Natural Resources: Use and Sustainability · Term 3

Forestry: Harvesting Methods

Study different harvesting methods in forestry, including clear-cutting and selective cutting, and their ecological implications.

About This Topic

Energy production is a vital part of Canada's infrastructure and economy. This topic compares the different ways Canada generates power, including hydroelectricity (which provides the majority of Canada's electricity), fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas), and nuclear energy. Students will analyze the 'energy mix' of different provinces, noting how geography dictates the type of power used, such as the abundance of hydro in Quebec and Ontario versus the oil sands in Alberta.

The curriculum also focuses on the transition toward renewable energy sources like wind, solar, and tidal power as part of Canada's commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Students will evaluate the pros and cons of each energy source, considering cost, reliability, and environmental impact. This topic is best taught through 'energy audits' and collaborative investigations into the future of Canada's power grid.

Active Learning Ideas

Inquiry Circle: The Provincial Energy Mix

Groups are assigned a province and must research where its electricity comes from. They create a pie chart and explain how the province's geography influenced its choice of energy sources.

⏱ 50 min·Small Groups

Generate mission

Formal Debate: The Future of Energy

Students debate which energy source Canada should invest in most heavily for the next 50 years. They must use evidence regarding environmental impact, jobs, and energy security.

⏱ 50 min·Whole Class

Generate mission

Think-Pair-Share: Energy at Home

Students brainstorm all the things in their house that use energy. They share their lists and discuss three simple ways they could reduce their energy consumption.

⏱ 20 min·Pairs

Generate mission

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

Hydroelectricity is 'perfectly' green with no environmental impact.

What to Teach Instead

Large dams can flood vast areas of land, destroying habitats and affecting Indigenous communities. A 'case study' of a major hydro project can help students see the full range of impacts.

Common Misconception

We can switch to 100% solar and wind power tomorrow.

What to Teach Instead

Transitioning the entire energy grid is a massive, expensive task that requires new technology for energy storage. A 'grid-balancing' simulation can show the challenges of using intermittent energy sources.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Canada's main source of electricity?

Hydroelectricity is Canada's main source of electricity, providing about 60% of the country's total power. This is due to Canada's many large rivers and favorable geography for dam building.

What are the pros and cons of nuclear energy?

The pros of nuclear energy are that it produces large amounts of reliable power with very low greenhouse gas emissions. The cons include the high cost of building plants and the long-term challenge of storing radioactive waste.

How are the Alberta oil sands different from traditional oil wells?

The oil sands are a mixture of sand, water, clay, and a thick form of oil called bitumen. Extracting it requires more energy and water than traditional oil, making it more expensive and environmentally intensive.

How can active learning help students understand energy production?

By researching and comparing the energy profiles of different provinces, students see the direct link between geography and technology. Active learning encourages them to think like policy-makers, evaluating the complex trade-offs required to build a sustainable and reliable energy future.

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