CBC Archives

Define the term “environment” with the students. Ask: Do you ever worry about the state of the earth’s environment? How do you think current environmental trends will affect your lives in the future? What are you doing now to protect the environment? Could you be doing more to protect the environment?

Direct students to the topic Acid Rain: Pollution and Politics on the CBC Radio and Television Archives Web site. Have them thoroughly review Clips #1, 5, and 7, using the following questions to focus their inquiry:

1. What causes acid rain?
2. What damage does acid rain cause to the environment?
3. How might damage from acid rain affect our enjoyment of Canada’s environment?

Students will work in groups to prepare a visual display focusing on the causes of acid rain and its effects on the environment. Groups can use newspaper articles, photos, artwork, and so on to illustrate acid rain’s causes, effects, and impact on our enjoyment of the world around us.

Have each group present its display to the class. Students should be prepared to ask and answer questions. After the presentations, discuss the importance of the environment for people and other forms of life on the planet. Ask: How do you think acid rain and other environmental problems impact on your lives? Can you offer any solutions to the problem of acid rain?

Interested students can add to their displays by demonstrating how we can all contribute to improving the environment. Invite a class that hasn’t done this activity to view the displays. Students will be responsible for explaining their displays to the guests.