Civic Literacy Curriculum
This curriculum guide is intended to cover question 132.
Q132: Name one state that borders Canada.
a. Maine
b. Washington
c. New York
d. All of the above
The territory that eventually became the United States was far from the only British colony in the New World. To the north were other British territories, including former French lands, ceded to the British at the end of the Seven Years War (called the French and Indian War in America). Despite the hopes of Americans, the people of these territories chose to remain loyal to the British government in Canada; indeed, many former Americans who remained loyal to the British crown moved there.
These territories were eventually and gradually granted self-government by the British government as the nation of Canada (though Canada remains a part of the British Commonwealth, with the monarch as ceremonial head of state). Like with Great Britain itself, relations between the United States and Canada have long been very friendly, after a bumpy 19th century. America and Canada share what is often considered the longest militarily undefended border in the world, are major trading partners, and generally cooperate on defense measures such as NATO. (Canada and the United States, along with Great Britain and other former British colonies in Australia and New Zealand, also make up the Five Eyes intelligence sharing network.) This should not be surprising: the two nations are politically quite similar – both constitutional and federal countries, with a common-law tradition derived from a shared history of British settlement.
Among the states bordering Canada in the northeast are the upper New England states of Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont, as well as New York. The border that the states of Washington, Idaho, and Montana share with Canada was once potentially a site of conflict with Great Britain, before a peaceful resolution helped lay the groundwork for the friendship between the United States and Great Britain. That friendship has carried over to our strong relationship with Canada once it too became independent of Great Britain.
Discussion Prompts for All Learners
The border between the United States and Canada is one of the longest land borders in the world. While there was once tension over its contours, which almost led to renewed war with Great Britain in the mid 19th century, relations between Canada and the United States have long been friendly.
Prompt 1
The border between Canada and the United States is one of the longest in the world. Can you name one state that borders Canada today? There are 13 states along the border. How many can you name?
Prompt 2
Not only is the U.S.-Canadian border the longest land border in the world, it is also minimally defended, with law enforcement rather than military forces posted there. Why do you think that the two nations are willing to leave the border basically undefended? What does this indicate about the political relationship of the two? How do you think current and past events have shaped this relationship? Use specific examples to support your answer.
Lessons
What States Border Canada
By Rachel DeChristina
Lesson Summary: Students will learn that several states within the U.S. border with Canada. By observing a map/globe or Google Earth and then completing their own map, they will have a better understanding of United States geography and be able to identify states that border Canada.
Learning Objectives:
Students can name states that border Canada.
Border States
By Sanam Gill
Lesson Summary: In this engaging lesson, students will explore the significance of the U.S.-Canada border while identifying states that share this boundary. Through hands-on activities with a large outdoor map, state cutouts, and collaborative discussions, students will gain insights into the border's geopolitical importance and the peaceful relationship between the two countries. The lesson encourages inquiry and peer collaboration, culminating in a reflective exit ticket to solidify their understanding.
Learning Objectives: Students will explore the U.S.-Canada border, understand its
significance, and discuss its geopolitical importance, using inquiry and peer collaboration to
deepen their understanding.
**This lesson is part of a unit and covers:
Q119: What is the capital of the United States?
Q120: Where is the Statue of Liberty?
Q128: Name the two longest rivers in the United States.
Q129 +130: Between Two Oceans
Q131: Name one U.S. territory.
Q132: Name one state that borders Canada.
Q133: Name one state that borders Mexico.
Title: Fast and Curious Basic Geography
By Sheila Edwards
Lesson Summary: Students will use the “Fast and Curious” method to learn facts about some of America’s important physical and physiographic features. . Using this method, students take the quiz without frontloading information, and class scores are posted. The key geographical features will be taught briefly, and students will be quizzed again. Generally, after a quick review of most missed questions, students get a third chance, which is the grade used.
Learning Objectives: Students will be able to name and locate 12 physical or physiographic features of the United States.
Border State Tissue Box Project
By Belinda Cambre
Lesson Summary: Students will decorate tissue boxes with information about specific U.S. border states.
Learning Objectives: Students will learn which of the states share a border with either Canada to the north or Mexico to the south. They will research aspects of the state and represent their findings by decorating the sides of a tissue box.