Pesticides in Canada’s Parks

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11-12

Pesticides in Canada’s Parks

Project type: Web Quest

Related topic:
What's Eating Canada's Trees?

Subjects

Geography
Science
English Language Arts

Summary

Students use a variety of Web-based resources to research the pros and cons of using pesticides to control insect populations in Canada’s forests and local parks. They will present their work as part of a mock town-council meeting.

Duration

3 to 5 lessons

Purpose

To investigate a complex public environmental issue, to support a position on an issue

Before Exploring

Canadians have waged war: war on the insects that are destroying Canada’s forests and parks. The methods used to eliminate or control these pests are as numerous as the insects themselves. Scientists continue to research methods to reduce the number of pests attacking the trees. Trees, of course, serve not just an aesthetic purpose, but are necessary for one of Canada’s biggest industries – logging.

Outline the Opportunity

The town council is debating whether to ban the use of pesticides in the local park and surrounding forest. Have students work in groups of four to develop a position paper to present at the next council meeting.

Revisit and Reflect

Groups present their position paper to their classmates, who represent the town council. Groups should be prepared to answer any questions.