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9-10
A Boom Economy
Project type: Assignment
Related topic:
Striking Oil in Alberta
Striking Oil in Alberta
Subjects
Social Studies
Business Studies
Business Studies
Summary
Students will chart the positive and negative impact of the oil industry on the province of Alberta and discuss the issues.
Duration
1 lesson
Purpose
To examine the impact of the oil industry on Alberta in the second half of the 20th century
PDF
Before Exploring
Have students imagine that their family has won $1 million in the lottery. Ask: What would the impact be on your family? What do you think your family would do with the money? How do you think family, friends, and strangers might react to your win?
Outline the Opportunity
Direct students to the topic Alberta’s Oil Economy on the CBC Radio and Television Archives Web site. They can view Clips #1, 2, 4, 5, and 8 to learn about the impact the oil industry has had on the province of Alberta. For further information, they should also view the Additional Clips. Have students list the positive and negative impacts and create a chart to share the information.
Revisit and Reflect
Students can share their charts with the class, then discuss the issues and question one another about the information. After the class discussion, ask students to write a one-page opinion paper explaining their opinion of the value of the oil boom to Alberta and to Canada.
Extension
Students can consider what will happen to Alberta once its oil is gone. Ask them to think about, and list, the economic and social impacts likely to occur in Alberta at that time.
