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Role-playing Jean Talon

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Overview

Students review tables of census data collected in 1665 and 1666 by Jean Talon. Students role play Jean Talon and prepare a presentation to convince the King of France to increase his investment in New France. Technology may be incorporated depending on the availability of resources and the capabilities of the students.

Contributor: Linda McCormick, Education Communications, Statistics Canada.

Objectives

To read and interpret historical data
To select appropriate graphs to present selected data
To practise presentation skills
To appreciate the efforts of a remarkable man to develop a North American colony

Suggested grade level and subject area

Intermediate
History of New France

Outcomes

Students will

learn about the economic, political and social life in New France; and
make presentations that describe the state of New France in 1666.

Materials

Student worksheet
Census of New France, 1665–1666. Censuses of Canada, 1665 to 1871, Vol. IV:

Table I: Families, Population, Sexes, Conjugal Conditions

Table II: Ages of the People

Table III: Ages in Relation to Conjugal Condition

Table IV: Professions and Trades
Map (PDF)
Related resources

Classroom instructions

Have students read the worksheet, then assign them to groups. Groups can be assigned to present the results from each table or to present the results for individual communities using all four tables. Table 1: Families, Population, Sexes, Conjugal Conditions is fairly large so you may wish to split the information between two groups.
Review the tables with the class, discuss terminology, locate individual settlements on a map, and relate the information to materials already covered.
Have students work in groups to prepare focus questions to guide their research, select data and create graphs that illustrate the state of the colony. They can then design a presentation that summarizes their research and outlines their plans to stimulate the economy and increase the self-sufficiency of the colony.
Have each group make its presentation to the class.

Evaluation

Mark the presentations for accuracy and effectiveness.

Enrichment

Prepare calling or business cards and letterhead for Jean Talon.
Replicate the exercise for other time periods between 1665 and 1871 using census data available on E-STAT.