Ontario Time Machine is an online learning site for Grade 7 and 8 students of Ontario history and their teachers; the site was just awarded the Ontario Minister of Culture Award for Innovation (Large Library Category).  A joint project of the Toronto, Hamilton and Kingston Frontenac Public Library systems, it showcases a selection of some 30 books from Ontario’s early days.  The books are presented in a fun format – readers can actually turn the virtual pages!  They’re also enriched by librarians with definitions, images, sound files and more.  The site also offers classroom activities that specifically support the Ontario history curriculum.

There is also a contest.  The rules for the Digital Scavenger Hunt contest are simple – students use Ontario Time Machine to answer five questions. All correct entries are eligible for a draw – they can then win a digital camera, MP3 player or pizza. The contest deadline is May 1, 2009.