Social Media and Nunavut

Overview

This 70-minute Health lesson explores the concept of social media and its impact on communities, focusing specifically on Nunavut. Students will learn what social media is, reflect on its use in the unique cultural context of Nunavut, and develop critical thinking about responsible and safe online behaviour. The lesson aligns with the Ontario Curriculum for Health and Physical Education, Grade 5.

---

Curriculum Connections

Overall Expectation (Health & Physical Education, Grade 5):

• C1. Demonstrate an understanding of the factors that contribute to healthy development and of their responsibility for their own safety and well-being.
• C2. Identify risks to and ways of maintaining mental and emotional health and wellness.

Specific Expectations:

• C1.1 identify examples of healthy practices that contribute to physical and emotional well-being, such as safe use of technology
• C1.2 demonstrate an understanding of the importance of personal safety and the safety of others when using technology
• C2.2 identify situations that may cause conflicts among peers and demonstrate respectful ways of responding
• C2.3 describe strategies for using digital tools and social media in positive ways

---

Learning Goals and Success Criteria

I can...

• Explain what social media is and describe common platforms.
• Understand how social media is used in Nunavut and why cultural context matters.
• Identify ways to stay safe and respectful on social media.
• Reflect on how social media can influence feelings and friendships.

Success Criteria:

• I can define social media in my own words.
• I can give examples of how people in Nunavut use social media differently.
• I can explain at least two ways to be safe and kind when using social media.
• I can participate respectfully in discussions about technology and culture.

---

Materials Needed

• Whiteboard and markers
• Projector or chart paper
• Printed scenario cards (situations related to social media use)
• "Social Media Safety" mini worksheet
• Map of Canada highlighting Nunavut
• Tablets or computers (optional for extension activity)

---

Lesson Breakdown

1. Introduction (10 minutes)

Activity:

• Begin with a Think-Pair-Share: “What is social media? What social media platforms do you know?” Write ideas on the board.
• Show a large map of Canada and point out Nunavut. Briefly discuss the territory’s unique cultural and geographic context. Ask: "How might social media use in Nunavut be different from where we live?"

Success Criteria Addressed: I can define social media in my own words.
Differentiation: For students who need extra support, provide sentence starters ("Social media is..."). Use visuals to explain Nunavut’s location.

---

2. Social Media in Nunavut (15 minutes)

Activity:

• Present a short story (read aloud or video narrative) of a young Inuit person using social media to connect with family and friends across vast distances.
• Facilitate a guided discussion with questions:
  • Why is social media important in Nunavut?
  • How might it help people stay connected?
  • What challenges could arise?

Success Criteria Addressed: I can give examples of how people in Nunavut use social media differently.
Differentiation: Use graphic organisers to support students to organise their thoughts. Provide vocabulary sheets for key terms.

---

3. Safe and Responsible Social Media Use (20 minutes)

Activity:

• Present and discuss “Social Media Safety” rules (privacy, respectful posting, asking for permission to share photos, recognizing misinformation).
• Distribute scenario cards depicting typical social media situations (e.g., receiving a mean comment, sharing personal info). In small groups, students role-play or discuss how to respond safely and respectfully.
• Groups report back their responses.

Success Criteria Addressed: I can explain at least two ways to be safe and kind when using social media.
Differentiation: For students needing extension, challenge them to create their own scenarios and solutions.

---

4. Reflect and Connect (15 minutes)

Activity:

• Students complete a mini worksheet reflecting on:
  • How does social media make me feel?
  • How can I use social media respectfully in my life?
• Share some answers voluntarily and reinforce respectful listening.
• Link to mental health by discussing how social media can affect feelings positively and negatively.

Success Criteria Addressed: I can participate respectfully in discussions about technology and culture.
Differentiation: Provide sentence starters and support for reflection. Allow drawing or verbal responses if writing is difficult.

---

5. Closing and Assessment (10 minutes)

Activity:

• Quick quiz (verbal or written) to review key concepts: definition of social media, unique uses in Nunavut, safety rules.
• Restate lesson goals with “I can” statements.
• Ask students to set a personal goal for responsible social media use.

Success Criteria Addressed: Consolidates all learning goals.
Differentiation: Allow oral answers for students with writing challenges.

---

Differentiation Strategies Summary

• Use multimodal materials (visual, audio, textual story).
• Scaffold discussions with sentence starters and graphic organisers.
• Provide role-playing for kinesthetic learners.
• Offer extension tasks for advanced learners.
• Prompt with guided questions for English Language Learners or students with special needs.

---

Assessment

Formative:

• Observation during discussions and group activities.
• Review of mini worksheet reflections.
• Responses in final quick quiz and personal goal setting.

Summative:

• Optional follow-up project: Create a poster or digital presentation about social media safety reflecting Nunavut culture, due in next class.

---

Teacher Reflection Notes

• Emphasize respectful listening and cultural sensitivity throughout.
• Encourage students to connect learning to their own experiences with technology.
• Monitor for misconceptions about social media and address immediately.
• Consider inviting a guest speaker from Nunavut or using virtual connections to add authenticity.

---

This lesson plan not only meets Ontario Curriculum expectations but contextualizes learning culturally, encouraging students to think critically and empathetically about the diverse uses of technology in Canada.