CBC Archives

Discuss with students the vastness of Canada and the variety of cultures within the country. Introduce the idea of the “Canadian identity,” and ask students to suggest what unifies the country. Ask whether they think that country-wide events, holidays, and sports groups contribute to unifying the country. Have them brainstorm a list of examples of these national unifying factors (such as Canada Day, Victoria Day, Stop Racism Day, the National Hockey League, Parliament Hill, and The Canada Games) and record them on the board or chart paper.

Have students form groups of three. Ask: What is the role of lacrosse in Canadian history? What has its effect been on our national identity? They will research the significance and role of the sport of lacrosse in Canada, paying particular note to its importance to Canada's native peoples. Assign Clips #1 through #5 on the topic Lacrosse: A History of Canada's Game on the CBC Radio and Television Archives Web site to half the groups, and Clips #6 through #10 to the other groups. Remind students to browse the Additional Clips, Did You Know? and Links sections. Students record significant points from their assigned clips, noting the clip number, the time period, and any points they feel are important.

Using the information they have gathered, students design a promotional poster, radio spot, or newspaper advertisement for the sport. They should decide the following:

Who is the target audience?

What elements of design will be important (use of colour, lines, shapes, white space, print)?

What will be the main message?

Will you use a theme and logo?

Have students present their promotions to the class. They can indicate the following:

why they chose the particular medium (poster, radio spot, Web site) to promote the sport

the intended main message

why they chose the elements of design

their target audience.

Have a class discussion about the benefits of sports and active living, and why and how they can be promoted in Canada.

Students can research and write about other Canadian-invented sports or sports equipment (basketball, five-pin bowling, hockey sticks). Ask: Does it matter where a sport is invented or who creates it?