
 Arthur Meighen
 Joe Clark


David Suzuki
Marshall McLuhan
 Joey Smallwood
 Lucien Bouchard
 Maurice Duplessis


Roberta Bondar
Fredrick Banting
 Max Aitken
 Kim Campbell
 Tommy Douglas
 Norman Bethune
Activitists
 Paul Martin
Sports Figures
 Wayne Gretzky
 Maurice Richard
 Bobby Orr
 Gordie Howe


Nellie McClung
Rick Hansen
 Terry Fox

 Emily Murphy

Agnes Macphail
Craig Kielburger
 Don Cherry
 Steve Nash
Musicians, Actors, Authors, Artists
 Neil Young
 Bruce Cockburn
 Jean Vanier
Military Figures

 Billy Bishop

Sir Arthur Currie
Romeo Dallaire
 Leonard Cohen