CBC Archives

Bring to class a selection of brochures and posters about topical issues of interest to your students (for example, health, the environment). Have students examine them and describe what gets their attention, what is appealing, what is not appealing, what techniques are used, and so on. Make a list of things that are and are not effective about the materials.

Direct students in groups of three or four to the topic What’s Eating Canada’s Trees? on the CBC Radio and Television Archives Web site and have them view Clips #1,3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, and 10. As they view these clips, they should make notes about both chemical and natural methods used to control insect populations that are detrimental to the health of Canada’s forests.

Assign an equal number of groups to support either the use of chemicals or the use of natural methods. Students will continue to investigate, both on the site and through additional research, the issue from their position, considering environmental impact, as well as the impact on industry, trade, and the economy. Students will design a pamphlet or poster to describe the issue, explain their position, and provide support for this position.

Have students present their work to the class, trying to change the opinion of the other group. After all presentations, ask students to discuss which presentations were effective and why and whether anyone has changed their own opinion based on what they heard.

Assessment Tip
Consider a peer evaluation system to assess the effectiveness of students’ arguments. You might use a rating scale that students complete or have students write a narrative about the persuasiveness of the argument following each presentation.

Students can investigate their municipality’s position on the use of pesticides.