Old fort

Old Fort Erie

Created by Evan Coulis

Observations

The Old Fort in the winter time. It does not look like a fort. It seems low to the ground like there is more underground. From this distance the fort does not appear to be large. There are many windows in the fort. On the right area of the building it looks like aqueducts.

ObservationsThis looks like the front of the fort. It has a large door to enter with protection around it. There are many slits in the walls of the fort. It appears to be on a hill but still hidden. The right side of the fort is visibly ending but the left side of the fort seems to continue on. The true size of the fort is not known. There are chimney stacks on many building. There appears to be a bridge in between the two larger building.

Observations

A corner of the fort. The true size is not known from this angle. Made of stone. Quite large in height. The bricks used are irregular shape and not uniform. Many grassy hills.

Back of the fort. Wooden stakes are used for a wall. Clear cut out in the stone wall. Open windows on the right side of the large building. Small rust stains appear on the wall from small holes.

QuestionsSocial Studies• Why does the Old Fort Erie contribute to the identity and image of Canada?• Does every area of Canada have a fort? Why or why not?• What does the tall statue next to the Old Fort Erie represent? Was it built at the same time?• Why is there a memorials statue next to the Old Fort?• Why was the Old Fort built?• Who built the Old Fort?• Why are there windows in a fort?• Can a fort be used for anything else other than military reasons?• Why doesn’t it look like a fort?• How does the huge ditch help soldiers defend the fort?• Do all communities have forts?• If you map all the forts in Canada, do you notice any patterns?• Do all communities need to have forts?• Why was it important for to a fort built?• Do all forts in Canada look like the Old Fort Erie?• Why do some areas of the wall have stone and others have wooden stakes?• Why was the Old Fort built in Fort Erie?• Do all countries have forts?• Why was the Old Fort built with irregular shape bricks?• From an aerial view, the fort is star-shaped. Why do you think this is?

QuestionsHistory • Were all forts in Canada military establishments?• Why was the Old Fort built in Fort Erie?• Who built the Old Fort?• Why was the Old Fort built?• What does the tall statue next to the Old Fort Erie represent? Was it built at the same time?Geography• Why was it built so close to the water? • Why was the Old Fort built in Fort Erie?Science• Why was the fort made to look flat and small?• How do cannons operate?• Why was it important to build the Old Fort close to the river?• Why is the Old Fort difficult to see from a distance? • What materials are used to build a fort? Why would people use these materials?Math• What are the slits in the Old Fort rectangular and not round?• Why was the Old Fort built into the odd shape it was?• What benefits does the Old Fort have by being built in that shape?• Do other communities build fortification in the same way? What are the differences and similarities? • What are some geometric shapes used in building the Old Fort Erie? Why were the shapes used?• Can you build something with irregular shape bricks?• Why was the Old Fort built with irregular shape bricks?• If you map all the forts in Canada, do you notice any patterns?

Framing QuestionWhy does the Old Fort Erie contribute to the identity and image of Canada?

• Why was the Old Fort built?• What benefits do communities have for building forts?• Do all communities need to have forts?• Does every area of Canada have a fort• Do all countries around the world have forts?• Do all the forts in Canada look the same?• Why would Canada need to build forts?

Answers

Answers

Books

A great resource exploring the significant battles of the War of 1812. The use of illustrations and historical photography in addition to the age-appropriate discussions of the war in the Niagara region is of great use.

A great, age-appropriate fictional interpretation regarding the life of a young American boy living in Sackets Harbour, New York during a British invasion in the War of 1812. This story depicts an alternate view of the war through an American perspective.

A great, age-appropriate fictional interpretation regarding the life of a young man in Upper Canada who is drawn into the War of 1812 as a British soldier. Emphasis on the hardships of being a soldier during significant battles occurring in the Niagara region are discussed.

Where to use it?