Energy and Development

Program Area

This activity is designed for the Grade 9 Self and Society program. It could also be used in the Grade 9/10 Canadian History program or the Canadian Geography program. This activity integrates all components of the Self and Society program in investigating the impact of technology and change on society. It could be incorporated into the Natural Resources Unit of the Geography of Canada course. Specifically, this activity focuses on the identification and evaluation of trends in resource use and the roles and importance of natural resources in economic development. As part of the History of Canada course, Social and Economic Issues Unit, this activity investigates the impact of energy technology on work and lifestyle in the development of Ontario.

Learning Outcomes

Teaching, learning and evaluation will focus on the student's ability to:

• Identify, organize and describe issues related to the impact of energy on development in Ontario;
• Assess the impact of technology and environmental change on lifestyle;
• Visualize and evaluate possible future environmental and development scenarios.

Classroom Development

1. Have your students read the article, "Energy In Ontario's Development" from Energy Educators.
2. Organize the students into small groups (3-4), and have them complete the accompanying organizer worksheet: Student Organizer: Energy In Ontario's Development.
3. Students can answer, or research and discuss in class, the following questions to develop an overall conclusion:
   a) What is the trend between energy and lifestyle during Ontario's development?
   b) We are entering a period of higher energy costs and increasing environmental awareness. What changes could be made or alternatives chosen to balance energy use and lifestyle for sustainable development in Ontario?

Background Information

Chapter 12 of Energy: a balance of power in The State Of Canada's Environment provides an overview of the current energy issues in Canada. Canada's National Report: United Nations Conference on Environment and Development Brazil, June 1992, provides an overview of current environmental and development issues with a view to prospects useful for discussion of alternative futures.

Timing

One period (50 min) to complete the reading, organizer and answer discussion questions. 20-30 min of a subsequent period will be required to analyze trends and discuss conclusions.

Resources

Energy Educators of Ontario. Canadian Energy Issues. Toronto: Energy Educators Of Ontario, 1992.

Environment Canada. The State Of Canada's Environment (1991). Ottawa: Canada Communication Group, 1991.

Environment Canada. Canada's National Report. Ottawa: Environment Canada, 1991.

Ontario Hydro. Current Magazine. Winter, 1990. P.6-9.

Cross-disciplinary Links

This activity, as a reading exercise, has application within the Language program. Students will read to interpret, assess, integrate and extend information and ideas. This activity may be used in Family Studies, with a focus on consumption issues.

Energy in Ontario's Development