Managing Canada's Natural Resources · Term 1

The Atlantic Cod Fishery Collapse

Examining the causes and consequences of the collapse of the Atlantic cod fishery and its lessons for resource management.

About This Topic

Canada is often called the 'breadbasket of the world,' but our food systems are facing significant challenges. This topic explores the geography of Canadian agriculture, from the vast wheat fields of the Prairies to the fruit orchards of the Okanagan and the dairy farms of Ontario. Students learn how climate and soil determine what we can grow and where.

This unit also addresses critical issues like food security, the rise of GMOs, and the impact of climate change on farming. Students investigate why food prices are so high in Northern Canada and the importance of the local food movement. This topic comes alive when students can analyze the 'food miles' of their own lunch and collaborate to design solutions for urban food deserts.

Active Learning Ideas

Inquiry Circle: The Lunch Audit

Students trace the ingredients of a common meal (like a burger) back to their geographic origins. They calculate the 'food miles' and discuss the environmental impact of global versus local sourcing.

⏱ 60 min·Small Groups

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Think-Pair-Share: The GMO Debate

Pairs are given a list of pros and cons for Genetically Modified Organisms in farming. They must decide if the benefits to food security outweigh the potential environmental risks and share their stance.

⏱ 30 min·Pairs

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Simulation Game: The Northern Food Challenge

Groups are given a grocery list and a budget for a family in Nunavut. They must use real-world price data to see how far their money goes and brainstorm why prices are so much higher than in the south.

⏱ 50 min·Small Groups

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Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

Most of Canada is suitable for farming.

What to Teach Instead

Only about 7% of Canada's land is suitable for agriculture, and much of that is under threat from urban sprawl. Mapping 'Class 1' farmland helps students see how rare and precious this resource is.

Common Misconception

Food security is only an issue in developing countries.

What to Teach Instead

Many Canadians, especially in the North and in low-income urban areas, face food insecurity. Using local food bank data helps students realize this is a domestic issue.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are the Prairies considered Canada's 'breadbasket'?

The Prairies have vast stretches of flat, fertile land and a climate suitable for growing large quantities of cereal crops like wheat, barley, and canola, which are exported all over the world.

What is food security?

Food security means that all people, at all times, have physical and economic access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food to meet their dietary needs for an active and healthy life.

How is climate change affecting Canadian farmers?

Climate change is bringing more unpredictable weather, including longer droughts in the Prairies and more frequent flooding in other areas. However, it may also lengthen the growing season in some northern regions.

How can active learning help students understand agriculture and food security?

Food is a universal experience, making it a perfect entry point for active learning. By auditing their own food choices and simulating the challenges of food costs in the North, students develop empathy and a deeper understanding of systemic issues. These hands-on activities turn abstract economic concepts into tangible realities, encouraging students to think critically about sustainability and social justice in our food systems.

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