CBC Archives

In small groups, have students select one item they all have in their homes. Groups will brainstorm the path the item takes from raw materials to consumer product. Groups will outline the steps it takes to create and sell the item, and then share their results with the class.

Working in pairs, students will browse the topic At Loggerheads: The Canada-U.S. Softwood Lumber Dispute on the CBC Radio and Television Archives Web site. They should view Clips #6 and #9, and the Additional Clips “A tale of two mills,” “A mill owner’s radical plan,” “Quebec mill closes its doors,” “Feds announce bailout for laid-off lumber workers, communities,” and “Death of a lumber town.” As they browse, they should take notes about harvesting, processing, and selling softwood lumber products.

Provide groups with a variety of magazines and newspapers. Students will search for pictures illustrating the processes involved in the softwood lumber industry, then create a collage to show how the lumber industry impacts North American society.

Have each group share its collage with the class. Students should be prepared to explain and discuss their views on the impact and importance of the softwood lumber industry.

Students can write a paragraph outlining the importance of the softwood lumber industry in their lives and share it with the class.