CBC Archives

Ask students to identify what they know about the Nobel prizes. Ask: When do you think a Peace Prize should be awarded? Have students form small groups and complete the following statements:

In order to be nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize you must …
You cannot be nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize if you …

Gather students and have them share their statements. Discuss their ideas.

Direct students to the topic Lester B. Pearson: From Peacemaker to Prime Minister on the CBC Radio and Television Archives Web site. In their groups, have students browse clips 1, 3, 5, 11, and clip 2 from Peacekeepers and Peacemakers: Canada’s Diplomatic Contribution. Have them outline the circumstances and Pearson’s contributions that led to his receiving the Nobel Peace Prize. Ask students to create the criteria that their group would use for the awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize. Based on their criteria, would Pearson have received the award?

Have groups share their criteria. Reach a consensus as a class on the criteria for awarding the Nobel Peace Prize. Discuss how well Lester Pearson meets these criteria. Have students suggest current figures they feel would be worthy of a nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Students can research other people who have been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize and determine how well they meet the class criteria. Students can write a nomination letter in support of the recipient they feel would be most worthy of being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for the 20th century.