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For teachers
Find teaching ideas for using the films available on this site with high school students.
Introduction
Footprints: Environment and the Way We Live is an educational Web site that offers an engaging point-of-entry for secondary and post-secondary students into the complex interplay between society, culture and the environment. Carefully selected films from the NFB's vast collection, along with teacher guides and a wealth of supplementary material, focus on key issues and players within the history of environmentalism and the current environmental crisis.
Consult this short presentation of the site. »»
Terms and Concepts
Consult the glossary of terms related to the environment and read a text by an expert for an idea of the various concepts connected with environmental issues.
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General lesson plan
Culture and Environment
Students will discern some of the diverse cultural beliefs and practices that underlie human interaction with the natural environment. Video clips portraying the interaction of a range of cultures and the environment lead students to reflect upon the factors underlying their own environmental attitudes and related way of life. Students' deeper understanding of a culture of conservation is developed.
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Content areas Canadian Studies, English, History, Language Arts, Media Studies, Social Studies
Lesson plan related to the theme
Scenario Stakeholders
These lessons will give students an opportunity to identifying the complex nature of the interests of the Human Players in environmental issues. Teachers and students have an opportunity to work with issues over time. Environmental issues rarely are solved quickly, some health effects take years to manifest themselves.
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Content areas French, Geography, History, Politics, Social Studies
Lesson plan for the film
Death of a Legend
The preliminary step asks students to draw a wolf, an activity to highlight any stereotypes they may hold about the animal. Following the introduction, the students will educate themselves about wolves and then share this information through different creations and/or presentations.
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Plan specific to a film
Death of a Legend
[1971]
Film  (49:30)
Content areas Citizenship, French, Geography, Language Arts, Media Studies, Social Studies
Lesson plan for the film
Fire - Energy
This lesson plan encourages the learner to evaluate their energy usage, explore the dilemma of dwindling energy resources, the cost of these resources and the environmental impact of the exploration and development of energy resources. Students will create a poster, write and deliver a persuasive essay and conduct research.
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Plan specific to a film
Fire - Energy
[2000]
Film  (21:33)
Content areas Arts, Culture & Recreation, Citizenship, Language Arts, Social Studies
Lesson plan for the film
Where the Bay Becomes the Sea
Students take a brief look at the interactions between humans and the Bay of Fundy with a particular focus on maintaining a balance so as not to destroy its eco-system. Through investigation and research, students then prepare a multimedia presentation to raise awareness about an environmental issue in their own community and propose solutions to the problem or ways for others to get involved.
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Plan specific to a film
Where the Bay Becomes the Sea
[1985]
Film  (29:27)
Content areas French, Language Arts, Social Studies
Lesson plan for the film
Worst Case Scenario
The environmental impact of oil and gas exploration is viewed through a film about hearings on Shell's proposal for digging sour gas wells in Alberta. Through activities such as a class wiki, the creation of PSAs, and analysis of industry arguments, students deepen their understanding of the complexity of the events and issues. Students alsowill assess the effect of energy exploration on their own lives and consider the impact of their own lifestyles.
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Plan specific to a film
Worst Case Scenario
[2001]
Film  (43:54)
Content areas Citizenship, Language Arts, Media Studies, Social Studies