Overall Objective
The National Film Board has a rich tradition of making films that contribute to a Canadian identity. The Across Cultures Web site is the Film Board’s response to today’s challenge of learning to live imaginatively and responsibly in a society made up of many cultures.
This general lesson uses the multimedia resources on the Across Cultures Web site to help students discover the challenges faced by various cultural communities and to appreciate the contributions made by them.
Group discussion, research and consensus building are the main learning strategies proposed. The lesson plans on the Across Cultures site meet curricular objectives relating to multiculturalism, cultural identity and cultural diversity in Canada. The activities are intended to appeal to a variety of learning styles and to develop critical thinking.

Grade level
Advanced 9–12 and beyond. This unit can be adapted for younger grades and different courses of study in various Canadian provinces and territories.

Content Areas
History  
Geography
Citizenship 
Social Studies
Politics  
Media Literacy
Language Arts
Health & Personal Development

Materials Required
Access to a computer lab, Internet connection, data projector, flip chart paper or whiteboard, whiteboard markers, drawing paper and pencils. Materials for making collages such as old magazines, photos, quotes from the Internet, etc. Photocopies of material found in the appendix: Knowledge Organizer Chart, Viewing Assignment Worksheet, Visual Collage and Timeline Rubrics.