Students chose a current resource management topic or problem, and created documentaries that explored the pros and cons of the issue, and considered various stakeholders.
A social studies class was exploring Environmental Sustainability as it pertains to current resource management topics and problems facing Canada (see project description)
Students were given time in the computer lab and library to research these topics and create documentaries that explored the Pros and Cons of their respective topics. The project facilitated the development of research skills, collaboration and communication skills. They had to look at both sides of the issue and take into account the different stakeholders that might be impacted by their decisions. The students were very engaged in the research component and the creation of the mock interviews that they incorporated into their videos. Students enjoyed the documentary film festival when all the groups were ready to show their finished work.
Some students struggled to cover both sides of their issues. The computers in the school were too slow and unreliable for the students to use to do most of the video editing. That had to be done at home in most cases. Most students were quite adept at video editing and were able to do this without much extra help or direct teacher instruction.
Project Description
Canada faces many challenges as we move into the 21st century - none greater than finding a way to promote the sustainable development of the various natural resources we utilize. Fishing, mining, farming, and energy needs and are at the center of our economic development. Business interests, government officials, politicians and environmentalists may look at these issues through very different lenses and come to completely different conclusions. Your task is to weigh these competing views and come to your own conclusion.
ASSIGNMENT: Choose one of the following topics and create a 7-10 minute documentary that explores the challenges we face to promote sustainable development.
- Fish farming salmon in BC
- Tar Sands development in Alberta
- Nuclear Power expansion in Ontario
- Forestry practices in BC
- Diamond Mining at Diavik in the North West Territories
- Deep Sea Oil and Gas Drilling off the coast of Newfoundland
- Run of the River hydro development in BC
- Genetically Modified plants in agriculture
- Pipeline Proposal – Enbridge’s Northern Gateway Pipeline
- A topic of your choice if approved by teacher
Your documentary must attempt to look at the PROS and CONS of each topic and present your own conclusion about the sustainability of this activity. Your documentary must provide SEEP analysis:
SOCIAL – health concerns, role of stakeholders in decision making
ECONOMIC – jobs, value of commodities, tax revenue generated
ENVIRONMENTAL – ecological impacts, risks and sustainability
POLITICAL – government regulation and investment
The documentary must include the following elements: 1) a montage of pictures, maps, satellite photos and graphics with voice over narration that analyses the Pros and Cons of your topic. 2) Video clips, but they are not to be more than 2 minutes in length. 3) A role-play interview segment or a real interview. 4) A conclusion which must address the solutions that need to be considered if this activity should stop and or provide recommendations as to how the practice could continue in a more sustainable fashion.
