West students visit with woman in Canada

Donya Gartside’s sixth grade geography class conducted a Google+ Hangout with a U.S. citizen who is now living in Canada, Jessica Huot.

Jessica is the daughter of West Middle School teacher Susan Rhoads.

“This experience was an enhanced part of our Canadian unit study," Gartside said. "Students were able to compare and contrast the U.S. and Canada in matters such as currency, school day, television, food, and language."

After hearing a brief explanation by Jessica on the differences she noticed after moving to Victoria, British Columbia, last fall, several students generated their own questions and then communicated those in front of the camera.

All students were thoroughly engaged with the Hangout and formed their own opinions of Canada, Gartside said.