What did Canada exactly do in Afghanistan? Running from 2002 to 2019, Canada’s involvement in Afghanistan is one of its most important in its history… but also one of the least known. In this activity, students answer a series of questions and definitions, and watch various testimonials from military personnel sent to Afghanistan. By filling in the questionnaires and discussing together in class, students can reflect and exchange views on this significant episode in recent Canadian history.

This activity was designed to accompany our Remembering Afghanistan exhibit. The exhibition is also available for free to your school by completing our reservation form.

Contents of the activity

By following our student guide and resource page, this activity offers students two pedagogical options. In the first option, students use the definition sheet, in the resource page, to define militay terminology related to the Canadian mission in Afghanistan. In the second option, students view two or three military video testimonials in class, then discuss the questions in their student guide as a team, before sharing their thoughts with the rest of the class.

Teachers can also choose to do just one of the two options.

Activity objectives

The aim of this educational activity is to give Cycle 2 students a better understanding of Canada’s role in the Afghan War. In keeping with the Quebec Education Program, this activity develops knowledge related to International relations and the Canadian army missions abroad.

This activity also develops students’ knowledge of Quebec and Canadian history through the competencies promoted by the Quebec Education Program:

• Characterizes a period in the history of Quebec and Canada
• Interprets a social phenomenon

This activity is also adapted to the Contemporary World course, fitting in with the Tensions and Conflicts theme and promoting the following skills:

• Interprets a contemporary world problem
• Takes a position on a contemporary world issue

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