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Activity
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Methodology
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Resources
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1. Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (G.I.S.)
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Take a graphic and text note about G.I.S. computer software (use overhead transparencies analogy when describing layers).
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2. Population
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a. Population distribution using G.I.S.
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Complete an introductory tutorial assignment using G.I.S. software, which introduces students to the major functions in the ArcView package. It also creates population distribution map of Canada, which s printed and several questions are answered about it.
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Introduction to G.I.S. assignment sheet (adapted from Arcview tutorial)
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b. Settlement patterns using G.I.S.
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Complete a worksheet on settlement patterns in Canada using G.I.S. Answer several questions based on the on-screen maps, and questions from a reading about the location of cities.
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Settlement Patterns Canada worksheet; readings from Perspectives p. 100-101
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c. Population density using G.I.S.
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Complete a worksheet on population density in Canada using G.I.S. Answer several questions based on the on-screen maps.
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Population Density Canada worksheet
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3. Demographics
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a. Concepts
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Introduce the concepts of natural increase rate, net migration rate, and population growth rate with the help of a textbook figure. Complete several application and thinking questions requiring calculations of population growth rates and doubling times.
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Demographics worksheet; Making Connections p. 169
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b. Population pyramids
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Discuss the age structure of certain populations and how a population pyramid can show this. Illustrate several examples of different population age structures. Complete a worksheet requiring the interpretation and creation of population pyramids. The impacts of baby boomers and an aging population are considered in questions.
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Population Pyramids Canada worksheet including Perspectives Fig 3.3b
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4. Ethnicity
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a. Interpreting data
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Complete a worksheet requiring interpretation of ethnicity data, graphing data from Statistics Canada, and reviewing the major ethnic groups in Canada. Ethnicity is defined.
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Ethnicity Canada worksheet
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b. Racism and hate propaganda
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Discuss the concept of racism and hate propaganda. Review a Stop the Hatred pamphlet and game, and consider the various manifestations of hate against a target population
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Stop The Hatred pamphlet (Canadian Human Rights Commission)
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5. Immigration
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a. Immigrants and refugees
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Take a short text note defining immigrants, and distinguishing them from refugees. Push and pull factors, and the point system are also defined.
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b. Interpreting data
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Complete a worksheet package assignment requiring interpretation of data about sources of immigration to Canada.
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Immigration Canada: The Numbers worksheet (adapted from a Statistics Canada classroom resource)
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c. The point system
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Discuss the point system and how it works. Complete a case study worksheet where students determine if immigration applicants are eligible for entrance to Canada.
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Immigration Canada: The Points System worksheet; summary of the point system from Internet
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6. Population Test
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a. Putting the pieces together
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Complete a review package which requires students to look over the various worksheet packages in this unit so far, and construct a more complete understanding of how all the pieces fit together in geographic context.
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Population: Putting the Pieces Together package
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b. Oral test
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Using an oral test format where students are given the questions beforehand, students answer selected questions orally, one-on-one with the teacher during a 10 minute test.
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Population Oral Test
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7. Transportation
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a. Transportation types
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Brainstorm the various ways to move people and cargo in and around Canada.
Complete a reading assignment on the various methods of moving people and cargo in Canada (car, bus, rail service, air, ferry, trucks, containers, air freight, laker, sea freighter, etc.)
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Moving People and Cargo Brainstorm worksheet;
Transportation Canada worksheet; readings from Making Connections p. 375-386
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b. Plan a vacation in Canada
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Complete an authentic assignment where students must plan a trip from where they live to a town somewhere in Canada that they have never before visited. After creating maps showing two different ways of getting their (using G.I.S. software), students call the appropriate travel companies to find the fare and timetable information required to complete their trip using both routes. A detailed itinerary for each trip is submitted.
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Plan a Vacation in Canada assignment sheet; toll-free numbers for a variety of relevant air, bus, and rail carriers.
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c. Transport and the environment
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Students choose a form of transportation used in their community, and use the Internet to investigate the pollutants produced by it. A poster is created with an image of the vehicle in the centre surrounded by data and information about the effects of that vehicle on the environment. Posters may be posted for public viewing.
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Don't Idle Poster assignment sheet
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8. Communications
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a. Communications technology
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Complete a worksheet reviewing the main types of communications technology currently used in Canada. Information is obtained from a textbook reading.
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Communications Canada worksheet; Making Connections p. 394-400
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b. Communications & transportation problems
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Complete a series of case studies where students must solve a problem of transport and communication in Canada by suggesting the most appropriate technology to use, and say why.
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Transport & Communication Cases worksheet
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