Grade Level:
Grade 9 (secondary school)
Time Required:
Teachers should be able to conduct the lesson in two classes.
Main Objective
Students will map and analyze the extent of the boreal forest in Canada. They will analyze the significance of the Canadian Boreal Forest Agreement to various interest groups.
Curriculum Connection
The lesson fits the Ontario Secondary School curriculum, Canadian and World Studies – Geography (revised), Grade Nine Academic Level.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:
- draw a map of the boreal forest region of Canada;
- explain the benefits of the Canadian Boreal Forest Agreement to environmental groups, forest industries and aboriginal groups;
- draw conclusions about the importance of the Canadian Boreal Forest Agreement to Canada and other countries;
- explain how human activities (e.g. forest harvesting,) affect, or are affected by, the environment;
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Overview
The Canadian Boreal Forest Agreement is a historic agreement that signifies a new era of joint leadership in the Canadian boreal forest. In this lesson, students will map the extent of Canada's boreal forest and analyze the Canadian Boreal Forest Agreement. The Canadian Atlas Online(CAOL) will be used to highlight the significance of the Canadian boreal forest ecosystem.
Content Navigation
Lesson
Teacher
Introduction
Review the location and make-up of the boreal forest in Canada and other parts of the world. Discuss the differences between coniferous and deciduous trees. Ask students how various groups such as forest industry workers, communities, environmentalists, First Nations, governments, and recreation groups view the Canadian boreal forests.
Lesson Development
Divide the class into groups of four and hand out the Student Worksheet. One student in each group should be a good map maker. Each person will be assigned a task to complete and all four members will draw conclusions about the results.
Presentations by the group can be electronic or on poster board.
Conclusion
Have members of each group present their conclusions to the class. Make a main list of key points. Have all members of the class add the summary of key points to their set of notes.
Collect and assess the reports.
Student
Introduction
Contribute to a discussion of the make-up and location of the boreal forest zone in Canada. Review the differences between deciduous and coniferous trees.
Lesson Development
Form a group of four. Read the Student Worksheet. Divide up the assignments. Research the topic you are given. Prepare four (4) copies of your answers so that everyone will have a complete set of notes. Get together as a group and write an answer for question five.
Conclusion
Read your conclusions for the class. Listen to the report of other groups. Add any important points you missed to your own set of notes. Hand in your report for assessment.
Lesson Extension
- Investigate boreal forest zones in other parts of the world.
- Research why the boreal forest zones are called carbon sinks.
- Investigate the roles that various levels of governments have in sustainable forest management in Canada.
