Canada Day Fireworks

When Canada celebrates its anniversary on July 1, the sun shines in the north—both night and day. What’s different between northern and southern fireworks?

• 1.

  In the very northern part of Canada the sun shines almost 24 hours a day on Canada Day, July 1. Do you know why? Find out about the origins of this important national holiday.

• 2.

  Canada’s diverse people often celebrate their country’s anniversary with picnics, relay races, concerts, and festivals. But what about fireworks? They could not be seen in the north in the sunlight! Special fireworks are shown in the Canadian North. These fireworks make colorful smoke, cloud effects…and lots of noise when they explode!

• 3.

  Here’s a cool way to show fireworks in both the north and south of Canada. Attach pieces of black and white construction paper together with Crayola® School Glue.

• 4.

  On the white half, use your imagination to sketch fireworks in northern Canada with Crayola Twistables. Draw big, colorful clouds of smoke. How can you show the booms? Spread Crayola Glitter Glue on the fireworks for sparkle. Label these Northern Fireworks.

• 5.

  For the southern part of the country, draw colorful fireworks with Crayola Gel Markers on black paper. Highlight the fireworks with glitter glue. Label the picture Southern Fireworks. Air-dry flat.

• 6.

  On another sheet of paper, write and color in words such as Canada Day. Cut the words out with Crayola Scissors. Glue them to your fireworks display. Air-dry flat.

Benefits

• Students understand that the origins of Canada Day come from Dominion Day, which celebrated the British House of Commons decision allowing the Canadian provinces to unite and form a confederation.
• Students identify the varied ways that Canadians celebrate Canada Day.
• Students research fireworks displays held in the northern regions of Canada where there is almost 24 hours of daylight on July 1 and compare them to regular fireworks shown in the dark.
• Students create a poster showing northern and southern fireworks displays for Canada Day.

Adaptations

• Create a bulletin board showing the varied activities and events that take place on Canada Day.
• Research information about the largest fireworks display in Canada, at the International Freedom Festival. These fireworks celebrate both Canada Day and July 4, Independence Day in the United States.
• Find out about maple leaf cakes and maple leaf pies that are baked for Canada Day. Look for recipes and create them for everyone to sample.