Exploring the Current State of Grades 4 to 8 Science Education in Ontario

This study sought to explore the current state of Grades 4 to 8 science education in Ontario from the perspective of Junior/Intermediate (J/I) teachers. The study’s methodology was a sequential 2-phased mixed methods explanatory design denoted as QUAN (qual)  qual. Data were collected from an online survey and follow-up interviews. J/I teachers (N = 219) from 48 school boards in Ontario completed a survey that collected both quantitative and qualitative data. Interviewees were selected from the survey participant population (n = 6) to represent a range of teaching strategies, attitudes toward teaching science, and years of experience. Survey and interview questions inquired about teacher attitudes toward teaching science, academic and professional experiences, teaching strategies, support resources, and instructional time allotments. Quantitative data analyses involved the descriptive statistics and chi-square tests. Qualitative data was coded inductively and deductively. Academic background in science was found to significantly influence teachers’ reported level of capability to teach science. The undergraduate degrees held by J/I science teachers were found to significantly influence their reported levels of capability to teach science. Participants identified a lack of time allocated for science instruction and inadequate equipment and facilities as major limitations on science instruction. Science in schools was reported to be of a “second-tiered” value to language and mathematics. Implications of this study include improving undergraduate and preservice experiences of elementary teachers by supporting their science content knowledge and pedagogical content knowledge.

Masonic photo album collection, Eureka Lodge #20, Prince Hall, Toronto, ca. 1970s-1980s

The collection consists of two photo albums from Eureka Lodge #20, Prince Hall, Toronto, Ontario. The first album consists of 57 colour photographs of Black Shriners and Masons, some featuring a trip to Puerto Rico, circa 1970. Several loose items are enclosed, including photographs, news clippings, and a certificate. The second album contains 26 colour photographs, and 9 loose photographs, circa 1980. Includes photographs of Arthur Downes, one of Canada’s first Black Canadian Grand Masters and Joe Halstead (Order of Canada). Most of the photographs feature members in the lodge interior.

Clippings - Road Allowances, Lock 2 Bridge, Toronto Railway Company, St. Davids' History

Clipping regarding the original road allowance which was part of Mr. Woodruff’s property, n.d. Clipping regarding the Lock 2 Bridge. This is a letter to the editor of the Journal from Calvin Phelps of Lockport, Nov. 13, 1889. Clipping entitled “Settled beyond a Dispute”: a letter to the Editor of the Star from J. G. Currie regarding the road allowance in the 5th Concession of Grantham, Nov. 16, 1889. Clipping entitled “That Old Road Allowance” which is a rebuttal to Mr. Currie’s letter, [1889] 2 newspaper clippings regarding: “Reg. vs. Toronto Railway Company”. These 2 articles are glued to a piece of paper. Beneath the newspaper articles is the name M. Chambers, Nov. 18, 1898. Notes regarding the clippings are enclosed with the articles. These notes and written on the back of “Pattison, Collier and Shaw Barristers, Solicitors, Etc.” stationary (notes are 2 pages, handwritten), Nov. 18, 1898. Clipping entitled “History on the Site: St. Davids’ Students Learn Lessons where Events Occurred” (2 copies), n.d.

Mr. Woodward’s timetable regarding the suspension bridge to Toronto via the Great Western Railway and Port Dalhousie Railway

Mr. Woodward’s timetable regarding the suspension bridge to Toronto via the Great Western Railway and Port Dalhousie Railway (1 page, handwritten), Jan. 22, 1856

Letter to S.D. Woodruff from J.W. Harper of the Department of Public Works, Toronto

Letter to S.D. Woodruff from J.W. Harper of the Department of Public Works, Toronto. He is sending a copy of an order in Council on the subject of certain charges made by Joshua Manly of Port Colborne against Mr. Woodruff and other persons connected with the Welland Canal, May 12, 1859.

Partial piece of post office registration to J.M. Ball of Toronto, Ont.

Partial piece of post office registration to J.M. Ball of Toronto, Ont. Half of ticket is missing. Text is affected, Jul. 5, 1875.

Indenture of bargain and sale between James and Margaret Boulton of the City of Toronto and to Joseph A. Woodruff of the Town of Niagara

Indenture of bargain and sale between James and Margaret Boulton of the City of Toronto and to Joseph A. Woodruff of the Town of Niagara for 2 acres in Lot no. 279 and 280 in the Town of Niagara, Mar. 20, 1854.

Receipt from B. Davis, Toronto for ice bowl

Receipt from D. Davis, Toronto for ice bowl, July 2, 1887.

Catalogue of items from Devaux [DeVeaux] Hall to be sold in Toronto at auction

Catalogue of items from Devaux [DeVeaux] Hall to be sold in Toronto at auction on April 24-26, 1939. The list of items included items such as lamps, curtain rods, furniture, original art, vases, kitchen items and books. The auction was held in 6 sessions over a 3 day period. There were 855 items listed in the 45 page catalogue. The auction was put on by Ward-Price Auctioneers of Toronto, Apr. 1939.

Indenture between James Reid and James Henderson of Toronto

Indenture between James Reid and James Henderson of Toronto for 200 acres on Lot no. 10 in the 19th Concession in the Township of Tiny in Simcoe County. This document is dated Aug. 4, 1854. It is attached to another indenture between James Henderson of Toronto and The Honourable Walter H. Dickson for the aforesaid land. The second document is torn. This does not affect the text, Jan. 1, 1857.

Letter to Colonel Henry Nelles from Colonel William Bullock, Adjt. General of Militia of Toronto

Letter to Colonel Henry Nelles from Colonel William Bullock, Adjt. General of Militia of Toronto stating that His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor is pleased to accept the resignation of Lieutenant Thomas Waddell. This letter is attached to a letter to Colonel Richard Bullock from Henry Nelles reporting on the weekly state of the 4th Lincoln Militia. There is also a copy of the half yearly return of recommendation and appointments of the 4th Regiment of the Lincoln Militia (2 pages in total, handwritten), Dec. 13, 1838.

Blueprint of the plan of the City of Toronto

Blueprint of the plan of the City of Toronto (85 cm. x 140 cm.), 1857.

Blueprint (inverted image) of the plan of the City of Toronto

Blueprint (inverted image) of the plan of the City of Toronto (85 cm. x 140 cm.), 1857.

The Constitution, Toronto, Upper Canada, December 21, 1836

The Constitution, Toronto, Upper Canada, December 21, 1836.

The Constitution, Toronto, Upper Canada, March 1, 1837

The Constitution, Toronto, Upper Canada, March 1, 1837.