Objectives and Theory- Memory Match Game:

Objectives: Players will be able to make connections to historical figures, facts, and dates. The
game helps students to make visual, verbal, and textual connections to history so that they
have the facts and foundations concerning key players in Canadian history while tying the
material into specific subject matter and broader concepts of learning.
Students will review historical figures, their historical significance, and historical dates attached
to these figures. The game will also test memory, aid in rote learning (repetition to quickly
recall facts), and use images and text to assist in retaining knowledge.
Theory: John Locke (2014) suggests that instruct(ion) is most effective when children enjoy it.
He suggested that children could learn many things, such as reading letters and words, through
games (pg. 13). Additionally children learn best when they are presented steps and building
blocks when retaining and gaining knowledge (Locke, 2014, pg. 13). By allowing students to
engage in play that utilizes memory, repetition, levels of difficulty, and rote learning children
are able to access material that would normally be mundane in other formats. This game allows
children to be engaged with the learning process.
Locke (2014) also states that children learn best when there are rewards to their learning (pg.
13). Winning games, playing faster, and mastering knowledge all create intrinsic incentives to
continue positive beliefs about learning.
Grade level and Subject:
Grade 6-8 Social Studies (can be adapted to any grade level and subject depending on content
and difficulty).
Subject: Social Studies- Canadian History: Explorers and Early Canadian Stakeholders.
Big Concepts:
Economic specialization and trade networks can lead to conflict and cooperation between
societies.
Exploration, expansion, and colonization had varying consequences for different groups.
Content:
Social, political, and economic systems and structures, including those of at least one
indigenous civilization.
Curriculum Competencies:
Characterize different time periods in history, including periods of progress and decline, and
identify key turning points that marked periods of change (continuity and change).
Assess the significance of people, places, events, or developments at particular times and
places (significance).